Federal employees and retirees have two reasons to review their health insurance during FEHB Open Season 2027: nine Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plan options and one Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) plan are ending, and the enrollee share of FEHB premiums is increasing by an average of 10.9%.
If your current plan is being discontinued, you will need to select new coverage. But even if your plan is returning, rising premiums may make it worth comparing alternatives before Open Season closes.
FEHB Open Season runs from November 9 through December 14, 2026. Preparing now can help you compare costs, doctors, prescriptions, and coverage before making a decision.
Which FEHB Plans Are Ending in 2027?
The following nine FEHB plan options will not be available in 2027:
- Independent Health Standard
- Independent Health HDHP
- Blue Care Network of Michigan Southeast High
- UHC (Choice Primary West) High
- UHC (Choice Plus Primary West) High
- Health Net of California (Northern) High
- Health Net of California (Southern) Standard
- Health Net of California (Southern) Basic
- Health Net of California (Southern) High
In the PSHB Program, UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Primary Postal East is also ending. Its service area includes 17 states, the District of Columbia, and the Atlanta metropolitan area of Georgia.
What Happens If Your Plan Is Discontinued?
Enrollees in a discontinued FEHB option who do not select a replacement during Open Season will automatically be enrolled in Compass Rose Standard.
Affected PSHB enrollees who do not make a selection will be moved to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan’s FEP Blue Focus option.
Automatic reassignment provides replacement coverage, but it does not guarantee that your current doctors, prescription coverage, or out-of-pocket costs will remain the same. Review the default option carefully rather than assuming it will meet your needs.
What Should You Compare Before Switching?
Whether your plan is ending or you are looking for better value, gather the following information before comparing alternatives.
1. Your current plan’s 2027 status and rates. Confirm whether your plan is returning and review its new premium and benefit changes.
2. Your doctors and hospitals. Check provider directories for every plan you are considering. A familiar doctor may not be in every network.
3. Your prescriptions. Review each plan’s drug formulary, coverage restrictions, and expected costs for the medications you take.
4. Your total annual health care expenses. Gather last year’s deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Add these to annual premiums to estimate your overall costs.
5. Your enrollment tier. Compare Self Only, Self Plus One, and Self and Family where applicable. Self Plus One is not always cheaper than Self and Family, so check the actual rates.
6. Medicare Part B benefits. If you have Medicare, check whether a plan offers Part B premium reimbursement and whether you qualify.
7. Dental and vision coverage. Review what your health plan includes before paying separately for FEDVIP coverage. Compare premiums and expected out-of-pocket expenses.
8. Family eligibility documents. If you plan to add a spouse or child, ask your agency benefits office what supporting documentation is required. New family members added during Open Season must have their eligibility verified.
When Can You Compare the Plans?
OPM published 2027 premium rates on September 30. Full plan brochures and the agency’s Plan Comparison Tool are expected in early November, ahead of FEHB Open Season.
You can check whether your current plan is ending, review published rates, and gather your health care information now. Once the brochures and comparison tool become available, you will be better prepared to evaluate the details.
Remember that the average 10.9% FEHB premium increase does not apply equally to every plan or enrollment tier. Your actual change depends on the coverage you select.
Make Your Open Season Decision With Confidence
FEHB Open Season 2027 is an opportunity to reassess your coverage, whether you are required to switch or simply want to know whether your current plan remains a good fit.
A Federal Retirement Consultant (FRC®) can help you understand how health insurance choices fit into your broader federal benefits and retirement plans.
