Open season for federal employees and retirees is quickly coming to a close, with Monday, December 8, marking the final day to make changes to your Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB), Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), and other benefits. With premiums rising this year, now is the perfect time to review your coverage and ensure your benefits align with your needs and budget for 2026.
For active federal employees, FEHB premiums have increased across many plans, reflecting rising healthcare costs nationwide. Even small changes in plan selection or enrollment level, such as selecting a plan with lower out-of-pocket costs, can make a noticeable difference in annual expenses. Open season is also the time to consider switching plans if your current coverage no longer fits your healthcare needs, whether due to changing family circumstances, health needs, or financial priorities.
Retirees have unique opportunities to manage their FEHB costs during open season. For many, pairing FEHB coverage with Medicare can reduce out-of-pocket expenses, allowing retirees to consider lower-premium plans without sacrificing protection. Married retirees may also benefit from selecting two “self-only” plans instead of a single “self plus one” plan, as the combined cost is often less than one enrollment covering both spouses. Carefully reviewing deductibles, coinsurance, and catastrophic limits can help retirees strike the right balance between premiums and coverage.
Open season isn’t just about FEHB. It’s a valuable opportunity to take a broader look at all your federal benefits, including life insurance, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending accounts, and retirement contributions. Assessing your full benefits package at least once a year helps ensure you’re maximizing what you’ve earned and can uncover opportunities to save money or improve coverage before the new year.
Whether you’re actively employed or retired, take a few minutes to review your current elections, compare plans, and make informed decisions that reflect your needs for the year ahead. With Monday, December 8, as the deadline, there’s no time like the present to take control of your federal benefits and enter 2026 confident in your coverage and your finances.
