If you did not elect health insurance coverage when you were hired, or you want coverage different than what you have now, you can make a change during the Benefits Open Season. You may also be able to make a change 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 health 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, cancel your enrollment, 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 the Employee Benefits Information System (EBIS) or by contacting the Benefits Line.
2. If you are not currently enrolled in FEHB, your open season election will be effective the beginning of the first pay period in January following the open season period provided you were in a pay status for any part of the preceding pay period.
3. If you are currently enrolled in FEHB, your open season change will be effective the beginning of the first pay period in January following the open season period regardless of whether you were in a pay status the preceding pay period.
4. You should receive your health insurance enrollment cards within approximately 30 days after the effective date of your coverage. If you do not receive your enrollment cards, contact the Benefits Line.
5. 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.
6. If you want to change your FEHB Premium Conversion election during the Benefits Open Season, you must complete CBC 12890-10, Federal Employees Health Benefits Premium Conversion Waiver/Election and fax it to your servicing Civilian Benefits Center.

1. Within 31 days before and up to 60 days after the date of the qualifying life event, you must make your election in EBIS or by contacting the Benefits Line.
2. If requested, you must provide proof of the life event. Proof may include a marriage certificate, birth or adoption records, divorce decree, or death certificate. If you do not provide the requested proof your election will be voided.
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.

• Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Insurance Web Site
• OPM FEHB Handbook
• OPM Frequently Asked Questions