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2012 FEHB Premium Rates Announced by OPM
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced today that the average premium for the 8 million people enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program (FEHB) will increase by 3.8 percent for non-postal employees and all annuitants in 2012, which is approximately half of last year's increase of 7.3 percent.
According to OPM, on average, enrollees with self only coverage will pay $2.32 more per bi-weekly pay period; enrollees with family coverage will pay $6.18 more. Premiums for Health Maintenance Organizations will increase an average 6.7 percent, while Fee-for-Service plans will see an average increase of 3.2 percent. The 2011 open season for health, dental, and vision insurance and flexible spending accounts will be held from November 14, 2011 to December 12, 2011. The annual open season gives federal employees and retirees the opportunity to review their 2012 health plan choices and make changes. It also allows eligible employees to enroll for coverage. FEHB enrollees are advised to review the benefits and premiums for their health plan choices and decide what coverage will best fit their healthcare needs in the coming year. There are no significant benefit changes for 2012. According to OPM, negotiations were geared to keep premium increases as low as possible without increasing the out-of-pocket cost, such as for deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance. In 2012, enrollees will have 206 health plan choices. Approximately 90 percent of all federal employees participate. Established in 1960, the FEHBP is the largest employer-sponsored health benefits program in the United States. For the more specific information on the 2012 FEHB premium rates for your health plan, go to:
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