FEHB Open Season 2026 Checklist for Retirees

Last updated October 30, 2026

Open Season: November 9 – December 14, 2026 · Annuitant changes take effect January 1, 2027 · Last reviewed Oct 30, 2026

1. ☐ Mark the dates. Open Season: Nov 9 – Dec 14, 2026.
2. ☐ Check whether your plan is changing. Some plans are leaving FEHB or changing service areas; OPM lists them in its Benefits Administration Letter on significant plan changes.
3. ☐ Look up your 2027 premium. OPM's 2027 rate charts show the total premium, the government share and the change in your share. On average the enrollee share rises 10.9% in FEHB and 8.2% in PSHB.
4. ☐ Read your plan's 2027 brochure. Most plans change benefits and rates every year. OPM says full brochures and the Plan Comparison Tool are available in early November.
5. ☐ Check your enrollment type. In some plans Self Plus One costs more than Self and Family.
6. ☐ Adding a family member? Have documents ready. Starting this Open Season, anyone adding a new family member to FEHB or PSHB must submit documents proving that person is eligible (FEHB Protection Act of 2025).
7. ☐ Think about Medicare. Enrolling in Medicare doesn't change your FEHB premium.
8. ☐ Protect your spouse. A spouse can usually keep FEHB after you die only if your enrollment covered them and they get a survivor annuity.
9. ☐ Don't cancel to save money. An annuitant who cancels FEHB can never re-enroll; suspension is possible in some cases.
10. ☐ Questions? OPM Retirement Information Office: 1-888-767-6738 or [email protected].

Effective dates for retirees

• Enroll or change: January 1, 2027.
• Cancellation: December 31, 2026.
• Annuitants are not eligible for FSAFEDS.

Official sources

• OPM: 2026 Federal Benefits Open Season Highlights, Plan Year 2027 (PDF): https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/open-season/agency-benefits-officers/housing-for-os-materials/2026-federal-benefits-open-season-highlights-for-plan-year-2027.pdf
• OPM: Open Season FAQ for Federal Retirees & Other Annuitants: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/open-season/federal-retirees-other-annuitants/
• OPM: FEHB Premiums (2027 rate charts): https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/premiums/
• OPM: Medicare and FEHB: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/medicare/
• OPM: FEHB Handbook, Annuitants: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/reference-materials/reference/annuitants/

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

Download the PDF Print this page

← Back to your Open Season checklist (with links to every guide)