The 5-Year Rule for Keeping FEHB in Retirement
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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: To carry FEHB into retirement you must retire on an immediate annuity (including FERS MRA+10) and have been continuously enrolled, or covered as a family member, in any FEHB plan for the 5 years of service right before your annuity starts, or since your first chance to enroll if that is less than 5 years[5].
What counts toward the 5 years
- Time covered as a family member under someone else's FEHB enrollment[5].
- Time under TRICARE, as long as you are in an FEHB enrollment when you retire[5].
- Time covered as a family member under another person's TCC enrollment[6].
- Only service for which the government contributes toward health benefits counts[6].
Plan changes don't break it
The rule says "any FEHB plan(s)", so switching plans at Open Season does not restart the clock[5]. A gap in coverage can: OPM's handbook gives the example of a spouse who switched a Self and Family enrollment to Self Only without telling the covered spouse, causing a break[6].
Postponed MRA+10
If you postpone an MRA+10 annuity, FEHB ends at separation; you can enroll again when the annuity starts if you met the requirements[6]. Details: FEHB in retirement.
After you retire
Once you're an annuitant, never cancel to save money: you can't re-enroll. Suspending for TRICARE, CHAMPVA, Medicare Advantage or Medicaid is different and lets you return[5][6].
More Open Season guides
- FEHB Open Season 2026 checklist for retirees
- How to compare prescriptions and doctors across plans
- 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
What is the FEHB 5-year rule?
You must be enrolled (or covered as a family member) in FEHB for the 5 years of service immediately before your annuity starts, or since your first opportunity if less, and retire on an immediate annuity (OPM).
Does TRICARE time count?
Yes, if you are covered under an FEHB enrollment when you retire (OPM).
Sources
- OPM: Healthcare Eligibility (checked Oct 30, 2026)
- OPM: FEHB Handbook, Annuitants (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.