If you did not elect dental and/or vision coverage when you were first hired or you want coverage different from what you have now, you can make a change during the Benefits Open Season. You may also be able to make changes to your enrollment in conjunction with a qualifying life event such as marriage, divorce, or birth of a child.

The Benefits Open Season begins the Monday of the second full work week in November and continues through the Monday of the second full work week in December. During the Benefits Open Season you can elect dental and/or vision insurance, if not currently enrolled; change plans or options, if currently enrolled; or cancel enrollment.

If you have a qualifying life event, you may be able to enroll or change from one plan or option to another depending upon the qualifying life event.

1. You must make an election between Monday of the second full work week in November and the Monday of the second full work week in December using either the BENEFEDS Web site or by contacting BENEFEDS. You cannot enroll in a dental and/or vision plan using the Employee Benefits Information System (EBIS).
2. Your election is effective on January 1 following the Benefits Open Season.
3. You should review the biweekly Leave and Earnings Statement you receive from your payroll office to ensure correct deductions have been withheld for your election and to avoid errors for which you could be indebted. Refer to the Effective Date Chart to determine when your election should be reflected in your pay check.

1. The timeframe for submitting a change is:
   • 60 days after the qualifying life event that allows a new enrollment.
   • 31 days before the event date and up to 60 days after the event date for qualifying life events that allow a change to an existing plan/enrollment type. There is no time limit to submit a change based on moving out of a regional plan's coverage area.
2. You must make your election on the BENEFEDS website or by contacting BENEFEDS. You cannot make your election using EBIS.
3. Your change is generally effective the first day of the first pay period following the date in which you submit your change.
4. You should review the biweekly Leave and Earnings Statement you receive from your payroll office to ensure correct deductions have been withheld for your election and to avoid errors for which you could be indebted. Refer to the Effective Date Chart to determine when your election should be reflected in your pay check.

• BENEFEDS Web Site
• OPM Dental Web Site
• OPM Vision Web Site
• Dental/Vision Frequently Asked Questions