Number: |
08-401 |
Date: July 31, 2008 |
Subject: |
2008 Federal Benefits Open Season: Announcement |
Welcome to the first in our series of 2008 Open Season Benefits Administration Letters (BAL). This BAL provides general information about this year's Federal Benefits Open Season.
Employees may make four benefit choices during the upcoming Open Season. Employees may:
Last year we changed the focus and name of the annual FEHB Program Open Season to the more inclusive Federal Benefits Open Season. Since two benefit programs, FSAFEDS and FEDVIP, have been added, employees need to understand the relationship among the four choices before making decisions during Open Season.
DATES
The 2008 Federal Benefits Open Season for the 2009 plan year begins on Monday, November 10, 2008, and runs through Monday, December 8, 2008.
WEB SITE
You can find more information about these programs at www.opm.gov/insure. OPM will post FEDVIP and FEHB premium costs for 2009 in mid-September. You will find specific Federal Benefits Open Season information on this website during the first week of November.
BALs
Through the BENEFITSINFO Listserv, you will receive BALs on the following topics in the upcoming months:
As in the past, the 400 series will be dedicated to the Open Season. You can find these BALs at www.opm.gov/asd/htm/bal-1.asp.
GUIDE TO FEDERAL BENEFITS
The interrelationship among the FSAFEDS, FEDVIP, and FEHB programs has given enrollees more to consider when making benefit decisions. The Guide includes information about these benefit programs, plus brief information about two other benefit programs not participating in the annual Federal Benefits Open Season - the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program and the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). The Guide explains the relationship among the Programs, provides guidance on making enrollment decisions and has instructions for employees during Open Season.
Agencies may purchase Guides through a Government Printing Office (GPO) print rider. You can find information about purchasing the Guides in the upcoming BAL Federal Benefits Open Season: 2008 Rider Information.
When ordering the Guide to Federal Benefits please consider this useful resource for new employees. The Guide includes important information about an employee's overall benefit package. Therefore, order an amount sufficient for your new employees, benefit fairs, and ongoing employee needs.
CONTACTING US
Our Internet email boxes are available for agencies' Open Season questions. If you have a question about an Open Season BAL, or any other questions about the Federal Benefits Open Season, please email your question to the following email addresses:
FSAFEDS Program: fsa@opm.gov
FEDVIP: fedvip@opm.gov
FEHB Program: fehb@opm.gov
|
Sincerely, Kathleen M. McGettigan |
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