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This page can be found on the web at the following url:
http://www.opm.gov/insure/new_employ/index.asp?AnswerId=276

Insurance Programs

New / Prospective Employees

As a Federal employee, you may be able to enroll in health, dental, vision and life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and apply for long term care insurance. You can find information about each program by clicking on one of the links below. Each section includes common questions to help guide you to the information you need.

GUIDE ME...

Health

When and how can I make changes to my coverage?

Answer:

During the annual Federal Benefits Open Season (mid-November through mid-December) you may change plans, options, or type of enrollment (Self Only vs. Self and Family). You also may make a change upon experiencing an FEHB-specific Qualifying Life Event (QLE). The QLE determines what type of enrollment change is permitted. The enrollment change must be consistent with the QLE.

You may be able to make the enrollment change using the Health Benefits Election Form (SF 2809), a screen-fillable version is available, or through an agency self-service system such as Employee Express, MyPay, Employee Personal Page, or Employee Benefits Information System (EBIS).  Contact your Human Resources Office for details. If you don’t know where to find your Human Resources Office, see your supervisor.

An Open Season enrollment change is effective the first day of the first full pay period that begins in January of the following year. An enrollment change based on a QLE is generally effective the first day of the first pay period that begins after your enrollment request is received.

You can find additional information in the FEHB Handbook.