The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) officially announced the dates for the 2018 Federal Benefits Open Season which will run from Monday, November 12, 2018 through Monday, December 10, 2018. This open season is for the 2019 plan year of federal benefit programs.
Which federal benefits programs participate in the open season?
During the annual open season, federal employees can enroll, change plans or plan options, change enrollment type, or cancel their enrollment for the:
- Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program
- Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)
Employees can also re-enroll or newly enroll in the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS).
The Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program and the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) do not participate in the annual open season.
2019 FEHB and FEDVIP Premium Rates
OPM will post FEDVIP and FEHB premium rates for 2019 in early October. Participants will find specific federal benefits open season information — including 2019 FEHB health plan comparison tools — on its website by the first week in November.
Options During 2018 Federal Benefits Open Season
Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program
What are my options during the 2018 FEHB open season?
- Enroll
- Change plans
- Change enrollment options (to Self, Self Plus One, or Self and Family)
- Cancel coverage
What if I do nothing?
Your current coverage will automatically continue. You only need to change plans if your plan has ended coverage in your area or your plan is terminating participation in the FEHB Program.
What is the effective date of enrollment or change?
The first day of the first pay period that begins on or after January 1, 2019 and which follows a pay period during any part of which you (if an employee) are in pay status
Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)
What are my options during open season?
- Enroll
- Change plans
- Change enrollment options (to Self, Self Plus One, or Self and Family)
- Cancel coverage
For the first time, certain members of the uniformed services and their families will be eligible to enroll in FEDVIP during the 2018 Open Season for coverage effective January 1, 2019. Enrollment will be processed through www.BENEFEDS.com. Retired uniformed service members and their families who are eligible for the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP, which will end on December 31, 2018) will be eligible for FEDVIP dental coverage and, if enrolled in a TRICARE health plan, will be eligible for FEDVIP vision coverage. Family members of active duty uniformed services members who are enrolled in a TRICARE health plan will also be eligible for FEDVIP vision coverage.
What if I do nothing?
Your current coverage will automatically continue. You do not need to take any action if you are satisfied with your current FEDVIP plan.
What is the effective date of enrollment or change?
January 1, 2019
Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS)
What are my options during open season?
Enroll/Reenroll in Health Care FSA (HCFSA), Limited Expense Health Care FSA (LEX HCFSA), and Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA)
Increase or decrease your election
What if I do nothing?
Your election will not automatically continue. You must reenroll to continue your account(s) for the next benefit year.
NOTE: A condition of being eligible to carry over up to $500 from this plan year’s HCFSA or LEX HCFSA is re-enrolling in either of these two plans in the subsequent year. DCFSAs are ineligible for carryover.
What is the effective date of enrollment or change?
January 1, 2019