Federal Life Insurance: Open Season Timing And Details

Open Season is the only time federal employees can change their health insurance coverage without a qualifying life event, such as marriage or the birth of a child. During this period, active federal employees can enroll in a Federal Employees Health Benefits plan, adjust contributions to their Federal Flexible Spending Account, or retire and make changes to their current enrollments. While the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program and the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program do not participate in the annual open season, the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI) does have its own open seasons, albeit infrequently. The last FEGLI open season was in 2016, and none are currently scheduled.

Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI)

The Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI) is a popular insurance program for federal employees. While it is a part of the Federal Benefits Open Season, it does not participate in the annual open season and has its own separate open seasons, which are infrequent. The last FEGLI open season was in 2016, from September 1 to September 30. During the FEGLI open season, eligible employees can elect any coverage that FEGLI offers, including Option C coverage for eligible family members. Employees in their first 12 months of workers' compensation are also eligible, but they must meet pay and duty status requirements. It is important to note that annuitants cannot make FEGLI Open Season elections and are not eligible to increase their FEGLI life insurance coverage, even during an open season.

Outside of the FEGLI open season, eligible employees can still enroll or increase their coverage by taking a physical exam or experiencing a qualifying life event, such as marriage, divorce, the death of a spouse, or the acquisition of an eligible child. To increase coverage outside of the open season, employees must submit to a physical exam and fill out the SF 2822 form. In contrast, reducing or cancelling FEGLI life insurance can be done at any time without waiting for an open season by submitting the SF 2817 form to the human resources office.

The Federal Benefits Open Season, which includes other benefits such as health, dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts, typically occurs towards the end of the year. The 2024 Federal Benefits Open Season, for the 2025 plan year, will run from November 11 to December 9, 2024. During this period, active federal employees can enroll, cancel, or change their health, dental, and/or vision insurance. They can also enroll or re-enroll in the Flexible Spending Accounts Program. It is important to note that any changes made during this open season will go into effect on January 1, 2025.

While the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI) is not a part of the annual Federal Benefits Open Season, it is included in the life insurance options that can be reviewed and compared during this period. This allows federal employees to assess their medical and financial situation and make informed decisions about their life insurance needs. Employees can utilize the online tool provided by OPM to compare available plans and rates, as well as search for options based on location or employee type.

Qualifying life events

Changes in Residence

Moving to a different zip code, county, or state that changes your health plan area can be considered a qualifying life event. This may include relocating to an area where different health plans are available, as long as you already had coverage before the move.

Changes in Family or Household Composition

The birth or adoption of a child, marriage, divorce, or the death of a spouse or family member can be considered qualifying life events. These events often lead to changes in insurance coverage, especially when a family member previously provided coverage.

Changes in Coverage

Losing existing health coverage or gaining coverage through another source, such as a new employer, can be considered a qualifying life event. This includes situations where the coverage you are losing or gaining is considered minimum essential coverage.

Changes in Income

Significant changes in income that affect your subsidy eligibility or move you out of the Medicaid coverage gap can be considered qualifying life events. This may influence your ability to afford existing coverage or qualify for different plans.

It is important to note that the specific qualifying life events that trigger a special enrollment period may vary depending on the type of health insurance plan and applicable regulations, such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If you experience a significant life change, it is recommended to contact your insurer or the Marketplace to understand your coverage options and any documentation requirements.

Annual review of life insurance needs

Open season for federal life insurance is an excellent opportunity to review your life insurance needs. While the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program does not participate in the annual open season, and you can apply for life insurance outside of this period, open season is still a good time to assess your life insurance coverage.

Life insurance is a critical component of financial planning, and regular reviews are essential to ensure your coverage aligns with your current needs and goals. Significant life changes often require updating your policy, and an annual review is a good time to do this. For example, if you have recently purchased a new home, you may want to review your policy to ensure your family can continue living there after you pass away. Similarly, if you have recently gotten married or divorced, you will want to review your beneficiary selections. Other major life events that may impact your life insurance needs include changes in your health, having children, or starting a new business.

To conduct an annual review of your life insurance needs, start by gathering all the relevant information, such as your current policy details, your monthly budget, and any recent life changes. You should also consider your future financial goals and expenses, such as college tuition or long-term care costs. Once you have a clear picture of your financial situation, you can assess whether your current coverage is sufficient or if you need to make adjustments.

It is recommended to consult a professional life insurance agent or financial advisor during your annual review. They can offer personalized advice, help you compare policies, and identify any gaps in your coverage. They can also assist in determining if you need additional protection, such as riders, or additional policies to meet your unique needs.

Finally, be sure to keep accurate records of any updates made to your policy and notify your beneficiaries or legal counsel. Scheduling your next review date in advance can help ensure you stay on top of your life insurance needs.

Open Season elections

Open Season is the only time federal employees can change their health insurance coverage without a qualifying life event, such as the birth of a child or marriage. During this period, active federal employees can enroll in a Federal Employees Health Benefits plan for the first time, adjust contributions to their Federal Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for dependent care or healthcare, and make changes to their current medical plan enrollments. Employees who are satisfied with their current benefits should still review any applicable plan changes and explore coverage options.

The Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI) and the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) do not participate in the annual Open Season. FEGLI life insurance open seasons are infrequent, and none are currently scheduled. However, outside of an open season, eligible employees can still enroll or increase their coverage by taking a physical exam or with a qualifying life event, such as marriage, divorce, the death of a spouse, or the acquisition of an eligible child. To increase coverage during this time, eligible employees must submit an SF 2822 to their human resources office within 60 days after the life event.

The Virtual Benefits Fair is available throughout the Federal Benefits Open Season, which runs from November 11 to December 9, 2024. Employees should check for significant changes to their FEHB (medical), FSAFEDS (Flexible Spending Account), or FEDVIP (dental and vision) plans. Several medical plans are leaving the FEHB Program at the end of 2024, so enrollees in these plans must make a positive election into another FEHB plan during Open Season. Coverage under an enrollee's new health plan will be effective the first day of the pay period beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

During Open Season, active employees can sign up for health care, a dependent care flexible spending account (FSA), or both. Medical, dental, and vision enrollments roll over unless changes are made, but employees must re-enroll every year to continue their FSA contributions. Open Season provides the opportunity to review your medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and FSA options. Life-changing events can influence your benefit choices, but when it comes to life insurance, don't assume that FEGLI is the best option.

Changes to existing plans

Open Season is the only time federal employees can change their health insurance coverage without a qualifying life event, such as the birth of a child or marriage. During this period, active federal employees can enroll in a Federal Employees Health Benefits plan for the first time, adjust contributions to their Federal Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for dependent care or healthcare, and retirees can make changes to their current enrollments. It is also an opportunity to review your medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and FSA options.

Life-changing events can influence your benefit choices, but when it comes to life insurance, don't assume Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) is the best option. While FEGLI life insurance open seasons are infrequent, eligible employees can enroll or increase their coverage outside of an open season by taking a physical exam or with a qualifying life event. Qualifying life events include marriage, divorce, the death of a spouse, or the acquisition of an eligible child. With a life event, you can enroll or increase coverage in Basic, Option A, up to five multiples of Option B, and/or up to five multiples of Option C. You must submit an SF 2817 to your human resources office within 60 days after the life event.

You can reduce or cancel your FEGLI life insurance at any time without waiting for an open season. If you are an employee, submit an SF 2817 to your human resources office, signing only for the coverage you want to keep. Annuitants are not eligible to make FEGLI Open Season elections. By law, annuitants are never allowed to elect or increase their FEGLI life insurance coverage, even during an Open Season. Like employees, however, annituants can cancel or reduce FEGLI coverage at any time unless assigned.

Employees who are satisfied with their current benefits should still review any applicable plan changes and explore coverage options. For instance, several medical plans are leaving the FEHB Program at the end of 2024. Enrollees in these terminating plans must make a positive election into another FEHB plan during Open Season or they will be enrolled in GEHA Indemnity Benefit Plan Elevate (the lowest-cost nationwide plan option for 2025). Coverage under an enrollee's new health plan will be effective the first day of the pay period beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

Frequently asked questions