Open Season BCBS: A Guide to Choosing the Right FEHB Plan

Choosing the right FEHB plan can be overwhelming, especially during Open Season. There are over 250 plans to choose from, each with its own unique benefits and costs.

It's essential to understand that FEHB plans are offered by several carriers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). BCBS is one of the largest health insurance carriers in the US.

During Open Season, you can choose from a variety of BCBS plans, including the Standard Option, the Standard Option with a Health Savings Account (HSA), and the Standard Option with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

BCBS has been the most utilized plan for federal employees, retirees, and their family members, but have you noticed the premium increases? The Basic plan for Self+Family has seen a 71.30% increase since 2019.

Looking at the last 7 years, you'll see that the increases have been dramatic, with some years having nominal increases of around 2%. However, these increases compound over time. The Basic plan for Self+Family has increased from $384.02 in 2019 to $657.82 in 2025.

The federal government pays a significant portion of the premium, but there's a maximum amount they're responsible for under each coverage option. For the BCBS Standard plan, the government's maximum contribution is $645.84, which means you'll pay the difference if it's more than that.

The BCBS Standard premium for Self is $1,024.60, and 72% of that is $737.71. However, because of the government's contribution cap, they only pay $645.84, leaving you to pay the remaining $91.87.

Here's a breakdown of the premium increases for the Basic plan for Self+Family over the last 7 years:

These increases may seem nominal at first, but they add up over time.

Comparing FEHB Plans is a daunting task, especially with the numerous options available. You can start by focusing on four key areas: coverage, cost, choice, and convenience.

If you're healthy and don't visit the doctor often, cost might be your top priority. On the other hand, if you have a chronic condition, coverage becomes the most important factor.

There are two great tools to help you compare plans: guidetohealthplans.org and OPM's online comparison tool. Guidetohealthplans.org offers a user-friendly interface, but it comes with a $15.95 subscription fee. You can get a 20% discount with the code GUIDE20.

OPM's tool provides a 17-column spreadsheet, which might be more challenging to use. However, it's free and available to everyone.

To minimize your risk, look at the maximum out-of-pocket expense for each plan. This is the most you'll have to pay in a worst-case scenario.

As a federal employee, you have the advantage of being able to change plans every year without disclosing your health information. This allows you to choose a plan that suits your needs.

Here are the four key areas to focus on when comparing FEHB plans:

During FEHB Open Season, it's crucial to analyze and compare plans to avoid making a big mistake. Don't assume your current plan is the best option without doing your research.

If you're planning to retire overseas, be aware that FEHB plans have varying coverage implications for Medicare and FEHB plans. This can significantly impact your healthcare costs and options.

To choose the best insurance plan for your needs, consider the following tips: Compare plans during Open Season to ensure you're getting the best coverage for your budget.Consider your healthcare needs and expenses to determine the right plan for you.Review plan details, including deductibles, copays, and coverage limits.

If you're a federal employee nearing retirement, you've probably heard about FEHB and Medicare. FEHB, or the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, can be suspended for a Medicare Advantage plan, but it's essential to consider the implications of doing so.

Medicare Part D can be a valuable addition to your FEHB coverage, but it's crucial to understand how the two programs work together. For example, some Medicare Part D plans may not cover all your prescription medications, so it's essential to review the plan's formulary before enrolling.

Required minimum distributions (RMDs) can have a significant impact on your Medicare premiums. If you're taking RMDs from your retirement accounts, you may be surprised to learn that they can increase your Medicare premiums sharply.

It's essential to understand how Medicare and FEHB work together, especially if you're considering enrolling in Medicare while still covered by FEHB. In some cases, it may be beneficial to enroll in Medicare, but it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons carefully.

Here's a quick rundown of the key considerations:

As you navigate the FEHB plan options, it's essential to analyze and compare plans during Open Season to avoid making a big mistake.

Failing to compare plans can lead to costly surprises down the line. Make sure to review the coverage and costs of each plan to ensure you're getting the best fit for your needs.

If you're planning to retire overseas, be aware that FEHB plans cover weight loss drugs differently, and this can have implications for both Medicare and FEHB plans.

You may want to consider a High Deductible Health Plan, which can be a great way for federal employees to save on insurance costs. These plans can help you save money, but be aware that you'll need to pay more out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in.

Here's a summary of the FEHB plan options to consider:

By considering these options and doing your research, you can find the best FEHB plan for your needs and budget.