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OPM.gov / Frequently Asked Questions / Retire FAQ / Post-Retirement
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Post-Retirement

Questions and answers

There are many reasons for changing your health benefits enrollment. If you are changing your coverage because of one of the reasons listed below, we can make the change based on your telephone call. When calling you must have your claim number and social security number, as well as the enrollment number and name for your new plan. Changes we can make by phone include:

  • You are changing to self-only coverage from family coverage;
  • You are changing plans because you have moved out of the service area of your Health Maintenance Organization (HMO);
  • You turned 65 and are changing to a lower cost plan option because you are eligible for Medicare;
  • You are changing your enrollment during the annual Health Benefits Open Season, which usually runs from mid-November to early December; or
  • You are changing to family coverage because you marry, or have or adopt a child. (This option is not available to survivors.)

You should contact us within the period beginning 31 days before up to 60 days after the date of the event.

You may change the plan in which you are enrolled or from high to low option coverage during the annual Open Season for electing coverage.

If you need assistance with your health benefits enrollment, call 1 (888) 767-6738 , to change your enrollment or if you need to speak with a Customer Service Specialist. Or, see our web pages at http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp to obtain information about health insurance benefits online.

If you are eligible for TRICARE or TRICARE-For-Life benefits, you may suspend your FEHB coverage and premium payments. You are able to reenroll in the FEHB Program during the Open Season, or immediately if you are involuntarily disenrolled from the TRICARE program. Select this link to find answers to frequently asked questions on this topic.

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