Keeping FEHB for a Surviving Spouse
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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: For family members to keep your FEHB after your death, you must have been enrolled in Self Plus One or Self and Family when you died, and at least one family member must be entitled to a survivor annuity[6]. Surviving spouses keep FEHB at the same cost as employees[5].
Why the survivor annuity matters
Waiving the survivor annuity at retirement can mean your spouse loses FEHB when you die[6]. See the FERS survivor benefit.
Exceptions and details
- If no survivor annuity is payable because a former spouse has a court-ordered survivor annuity, the surviving spouse can still continue FEHB if you had Self Plus One or Self and Family[6].
- If the surviving spouse is the only eligible family member, the enrollment is changed to Self Only automatically[6].
- If the survivor annuity is too small to cover the premium, the survivor can change to a cheaper plan or pay the retirement system directly[6].
- A survivor whose annuity ended on remarriage and is later restored may enroll within 60 days of OPM's notice, if they were covered right before it ended[6].
- PSHB uses the same survivor rules as FEHB[6].
Open Season check
If you're in Self Only and married, Open Season (Nov 9 – Dec 14, 2026) is a chance to review your enrollment type; adding a spouse now requires proof of eligibility[1].
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
- Self Plus One vs Self and Family
Frequently asked questions
Can my spouse keep FEHB after I die?
Yes, if you were enrolled in Self Plus One or Self and Family covering them and they are entitled to a survivor annuity (OPM).
Does a surviving spouse pay more?
No. OPM says surviving spouses keep FEHB at the same cost as current employees.
Sources
- OPM: 2026 Federal Benefits Open Season Highlights, Plan Year 2027 (PDF) (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.