Federal Benefits Open Season starts November 9, less than three weeks away. It’s your once-a-year chance to change your health, dental, vision and flexible spending coverage without a qualifying life event.
Here are the dates that matter, what’s changing for 2027, and the one mistake that lets OPM pick your plan for you.
The key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Nov 9, 2026 | Open Season opens for FEHB, PSHB, FEDVIP and FSAFEDS |
| Dec 14, 2026 | Last day to make changes |
| Jan 1, 2027 | New coverage starts for annuitants and PSHB enrollees |
| Jan 10, 2027 | New coverage starts for most employees |
Not everyone’s coverage starts January 1. If you’re still working and in FEHB, your new plan usually begins with the first full pay period of the year, January 10.
Premiums are going up
OPM says the average FEHB enrollee premium is rising 10.9% for 2027. For PSHB, the postal plans, the average increase is 8.2%.
Those are averages. Your plan’s change could be much higher or lower, which is exactly why it’s worth comparing plans this year instead of letting your coverage roll over.
The mistake that lets OPM pick for you
Nine FEHB plan options won’t be offered in 2027. If you’re enrolled in one of them and you don’t choose a new plan by December 14, OPM will move you to Compass Rose Standard, whether it fits your needs or not.
The fix is simple: check whether your plan is leaving, and if it is, pick your own replacement during Open Season.
Don’t forget FSAFEDS
Unlike your health plan, your flexible spending account doesn’t carry over. If you want an FSAFEDS account in 2027, you have to re-enroll during Open Season, every year.
What to do now
- Find your enrollment code. It’s on your paystub or annuity statement.
- Check whether your plan is leaving for 2027.
- Look up your plan’s 2027 premium once OPM’s comparison tool updates.
- Compare plans on total yearly cost: premium plus deductibles and out-of-pocket maximum, not just the premium. Make sure your doctors are in-network.
- Re-enroll in FSAFEDS if you want a flexible spending account next year.
- Make your changes by December 14.
The bottom line
Open Season runs November 9 through December 14. With premiums up 10.9% on average and nine plan options leaving, this is a year to compare plans, not just let your coverage roll over.
Are you a federal employee within 12 months of retirement, or already retired, with $1 million+ invested? Book a free 15-minute Fit Call. You can also download our free Federal Retirement Roadmap.
Educational only, not tax, investment, or legal advice. Please consult your own tax, legal and financial advisors for personalized advice. Haws Federal Advisors | HawsFederalAdvisors.com