Federal employees and retirees face a 10.9% increase in Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) premiums for the coming plan year, according to FEDmanager. The report also covers dates for open season, the annual window to review and change health plans.
Key Facts
- Premium increase: FEHB premiums are set to rise 10.9%, per FEDmanager.
- Open season: Dates have been announced, according to the report. Open season is when eligible employees and retirees can enroll, switch plans, or change coverage levels.
- Who is affected: FEHB covers federal civilian employees, retirees, and their families. Postal employees and many survivors are also enrolled.
- Unconfirmed details: The full report was not available to GovWire. The plan year, the breakdown by plan type, and whether the figure reflects an average or total premium change could not be confirmed.
What It Means For You
A double-digit increase makes this year's open season more consequential than usual. Enrollees should review their current plan against alternatives before the window closes.
Premium changes vary by plan. Enrollees' actual costs depend on the plan they choose, their coverage level (Self Only, Self Plus One, or Self and Family), and how the government and enrollee shares are divided. By statute, the government's contribution is capped at 75% of any plan's total premium, so enrollees pay the remainder.
Premiums are only part of the picture. Before choosing a plan, compare:
- Deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums
- Copays and coinsurance for specialists and prescriptions
- Provider networks, especially if you rely on a specific doctor or hospital
- Whether a high-deductible plan with a health savings account fits your situation
Retirees should weigh the same factors, including how FEHB coordinates with Medicare if they are enrolled in both. Military retirees with TRICARE eligibility may also want to compare coverage options.
To see how a plan's costs and benefits stack up over time, use the FEHB value guide.
Next Steps
- Watch for the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) official premium tables and open season announcement for exact dates and plan-by-plan rates.
- Check your agency's benefits office or HR portal for enrollment instructions.
- Review your current plan's 2025 brochure or successor documents for changes in benefits and cost-sharing.
- If you take no action during open season, your current enrollment generally carries over, but at the new premium rate.
GovWire will update this story when OPM's official rate tables and plan-level details are available.
Source: FEDmanager