PSHB Open Season 2027: what postal employees and retirees need to know
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By the OnPAR Federal Retirement Education editorial team · Last updated
Related: FEHB Open Season 2026 · Open Season checklist · PSHB Open Season 2027 · FSAFEDS 2027
Short answer: PSHB Open Season runs November 9 – December 14, 2026, for the 2027 plan year. PSHB enrollment closes at 11:59 PM in the time zone of your electronic enrollment system [1]. OPM says the average PSHB enrollee share of premiums rises 8.2% in 2027 [2], so postal employees and retirees should check their plan's new rate.
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Deadline reminders, 2027 premium news and OPM rule changes, sent free to your inbox during Open Season (Nov 9 – Dec 14, 2026).
2027 PSHB costs (OPM)
| PSHB 2027 | |
|---|---|
| Overall average premium increase | 6.7% |
| Average enrollee share increase | 8.2% |
| Government contribution increase | 6.0% |
Source [2].
Biweekly program-wide weighted average premiums for 2027 (total premium, with a government contribution): $441.98 Self Only, $957.42 Self Plus One and $1,039.65 Self and Family [3]. These are averages across PSHB, not your price. Find your plan's actual 2027 rate on OPM's PSHB premiums page.
Plan choices for 2027
OPM says PSHB will offer 17 carriers and 65 plan options in 2027 [2].
Postal retirees: Medicare Part B
Some postal retirees and family members must be enrolled in Medicare Part B to keep PSHB. See PSHB and Medicare Part B for postal retirees for who must enroll and the exceptions, and the postal worker retirement guide for FERS, eRetire and PSHB together.
New for 2027: proof of eligibility when you add a family member
Under the FEHB Protection Act of 2025 (Sec. 90101, Public Law 119-21), beginning with this Open Season, anyone adding a new family member to an FEHB or PSHB plan during Open Season must submit supporting documentation so the family member's eligibility can be verified. Ask your employing office benefits officer (or the retirement office, if you're retired) what documents they need, and have them ready before December 14 (OPM Open Season Highlights, PY2027).
What to do before December 14
- Look up your plan's 2027 premium on OPM's PSHB premiums page and compare plans.
- Adding a spouse or child? Gather proof of eligibility first [2].
- Use the Open Season checklist.
- Make changes by 11:59 PM (your enrollment system's time zone) on December 14, 2026 [1]. Dental and vision (FEDVIP) close at 11:59 PM ET [1].
Free 20-minute Open Season review
FEHB Open Season runs Nov 9 to Dec 14, 2026. If you're retiring within 5 years, book a free 20-minute phone call with a licensed financial professional. You can talk through your FEHB choice and how it carries into retirement. No cost and no obligation.
Education only. Not affiliated with OPM or any government agency.
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Official sources
- OPM: Open Season (dates and closing times)
- OPM: 2026 Federal Benefits Open Season Highlights for Plan Year 2027 (PDF)
- OPM: PSHB Premiums
Checked against OPM on November 4, 2026. Education only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Not affiliated with OPM, USPS or any government agency.