Civilian Defense Department employees can alter their participation in three benefits plans, through Dec. 10. Included are:
* The Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, in which premiums are expected to rise an average of 3.4 percent above 2012 rates. Employees should use the open season to review and alter their coverage accordingly. More information is available online at www.opm.gov/insure/openseason/index.asp.
* The Federal Employee Dental and Vision Insurance Program, which offers a choice among self-only self-plus-one, or self-and-family coverage.
* The Federal Flexible Spending Account, which allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars to help pay for health care and dependent care costs. More information is available at https://www.fsafeds.com.
