How to Compare Prescriptions and Doctors Across FEHB and PSHB Plans

Last updated October 30, 2026

Last reviewed Oct 30, 2026

Start with the FEHB Open Season 2026 checklist for retirees (Nov 9 – Dec 14, 2026).

Short answer: List your prescriptions and doctors, then check them against each plan you can join. Use OPM's Plan Comparison Tool to narrow the list, each plan's provider directory for doctors, and each plan's 2027 brochure for drug coverage and costs. OPM says the brochure is the official statement of benefits, so check it before you enroll^[12]. We don't recommend plans.

Step 1: Write down what you use

• Each prescription: name, dose and how often you fill it.
• Each doctor, specialist, hospital and pharmacy you want to keep.
• Do this for everyone your enrollment covers.

Step 2: See which plans you can join

You must live or work in a plan's service area^[12]. On OPM's plan information page, choose your state to see every plan available there, with links to each brochure, each plan's changes from last year, and its provider directory^[13]. Some plans are leaving FEHB or shrinking service areas, so check the Benefits Administration Letter on significant plan changes too^[3].

Step 3: Narrow the list with OPM's Plan Comparison Tool

OPM's FEHB Plan Comparison Tool compares plan benefits and out-of-pocket costs^[3]. OPM says full 2027 brochures and the tool are available in early November^[1]. The tool is not the official statement of benefits^[12]. OPM also links to Consumer's Checkbook's comparison tool^[3].

Step 4: Check your doctors

Look up each doctor, hospital and pharmacy in the provider directory of every plan you're considering, using the links on OPM's plan information page^[13]. Directories change, so it's also worth calling the office to ask whether they will be in the plan's network for 2027.

Step 5: Check your prescriptions

Look up each drug in the plan's 2027 brochure and drug list, and note what you would pay for it. Use the brochure, not a summary: OPM says each plan's FEHB brochure is the official statement of benefits^[12]. Most plans change benefits and rates every year, so check your current plan too^[3].

Step 6: If you have Medicare

• Some FEHB plans waive copays, coinsurance and deductibles for services Medicare Part B covers, and some reimburse Part B premiums^[8]. See FEHB and Medicare Part B.
• PSHB plans automatically enroll Part D-eligible members in their Medicare drug benefits^[10]. See PSHB and Part B.

Step 7: Add up the yearly cost

Take each plan's 2027 enrollee share from OPM's rate charts^[4] and add what you'd expect to pay for your drugs and visits under that plan's brochure. See 2027 FEHB costs for retirees.

Postal retirees (PSHB)

PSHB members research plans and enroll in the Postal Service Health Benefits System (PSHBS). PSHB premiums are on OPM's premiums page and in PSHBS. Help: Human Resources Shared Service Center, (877) 477-3273^[12].

Questions

OPM Retirement Information Office: 1-888-767-6738 or [email protected]^[3]. Open Season runs Nov 9 – Dec 14, 2026^[1].

More Open Season guides

• FEHB Open Season 2026 checklist for retirees
• The 5-year rule for keeping FEHB in retirement
• 2027 FEHB costs for retirees
• PSHB and Medicare Part B for postal retirees
• FEHB and Medicare Part B
• Self Plus One vs Self and Family
• Keeping FEHB for a surviving spouse

Frequently asked questions

Is the OPM Plan Comparison Tool the official word on benefits?

No. OPM says the tool is not the official statement of benefits; each plan's FEHB brochure is. Check the brochure before you enroll.

Where do I find a plan's provider directory?

OPM's plan information page lists every plan in your state with links to its brochure, its changes from last year and its provider directory.

How do Postal retirees compare PSHB plans?

OPM says PSHB-eligible members use the Postal Service Health Benefits System (PSHBS) to research plans and enroll.

Sources

1. OPM: 2026 Federal Benefits Open Season Highlights, Plan Year 2027 (PDF) (checked Oct 30, 2026)
3. OPM: Open Season FAQ for Federal Retirees & Other Annuitants (checked Oct 30, 2026)
4. OPM: FEHB Premiums (2027 rate charts) (checked Oct 30, 2026)
8. OPM: Medicare for FEHB annuitants (checked Oct 30, 2026)
10. OPM: Medicare for PSHB annuitants (checked Oct 30, 2026)
12. OPM: Compare 2027 FEHB Plans (Plan Comparison Tool) (checked Oct 30, 2026)
13. OPM: FEHB Plan Information by state (brochures, plan changes, provider directories) (checked Oct 30, 2026)

← Back to your Open Season checklist

Retiring within 5 years?

Retiring within 5 years? Book a free 20-minute Open Season review.

General information only, not a plan recommendation. Not affiliated with OPM or any government agency.