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Our Director Director's Blog

FEHB

Today’s day-after-Thanksgiving sales kick off the holiday shopping season. But today isn’t just about shopping for the softest sweater or the hottest new toy. It’s also a great time to shop for the perfect health plan for you and your family.

With just about a week left in the Federal benefits open season, why not focus on determining whether your current plan is the best one for you. Ask yourself these questions: Do you have the right coverage for your family? Are there other options you should consider? Are you getting the best value?

I am proud to report that OPM’s Health Care and Insurance team recently earned national recognition for its efforts to improve the health of employees, retirees, family members, and newly insured Americans.

Our team’s efforts to deliver high quality, affordable health care have been recognized in two reports to Congress about quality and prevention. The National Strategy for Quality and Improvement in Health Care Annual Report highlights efforts that support OPM’s Healthier Americans strategic goal. The National Prevention Council’s Annual Status Report features OPM initiatives to expand insurance coverage for Tribal employees, provide Employee Assistance Program resources to our Federal workers, and reinforce preventive services like timely flu shots.

We work closely with our Federal Employees Health Benefits and Multi-State Plan Program health insurance carriers to help achieve these results.

I’m also pleased to share that we've seen more FEHB plans achieve “Most Improved” and “Exemplary” status each year since we started tracking scores for health care quality. These scores demonstrate how well plans deliver care for such common conditions as diabetes and high blood pressure, and how effectively they screen for health risks.

What does this news mean for you and your family? Many people don’t know that having good quality health coverage means they may be able to prevent or better care for chronic diseases. Sadly, high blood pressure contributes to approximately 1,000 deaths every day and at least 25 percent of people with diabetes don’t know they have it. Better screening and control save lives. Preventing chronic diseases helps us stay healthy, active, productive, and connected to those who depend on us. So your plan’s performance matters. Check out OPM’s Quality Scores page for your plan’s rating.

Health needs change from year to year and it’s important to make sure your plan is still the best one for you and your family. Take a look at our FEHB Open Season page for key information and answers to your questions.

Nothing is more important than your and your family’s health. Take some time this Black Friday and over the weekend to review your plan and consider whether it’s time for a change. And, don’t forget, open season ends December 8. 

Photo of a sale sign in a store window.


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It is time again for Federal employees to review their health, dental, and vision plan choices to make sure they have the coverage that best meet their needs and the needs of their loved ones.

The Federal benefits open season begins on Monday, November 10. Employees have until December 8 to make their choices. And the choices are many. The Federal Employees Health Benefit Program covers 8.2 million employees, retirees, and their families all across this country. We want to make sure that Federal workers can get the coverage that meets their needs. So for 2015, there will be 257 health plans, with 11 of them available nationwide.  Whether you are looking for a robust plan or one that covers your basic needs, there is a plan for you.

During open season, FEHB participants can decide whether to keep their current health plans or change them; they can change their FEDVIP, and FSAFEDS enrollments for the following year. Eligible employees who are not currently a part of FEHB can also enroll for the first time. 

Employees also have the option of enrolling in Flexible Spending Plans. These plans allow employees to set aside pre-tax money to pay for eligible health and dependent care expenses.  Employees who are eligible to participate in FEHB can participate in FSAFEDS. For the first time, employees can enroll in FSAFEDS with just a $100 deposit. And also for the first time, employees with flexible spending accounts will be able to roll over up to $500 of unused funds into the following year. 

To help you understand the choices available to you, check out the Circle ‘Round Your Benefits, the Plan Comparison, and Plan Smart Choice. Whether you choose to stick with the plans you have or start anew, we hope you find that you receive the best service and options to meet your and your family’s health care needs.

I want to be sure that everyone in the Federal family has the peace of mind to know that their families are protected and covered. From the preventative care that keeps us healthy to the unexpected emergencies that give us pause, FEHB and our other benefit programs help give us that peace of mind.

Federal benefits open season starts Monday, November 10

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Today, I am excited to announce that the overall average premium increase for employee health benefits provided through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program will be 3.2 percent for 2015.

The health insurance increase means employees with self-only coverage will pay an average $2.93 more in each bi-weekly pay period. Employees with family coverage can expect an average increase of $6.89 per pay period. The actual premium increases depend on which plans they choose.

These rate increases are proof that OPM continues to provide Federal employees, retirees and their families with the best possible coverage options. The FEHB Program delivers competitive rates and high quality benefits through an efficiently run system. These benefits also help us to attract and retain top talent in the Federal service. In 2015, there will be 257 health plans, with 11 of them available nationwide.

Also, as a result of the President’s Affordable Care Act, the FEHB program covers more than 400,000 young people between the ages of 22 and 26 under their parents’ plans. The ACA has not only expanded coverage for uninsured Americans, it has increased competition and accountability. Those improvements, along with the increased efficiency in the health care system, have resulted in lower cost increases in the FEHB and elsewhere. The FEHB Program offers comprehensive preventive services at no cost, also mandated by the ACA. And many plans provide incentives for participation in wellness activities. 

This fall’s Open Season for health, dental and vision insurance, as well as for the flexible spending accounts, will be from November 10 to December 8. During that time, employees and retirees will have the chance to review their current plans and make any changes they desire for the following year. Eligible employees who are not currently a part of FEHB may also enroll for the first time. I urge all Federal employees to take this time to review their plan choices and decide what is best for their families.

This is also the first time employees will be able to enroll in the flexible spending account program for just a $100 minimum deposit. And for the first time, participants in the health care flexible spending account will be able to carry up to $500 of unused funds into the following year.

More detailed breakdowns of the FEHB Program premium rates and the FEDVIP rates are available at OPM.gov. Employees can also use some handy comparison tools on the site to find the plan that works best for them.

It is so important to me that everyone in our Federal family has the peace of mind to know that they and their loved ones are protected and covered for life’s health emergencies and for the preventive care that helps keeps us all safe and secure. I’m happy to report that once again, your FEHB Program is providing these benefits at a cost that is affordable to our deserving, hard-working Federal workforce.

Info graphic sharing that the average premiums increase for Federal employee health benefits in 2015 is 3.2 percent.


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I know everyone is inundated with holiday sales and limited time offers, but here is one limited time offer that you should pay attention to.  This Monday, December 9,  is the last day to make changes to your benefits for next year.

So why not take a few minutes today and review your options. Open Season allows for you to make changes to your Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) coverage, the amount of contributions to your Flexible Spending Account (FSAFEDS), and coverage for under the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).

If you want to stay in the same FEHB or FEDVIP plan, you don’t have to do anything. But remember, you have to re-enroll every year for the Flexible Spending Account program. Visit our Open Season website for general questions, to review plan options, and for all the information you’ll need. And if you still have questions, contact your agency human resources office.


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