The Federal Benefits Open Season for the 2026 Plan Year has begun! During Open Season, which runs from November 10 through December 8, 2025, employees can enroll, change, or cancel an existing enrollment in the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), and/or the Federal Flexible Spending Account (FSAFEDS) Program. While enrollments with FEHB and FEDVIP carry over from year to year, you MUST re-enroll in FSAFEDS each year.
FEHB
Health plan benefits brochures are available on each health plan’s website. A complete listing of FEHB Health Care providers by state is available on the OPM website.
Note: Most FEHB plans will see benefit and rate changes for the upcoming year. Some plans are dropping out of the program and others are changing their service areas or coverage options. Please review your coverage during this open season period to decide what coverage and premium best suits your needs for the upcoming year. Employees who wish to cover one eligible family member are free to elect either the Self and Family or Self Plus One enrollment type.
You can enroll, change or cancel an existing enrollment, change health plans or coverage options, or change participation in premium coverage (waive or begin participation) through your Employee Personal Page (EPP), self-service option. Your servicing Human Resource Office will request documentation to confirm coverage eligibility of family members on your Self Plus One or Self and Family plans. FEHB program changes will become effective January 11, 2026 (Pay Period 1).
FEDVIP
If you want vision or dental coverage beyond what your health plan offers, FEDVIP provides comprehensive vision and dental insurance. There are several plans to choose from; more information about FEDVIP eligibility, available plans, and enrollment can be found on the BENEFEDS website.
Note: While most current FEDVIP enrollees are unlikely to see substantial changes in their premiums, employees are still encouraged to review the benefits and rates of their current plan for the upcoming year. All (current and new) enrollees should research the various plans available and select the dental and vision coverage that best meets their individual needs.
FEDVIP enrollments automatically continue from year to year. If you are satisfied with your current coverage and do not wish to make any changes, no action is required. However, changes to your plan, plan option or enrollment type can be made during Open Season using the BENEFEDS website. Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program changes will become effective January 1, 2026.
FSAFEDS
The FSAFEDS Program allows you to save pre-tax dollars for eligible health and dependent care expenses. Federal employees are encouraged to consider the tax savings. Setting aside the annual amount they are projected to spend on out-of-pocket expenses (i.e., health, dental, vision, and dependent care) in a flexible spending account saves money. If you are currently enrolled and want to continue participation during the 2026 benefits period, you must re-enroll. FSAFEDS coverage does not automatically continue.
FSAFEDS includes a Health Care FSA (FCFSA), Limited Expense Health Care FSA (LEX HCFSA) and a Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA). HCFSA covers eligible medical, dental and vision expenses that are not paid or reimbursed by your health, dental or vision care plan. LEX HCFSA is compatible with a Health Savings Account and reimburses eligible dental and vision expenses. DCFSA provides funds for eligible child and adult daycare expenses. More information about FSAs is available on the FSAFEDS website. Federal employees must use the website to sign up or re-enroll each year during Federal Benefits Open Season. Federal Flexible Spending Account coverage begins on January 1, 2026.
Please Note:
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced an increase to the annual pre-tax contribution limits allowed under both HCFSA and LEX HCFSA, from $3,300 to $3,400 (a $100 increase). The annual maximum contribution limit for DCFSA increased to $7,500 per household or $3,750 per individual, including if married and filing separately.
- The minimum annual election for each FSA remains unchanged at $100.
- Participants who re-enroll in an HCFSA or LEX HCFSA may carry over unused funds up to a maximum of $680 (a $20 increase). Carryover is not available under DCFSA; however, participants receive an additional 2½-month grace period (until March 15, 2027) to incur eligible expenses and use the remaining DCFSA funds in the account.
- HCFSA and LEX HCFSA expenses must be incurred during the 2026 plan year (January 1 – December 31, 2026).
- All claims for HCFSA, LEX HCFSA, and DCFSA must be filed by April 30, 2027; no exceptions.
Need a quick refresher? Check out the Open Season flyer. More helpful resources are available on OPM’s website in the Federal Benefits Open Season Resources: Reference Materials section.
Additional questions related to the Federal Benefits Open Season can be directed to your local Human Resource Office. Servicing Human Resource Offices may contact the Consolidated Benefits Unit at BOP-HRM-HRSC-Benefits-S@bop.gov.