Federal Open Season to Run November 9 to December 14
Federal employees and retirees can enroll in, change, or cancel FEHB or PSHB health plans during the 2026 window.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Insurance
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Federal Healthcare Open Season runs from November 9 through December 14, 2026, giving eligible federal employees and retirees the annual window to enroll in, change, or cancel FEHB or PSHB plans. Changes made during the window take effect in January 2027.
Why it matters
No qualifying life event is required to make changes during Open Season, so eligible enrollees can adjust coverage on their own timetable. Missing the December 14 deadline means current coverage rolls over into 2027.
The annual window covers FEHB and PSHB plans as well as FEDVIP dental and vision coverage and FSAFEDS flexible spending accounts. OPM released the 2027 rates and benefits, and plan costs and networks remain subject to individual plan comparison.
The players
Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
The federal agency that administers the Federal Employees Health Benefits and Postal Service Health Benefits programs and publishes the annual rates and plan comparison tools on OPM.gov.
The details
Eligible individuals make changes through FEHB or PSHB plan elections during the window. Comparison tools on OPM.gov let users check 2027 premiums, networks, drug coverage, and out-of-pocket costs, and plan brochures are posted there as well.
Timeline
November 9, 2026: Federal Healthcare Open Season begins.
December 14, 2026: Open Season deadline; missed enrollment rolls over current coverage.
January 2027: Coverage elected during Open Season takes effect.
Market Dynamics
The annual open season continues the FEHB Program's yearly enrollment cycle established under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Act of 1959. The 2027 rates and benefits follow a pattern of notable premium increases in recent years.
Federal employees and retirees who want to change plans must act within the November 9 to December 14 window or accept rollover of current coverage into 2027. Changes to dental, vision, or flexible spending elections are handled in the same window.
The takeaway
Federal employees and retirees should review their coverage before December 14, since missing the deadline keeps current plans in place for 2027 without any change. Comparing premiums, networks, and drug coverage on OPM.gov can help identify the plan that best fits household needs.
What happens next
Open Season begins November 9, 2026, and closes December 14, 2026, with elections taking effect in January 2027.
Further reading
Read more about Insurance options for federal employees and retirees.
More information
Compare 2027 plans and read the OPM plan brochures and FEHB/PSHB comparison tools on OPM.gov.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ClearanceJobs.
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