FEHB Open Season 2026: dates, 2027 premiums and how to choose
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Published October 31, 2026 · By the OnPAR Federal Retirement Education editorial team · Last updated
Short answer: FEHB Open Season runs November 9 through December 14, 2026, for the 2027 plan year. It's your yearly chance to enroll in, change or cancel FEHB or PSHB health coverage, FEDVIP dental and vision, and (for active employees only) FSAFEDS. OPM says FEHB enrollees' share of premiums will rise 10.9% on average in 2027, so it pays to compare plans this year.
Key dates and deadlines (OPM)
- Starts: Monday, November 9, 2026
- Ends: Monday, December 14, 2026. OPM says FEHB and PSHB Open Season ends at 11:59 pm, per the location of your electronic enrollment system, and FEDVIP and FSAFEDS end at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
Source: OPM Open Season.
2027 premium changes (OPM Open Season Highlights)
| FEHB | PSHB | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall average premium increase | 9.3% | 6.7% |
| Average enrollee share increase | 10.9% | 8.2% |
| Government contribution increase | 8.6% | 6.0% |
FEDVIP: average dental premiums rise 1.0% and vision 1.6%. These are averages; your plan's change could be higher or lower. Look up your plan's actual 2027 rate on OPM's premiums page.
OPM's 2027 maximum biweekly government contribution for most employees and annuitants is $352.04 (Self Only), $767.53 (Self Plus One) and $843.82 (Self and Family). The monthly maximums are $762.75, $1,662.98 and $1,828.28.
What's new for 2027
- Proof of eligibility for new family members. Starting this Open Season, OPM says anyone adding a new family member to an FEHB or PSHB plan must submit supporting documentation to verify that person's eligibility (FEHB Protection Act of 2025, part of P.L. 119-21).
- FSAFEDS debit card. A Visa FSA card is being added for health care and limited expense FSAs.
- PSHB portal redesign for Postal employees and annuitants.
Source: OPM Federal Benefits Open Season Highlights, 2027 Plan Year.
What happens if I do nothing?
OPM says your health, dental and vision coverage continues automatically, unless your plan is leaving FEHB or reducing its service area, but your benefits and premiums may change. FSAFEDS does not carry over: active employees must re-enroll every year. Retirees aren't eligible for FSAFEDS. Outside Open Season you generally can't change coverage unless you have a qualifying life event.
How to choose a plan
1. Read your plan's 2027 brochure for benefit changes, and check OPM's Significant Plan Changes letter in case your plan is leaving or shrinking its area.
2. Compare total cost, not just premiums: premium plus deductibles, copays and the out-of-pocket maximum. Our prescription and doctor comparison guide walks through it.
3. Check enrollment type: OPM warns that in some plans Self Plus One costs more than Self and Family. See Self Plus One vs Self and Family.
4. Use OPM's plan comparison tool linked from the Open Season page.
Retiring soon or already retired?
- To keep FEHB in retirement, you generally need coverage for the 5 years before you retire; see the 5-year rule.
- Retirees: use our FEHB Open Season checklist for retirees (printable version), 2027 FEHB costs for retirees and FEHB and Medicare Part B.
- OPM's pages for active employees and retirees explain how to enroll or change.
Education only, not insurance or financial advice. We don't sell insurance. Sources: OPM Open Season; OPM 2027 Open Season Highlights; OPM premiums.
Questions and answers
When is FEHB Open Season 2026?
OPM says the Federal Benefits Open Season runs November 9 through December 14, 2026, for the 2027 plan year.
How much are FEHB premiums going up for 2027?
OPM says the average FEHB enrollee share rises 10.9% and the overall average premium rises 9.3%. Individual plans vary.
What happens if I do nothing during Open Season?
OPM says health, dental and vision coverage continues automatically unless your plan leaves FEHB or reduces its service area, but benefits and premiums may change. FSAFEDS requires re-enrollment each year.
Do I need documents to add a family member?
Yes. OPM says that beginning with this Open Season, anyone adding a new family member to an FEHB or PSHB plan must submit supporting documentation of eligibility.