2027 FEHB Costs for Retirees
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Last updated
Last reviewed Oct 30, 2026
Start with the FEHB Open Season 2026 checklist for retirees (Nov 9 – Dec 14, 2026).
Short answer: For 2027, OPM says the average enrollee share rises 10.9% in FEHB and 8.2% in PSHB. The overall average total premium rises 9.3% (FEHB) and 6.7% (PSHB)[1]. Your own change depends on your plan; check OPM's 2027 rate charts[4].
OPM's 2027 averages
| FEHB | PSHB | |
|---|---|---|
| Average total premium | +9.3% | +6.7% |
| Average enrollee share (what you pay) | +10.9% | +8.2% |
| Government contribution | +8.6% | +6.0% |
Source: OPM Open Season Highlights, Plan Year 2027[1].
2027 maximum government contribution (FEHB, monthly)
- Self Only: $762.75
- Self Plus One: $1,662.98
- Self and Family: $1,828.28
These apply to most employees and annuitants[4]. The government pays the lesser of 72% of the program-wide weighted average premium or 75% of your plan's total premium[1].
How retirees pay
- Annuitants keep FEHB at the same cost as current employees[5].
- Your share is withheld from your annuity. If the annuity is too small, you can move to a cheaper plan or pay the retirement system directly[6].
- Changes made at Open Season take effect January 1, 2027 for annuitants[1].
Enrolling in Medicare doesn't raise or lower your FEHB premium[7].
More Open Season guides
- FEHB Open Season 2026 checklist for retirees
- How to compare prescriptions and doctors across plans
- The 5-year rule for keeping FEHB in retirement
- 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
How much are FEHB premiums going up in 2027?
OPM says the average enrollee share rises 10.9% for FEHB and 8.2% for PSHB; the overall average total premium rises 9.3% (FEHB) and 6.7% (PSHB). Individual plans vary.
Do retirees pay more than employees for FEHB?
No. OPM says annuitants keep FEHB at the same cost as current employees.
Sources
- OPM: 2026 Federal Benefits Open Season Highlights, Plan Year 2027 (PDF) (checked Oct 30, 2026)
- OPM: FEHB Premiums (2027 rate charts) (checked Oct 30, 2026)
- OPM: Healthcare Eligibility (checked Oct 30, 2026)
- OPM: FEHB Handbook, Annuitants (checked Oct 30, 2026)
- OPM: Medicare and FEHB (checked Oct 30, 2026)
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.