The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced Wednesday that federal workers and retirees will pay — on average — 4.9% more towards their share of Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) premiums in 2021. This change is slightly lower than the 2020 premium rate increase of 5.6%.
The government’s share of FEHB premiums will go up by an average of 3% in 2021. On average, the government’s share of the of the total cost of an employee’s health insurance premiums is 70%. The specific amount of the 2021 FEHB premiums rate change will vary based on the plan an enrollee chooses.
“Our team has worked diligently throughout the year with healthcare providers and carriers to secure top-tier health benefits for federal employees, retirees, other eligible individuals, and their families,” said OPM Acting Director Michael J. Rigas. “We hope today’s announcement will help members of the Federal community successfully plan for the coming Open Season.”
Federal Benefits Open Season begins Monday, November 9 and ends Monday, December 14, 2020. The annual open season gives federal employees and other eligible individuals the opportunity to review their FEHB and vision/dental (FEDVIP) plan options, make changes, and enroll for the upcoming benefit year that begins January 1, 2021.
Federal employees may also use Open Season to elect to make pre-tax contributions to health care and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts under the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS).
2021 FEHB Premium Rates Charts from OPM
The charts below provide information on biweekly and monthly premiums, including the total premiums, the amount the government pays, and the change in the enrollee’s portion of the premium compared to last year. All FEHB plans offer Self Only, Self Plus One, and Self and Family enrollment types.
In some cases, the enrollee share of premiums for the Self Plus One enrollment type will be higher than for the Self and Family enrollment type. Enrollees who wish to cover one eligible family member are free to elect either the Self and Family or Self Plus One enrollment type. Check premiums on OPM’s website at www.opm.gov/fehbpremiums.
HMO (Regional Plans with Specific Service Areas)
FFS (Fee-for-Service/Nationwide Plans)
More information on 2021 FEHB premium rates can be found on OPM’s website here.
2021 FEDVIP Premiums
OPM said it has negotiated a new, seven-year contract for the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). “While the majority of current FEDVIP enrollees should not experience a significant increase in premiums, enrollees are encouraged to research the various FEDVIP plans and choose the dental and vision coverage that best fits their needs,” said OPM.
The 2021 FEDVIP premiums are available here.
2021 FEHB Plan Comparison Tools Coming Soon
OPM stated its online 2021 FEHB plan comparison tool will be available the first full week of November and will help enrollees shop for coverage. It will contain more specific plan information.