
The US Postal Service (USPS) offers a range of health insurance options during Open Season, which typically runs from mid-November to mid-December.
During Open Season, eligible USPS employees can enroll in or change their health insurance plans, including the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, which offers a wide range of plans from various insurance carriers.
USPS employees can choose from several plan options, including the Postal Service's self-funded plan, the Postal Service Health Benefits Plan, and the FEHB Program, which provides coverage for employees, retirees, and their families.
The FEHB Program offers a wide range of plans, including high-deductible health plans, catastrophic plans, and plans with lower premiums and higher deductibles.
USPS Open Season Health Insurance
The annual open season benefits enrollment period for USPS employees is a crucial time to review and make changes to your health coverage. It typically begins in early November and ends in mid-December.
You can change your health benefits or enroll in a new plan during this period, which is the last chance most Postal Service employees will have until next November to consider new health, vision, dental, or flexible spending account options.
If you want to change your health benefits or enroll in a new plan, you must act now, as the annual open season benefits enrollment period ends at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on the designated date, which varies from year to year.
USPS Open Season Ends Dec. 12
The USPS Open Season ends Dec. 12, so don't wait any longer to review your health benefits.
You can change your health benefits or enroll in a new plan during this time.
This is the last chance most Postal Service employees will have until next November to consider new health, vision, or dental plans.
Don't miss the deadline: the annual open season benefits enrollment period ends Monday, Dec. 12, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
You must act now to make any changes to your health benefits or enroll in a new plan.
The deadline is Monday, Dec. 12, so mark your calendar to ensure you don't miss out.
USPS Open Season Health Insurance
The annual benefits enrollment period for USPS employees is now underway, starting on Monday, November 11, and concluding on Monday, December 9.
Open season is the once-a-year opportunity for Postal Service employees to make changes to their health coverage or choose a new plan.
A variety of health, vision and dental coverage options are available through the PSHB Program, the USPS Health Benefits Plan for eligible pre-career and casual employees, and the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program.
This year’s options will include the Postal Service Health Benefits Program (PSHB), a new, separate program within the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) that takes effect on January 1, 2025.
If you currently have an FEHB plan, a comparable plan within the PSHB will be identified for you, and you should review this plan to ensure it will meet your needs.
If your current carrier does not offer a plan in the PSHB Program, you will be enrolled in the lowest cost nationwide plan that is not a high-deductible health plan and does not charge a membership fee.
You can compare multiple plans side by side through Checkbook’s Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees, an online tool available on the MyHR website’s open season page.
Employees should log in to the MyHR website’s open season page to explore their options and find out what’s available.
Enrollment Period and Options
The USPS Open Season health insurance enrollment period begins on November 9th and ends on December 9th. This is the annual period when Postal Service employees can change their health benefits or enroll in a new plan.
You can choose from a variety of health, vision, and dental coverage options through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB), USPS Health Benefits Plan, and the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program.
Open season is your once-a-year opportunity to make changes to your benefits if you have not experienced a qualified life event. If you're not satisfied with the plan that's been identified for you, you can make changes during open season.
Annual Enrollment Period Now Underway
The annual enrollment period for USPS employees is now underway. It began on Monday, November 11, and will conclude on Monday, December 9.
You can change your health benefits or enroll in a new plan during this time. The Postal Service Health Benefits Program (PSHB) is a new program within the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) that takes effect January 1, 2025.
If you currently have an FEHB plan, a comparable plan within the PSHB will be identified for you. This plan will be automatically assigned to you, but you can review it to ensure it meets your needs.
If you're not satisfied with the assigned plan, you can make changes during the open season. You can also compare multiple plans side by side using Checkbook's Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees, an online tool available on the MyHR website's open season page.
A variety of health, vision, and dental coverage options are available through the PSHB Program, the USPS Health Benefits Plan for eligible pre-career and casual employees, and the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program.
You should log in to the MyHR website's open season page to explore your options and find out what's available. The Postal Service will provide additional information and reminders throughout the open season.
Postal Union Seeks Enrollment Extension
The Postal Union is seeking an extension on enrollment, which could impact your deadlines for signing up. This is a significant development that may affect your plans.
The proposed extension would give you more time to review and enroll in the program, which could be beneficial if you're not quite ready to commit. This is especially true if you're still gathering information or weighing your options.
The current enrollment period is set to end soon, but a longer timeline could provide more flexibility. This might be a welcome relief for those who are running behind schedule.
The Postal Union's request is still being considered, but it's essential to stay informed about any updates or changes. Keep an eye on the official announcements for the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my health insurance during the federal open season?
To change your health insurance during the federal Open Season, call 1 (888) 767-6738 for assistance with enrollment. You can also reach a Customer Service Specialist for personalized help.
How long do you have to work at USPS to get health benefits?
Eligibility for USPS health benefits typically begins 60 days after your appointment date. Check with your HR representative for specific enrollment details
Sources
- https://www.21cpw.com/tag/usps-health-benefits-plan/
- https://news.usps.com/2024/11/11/open-season-is-here/
- https://apwu.org/news/health-plan-open-season-enrollment-extended-dec-13
- https://federalnewsnetwork.com/open-season/2024/11/postal-union-calls-for-open-season-extension-after-members-see-enrollment-issues/
- https://www.nalchbp.org/high-option-plan/new-members/how-to-join
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