FEHB Self Plus One vs Self and Family for Retirees
Get Your Free Consultation
Talk one-on-one with a licensed financial professional who specializes in federal benefits. Completely free, no obligation.
Last updated
Last reviewed Oct 30, 2026
Start with the FEHB Open Season 2026 checklist for retirees (Nov 9 – Dec 14, 2026).
Short answer: Every FEHB plan offers Self Only, Self Plus One and Self and Family[4]. Self Plus One covers you and one eligible family member you name; Self and Family covers you and all eligible family members. In some plans the Self Plus One enrollee share is higher than Self and Family, and OPM lets you choose either type to cover one family member[4].
Who counts as family
Your spouse, children under 26 (biological, step, adopted or foster), and children 26 or older who can't support themselves because of a disability that began before 26[5].
2027 maximum government contribution (monthly)
- Self Plus One: $1,662.98
- Self and Family: $1,828.28
[4] Compare your own plan's enrollee share in OPM's 2027 rate charts and its list of plans where Self Plus One costs more.
Changing types as a retiree
- You can move up (for example to Self and Family) at Open Season, Nov 9 – Dec 14, 2026[1]. New family members need documents proving eligibility[1].
- You can decrease your enrollment at any time, unless a court order requires you to cover a child[6].
Survivors
Either Self Plus One or Self and Family can let a family member continue coverage after your death; Self Only cannot[6]. See Keeping FEHB for a surviving spouse.
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
- 2027 FEHB costs for retirees
- PSHB and Medicare Part B for postal retirees
- FEHB and Medicare Part B
- Keeping FEHB for a surviving spouse
Frequently asked questions
Can Self Plus One cost more than Self and Family?
Yes, in some plans. OPM publishes a list and lets enrollees covering one family member choose either type.
Can a retiree drop to Self Only anytime?
Generally yes; annuitants may decrease enrollment at any time, except when a court order requires covering a child (OPM).
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)
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.