Open Season for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan   

November 11-December 9 

Many Foreign Service members settle on one Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) provider early in their career and do not take advantage of the annual Open Season opportunities to investigate other plans and change providers. That is a missed opportunity to get the best insurance for your evolving needs and to potentially save money by switching to a different plan. 

Taking time to investigate options is particularly important for retirees, who starting at age 65 may have opted to supplement their FEHB plan with Medicare B coverage. Some FEHB plans offer rebates of $800 a year to policy holders with Medicare B coverage. Some retirees with a high option FEHB plan and Medicare B coverage could reduce their FEHB premiums by switching to a lower, basic option FEHB plan. Additionally, some FEHB providers have started offering Medicare Advantage health insurance plans specifically designed for federal annuitants with lower rates than regular FEHB plans. 

AFSA offers some fantastic opportunities to help you wade through your many choices.  

First, the American Foreign Service Protective Association’s (AFSPA) Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President Kyle Longton will present two webinars exclusively for AFSA members on Tuesday, October 29.  The first webinar will focus on Open Season writ large, highlighting new features; the second webinar is geared to Medicare-eligible personnel, and will drill down on Medicare and the FEHB and their interrelationship. Both webinars will include the opportunity for Q & A and will be posted on the AFSA website after the fact, in the event you cannot attend the live event.