Key Dates for FEHB and PSHB Open Season
The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) and Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) open season for changing existing plans, or adjusting levels and types of coverage, runs from November 11 to December 9. This period applies to both medical benefits and your dental and vision plan choices. During this time, active employees not currently enrolled in an FEHB or PSHB plan can sign up for a plan of their choice. All plan changes or new enrollments will be effective January 1, 2025.
Special Considerations for Postal Employees and Retirees
If you’re a postal employee or retiree, there are a few special rules to keep in mind. If you do not choose a plan for 2025 and your current FEHB plan is part of the PSHB program (and offers the same plan as FEHB), you will be automatically enrolled in that plan. However, if your current FEHB plan is not participating in the new PSHB program and you don’t make a selection for 2025, you will be enrolled into the lowest-cost national plan that doesn’t require additional association or membership fees.
Understanding 2025 Premium Increases
FEHB premiums for 2025 will see an average increase of 13.5%, the largest increase in over a decade. Since this is an average, your specific plan could have a higher or lower increase. For the PSHB program, premiums will increase by 11.1% on average. The difference in premium rates between the FEHB and PSHB programs is primarily due to the PSHB’s full integration with Medicare, which shifts some costs from PSHB to Medicare.
Reviewing Your Health Insurance Options
With these significant premium increases, many people may want to review and reconsider their health insurance options to reduce overall costs. To help you make an informed decision, consider attending the United Benefits Open Season Webinar or scheduling a consultation with a benefits specialist via the form below.