Last updated

Last reviewed Oct 30, 2026

Short answer: Federal Benefits Open Season runs November 9 through December 14, 2026[1]. Annuitant changes take effect January 1, 2027[1]. If you do nothing, you keep your current plan unless it is leaving FEHB or shrinking its service area, but its benefits and premiums may change[3].

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The checklist

  1. Mark the dates. Print it: printable checklist or PDF. Open Season: Nov 9 – Dec 14, 2026[1].
  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]. See Open Season changes as a retiree.
  3. Look up your 2027 premium. OPM's 2027 rate charts show the total premium, the government share and the change in your share[4]. On average the enrollee share rises 10.9% in FEHB and 8.2% in PSHB[1]. See 2027 FEHB costs for retirees.
  4. Read your plan's 2027 brochure. Most plans change benefits and rates every year[3]. OPM says full brochures and the Plan Comparison Tool are available in early November[1]. See how to compare prescriptions and doctors across plans.
  5. Check your enrollment type. In some plans Self Plus One costs more than Self and Family[4]. See Self Plus One vs 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)[1]. See Self Plus One vs Self and Family.
  7. Think about Medicare. Enrolling in Medicare doesn't change your FEHB premium[7]. See FEHB and Medicare Part B; postal retirees, see PSHB and Part B.
  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[6]. See Keeping FEHB for a surviving spouse.
  9. Don't cancel to save money. An annuitant who cancels FEHB can never re-enroll; suspension is possible in some cases[6]. See cancel vs. suspend.
  10. Questions? OPM Retirement Information Office: 1-888-767-6738 or [email protected][3]. Still working? Check whether you can keep FEHB in retirement.

Effective dates for retirees

Still working?

To carry FEHB into retirement you generally need 5 years of continuous coverage right before your annuity starts[5]. See the 5-year rule.

More Open Season guides

Frequently asked questions

When is FEHB Open Season 2026?

November 9 through December 14, 2026 (OPM). Changes for annuitants take effect January 1, 2027.

What happens if a retiree does nothing at Open Season?

You stay in your current plan unless it is leaving FEHB or reducing its service area, but benefits and premiums may change (OPM).

Do I need documents to add a family member?

Yes. Starting with Open Season for Plan Year 2027, anyone adding a new family member to FEHB or PSHB must submit documents proving eligibility (OPM).

Sources

  1. OPM: 2026 Federal Benefits Open Season Highlights, Plan Year 2027 (PDF) (checked Oct 30, 2026)
  2. OPM: Open Season FAQ for Federal Retirees & Other Annuitants (checked Oct 30, 2026)
  3. OPM: FEHB Premiums (2027 rate charts) (checked Oct 30, 2026)
  4. OPM: Healthcare Eligibility (checked Oct 30, 2026)
  5. OPM: FEHB Handbook, Annuitants (checked Oct 30, 2026)
  6. 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.

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