Beginning January 1, 2016, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) will include a self plus one enrollment option for its members. For 2015 and previous years, federal employees and annuitants enrolling in FEHBP plans had only two options, self only or self and family. The change was initially mandated by the 2013 Bipartisan Budget Act, and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) published regulations on September 17, 2015 finalizing implementation of the self plus one enrollment type.

The new self plus one option will allow FEHBP members with one eligible dependent to enroll in a potentially less-expensive plan option than self and family. The rule does not impact eligibility for FEHBP benefits, either for employees and annuitants or for dependents, nor does it generally change the processes for members to enroll in coverage or modify coverage during the year. Premium conversion members—that is, FEHBP members whose shares of premiums are paid with pre-tax dollars, including most active employees—may enroll and change enrollment either during the open season in November and December of each year or upon the occurrence of a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). Like newly enrolling or changing from one plan to another, switching a covered family member will be permitted only during open enrollment or following a QLE. In addition to during open season and after QLEs, non-premium conversion members, including annuitants, may decrease enrollment type at any time by moving from self and family to self plus one or self only or from self plus one to self only. To address the novelty of the self plus one enrollment type and mitigate the effects of member confusion, in early 2016, OPM will allow a special “limited enrollment period” that will allow premium conversion members to decrease coverage from self and family to self plus one.Continue Reading OPM Finalizes Regulations Implementing Self Plus One Enrollment Type for FEHBP and Addresses Carriers’ Cost Concerns