Washington, DC - With the closing of this year’s Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program Open Season, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued preliminary numbers for transactions processed. As expected, they indicate that more transactions were made this year than during any other previous year.

“This year, with the new Self Plus One enrollment type available, it was more important than ever that enrollees review the plans available to them and to make an informed decision... and they did,” said John O’Brien, OPM’s Director of Healthcare and Insurance. “We emphasized the need to shop around, to do what is best for you and your family’s healthcare needs. And, all at the same time, perhaps saving you money.”

The preliminary numbers indicate that over 600,000 FEHB enrollment transactions were processed during the annual Open Season, which ended on Monday, December 14. The total transaction number substantially exceeded the previous high of 430,000 transactions in 2014. Much of the increase can be accounted for by the high level of interest in the new Self Plus One enrollment type offered during this Open Season. 

OPM issued multiple communications via email and regular mail to annuitants starting in late 2014. Federal agencies were provided with a communications kit to advertise the new enrollment type to employees before and during Open Season.

OPM also coordinated with agencies across the government and with FEHB carriers to ensure that Self Plus One enrollments would be processed smoothly and that enrollment systems could handle the increased number of enrollments predicted. These efforts paid off as is indicated by the record number of enrollments processed successfully. 

“Even with this high number of enrollment transactions, we know there are enrollees who missed Open Season and can benefit from Self Plus One,” said O’Brien. “Because of this, were will be holding a Limited Enrollment Period to give employees another bite at the apple.”

The Limited Enrollment Period will be held from February 1 through February 29, 2016. Employees who pay their insurance premiums before taxes and are currently enrolled in Self and Family will have another opportunity to select a Self Plus One enrollment. This is not an extension of Open Season. Employees will not be allowed to change plans, plan options or increase enrollment. Only decreases in enrollment from Self and Family to Self Plus One will be allowed. Electronic enrollment systems governmentwide are prepared to accept Limited Enrollment Period enrollment transactions. Employees are encouraged to make their changes electronically and should contact their local HR if they experience any issues or have additional questions. More information on how to enroll is available at https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/enrollment/.

Annuitants are not included in the Limited Enrollment Period because they can decrease their enrollment at any time. Annuitants who are interested in doing so may contact the Retirement Office throughout the year.