Expert's View

First, a reminder. The 2012 benefits open season runs from Monday November 12 through Monday December 10. During that time you’ll have a chance to review your health, dental and vision, and (if you are an employee) tax saving needs.

With that in mind, over the last two weeks I’ve explained your options for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB), Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance (FEDVIP), and Federal Flexible Spending Account (FSAFEDS) programs. And I’ve spelled out the rules that determine your ability to carry FEHB and FEDVIP coverage into retirement.

This week I’ll tell you how to find out what each of these programs costs, where you can find more detailed information about the choices available to you, and how to make elections.

Program Cost

* For FEHB insurance rates, go to www.opm.gov/insure/health/rates

* For FEDVIP dental rates, go to www.opm.gov/insure/dental/rates

* For FEDVIP vision rates, go to www.opm.gov/insure/vision/rates

* For FSAFEDS, go to www.FSAFEDS.com to see how much you can contribute

Information Sources

If you want to get comprehensive information about the FEHB program, download the 2013 Guide to Federal Benefits at www.opm.gov/insure/health. Click on the topics in the left hand margin to compare the costs, benefits, and features of different plans. You can either download specific plan brochures at that site or go to www.opm.gov/FEHBbrochures.

If you want to learn more about FEDVIP’s eligibility criteria, plan information and premium costs, go to www.opm.gov/insure/dental/index.asp or www.opm.gov/insure/vision/index.asp.

To get a copy of the FSAFEDS program brochure go to www.fsafeds.com/forms/OPM-FSA-OVTF-10-031.pdf or call 1-877-372-3337.

Open Season Elections

* FEHB: Employees can use the Health benefits Election form (SF 2809). Retirees can go o Open Season Online at https://retirefehb.opm.gov or call Open Season Express at 1-800-332-9798 (TTY 1-800-878-5707).

* FEDVIP: Go to www.BENEFEDS.com or call 1-877-888-3337 (TTY 1-877-889-5680).

* FSAFEDS (employees only): Go to FSAFEDS.com or call 1-877-372-3337 (TTY 1-800-952-0450).

I wish you all a happy and productive open season.