With costs on the rise, OPM advises all enrollees to compare coverage options carefully to ensure they’re getting the best value and protection for their needs. Image: isak55/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffOPM has announced that the 2025 Federal Benefits Open Season will take place from November 10 through December 8, 2025. During this time, eligible federal and postal employees, retirees, and annuitants can review, enroll in, or make changes to their health, dental, and vision coverage for the 2026 plan year.
This year’s Open Season comes amid news of an average 10% premium increase for FEHB. The updated plan options and premiums for the FEHB, Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB), and Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) are now available.
The average increase in enrollee premium shares are greater – increasing by 12.3% and 11.3% for FEHB and PSHB. Last years enrollee hike was 13.5% – meaning FEHB enrollees are seeing a roughly 25% hike in their out of pocket premiums in a two year span.
For 2026, the FEHB Program will feature 47 carriers with 132 plan options, PSHB will offer 17 carriers with 75 options, and FEDVIP will include 31 total plans—21 dental and 10 vision. OPM is encouraging all participants to review their current plans carefully, especially those in plans that will not be offered next year.
FEHB Premiums and Contributions
The maximum government contribution, which covers about 72% of total premium costs, will rise in 2026 to:
- $324.76 biweekly ($703.65 monthly) for Self Only
- $711.17 biweekly ($1,540.87 monthly) for Self Plus One
- $778.03 biweekly ($1,685.73 monthly) for Self and Family
Meanwhile, the weighted average total premiums (including both government and enrollee contributions) will be:
- $451.05 biweekly ($977.28 monthly) for Self Only
- $987.73 biweekly ($2,140.08 monthly) for Self Plus One
- $1,080.60 biweekly ($2,341.30 monthly) for Self and Family
Note: In some cases Self Plus One plans will be higher cost than Self and Family, those are identified here.
With costs on the rise, OPM advises all enrollees to compare coverage options carefully to ensure they’re getting the best value and protection for their needs.
Associate OPM Director Shane Stevens pointed to “an older enrollee base” as well as rising healthcare costs nationally for premium increases, and he called attention to efforts to combat “waste, fraud, and abuse within the federal health programs, which together represent a $79 billion annual expenditure.”
“Despite all of this, we are pleased to announce that our overall average premium increases for our federal health insurance programs are around 9% for postal workers and retirees and 10% for non-postal workers and retirees,” said Steves in a post. “Increases for non-postal employees are below last year’s levels, which is a positive trend. Additionally, our rates are 2–3 percentage points lower than those reported by CalPERS—a smaller but comparable program in terms of demographics and coverage.”
He cited a new enrollment verification process to ensure only eligible family members receive coverage as one such effort to combat costs.
“With federal employees facing the prospect of missed paychecks due to the ongoing government shutdown, a below market pay increase for 2026, increased workloads due to large-scale reductions in force, new threats of permanent reductions in force in response to the shutdown, and withheld backpay by this Administration, news of substantial premium hikes further erode the appeal of federal employment,” NARFE president Bill Shackelford said in a statement. He added that while FEHB and PSHB plans are comprehensive and “it’s hard to make a bad choice” that it’s still worth while to compare costs and options so you don’t leave money on the table.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield 2026 Premiums: FEHB Plan Overview
For the 2026 plan year, Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) – which covers around 2/3 of enrollees – will continue offering three nationwide plan tiers under FEHB — Basic, FEP Blue Focus, and Standard — across Self Only, Self Plus One, and Self & Family enrollment types.
Basic Option
The Basic option will see biweekly enrollee premiums ranging from $133.77 for Self Only to $356.86 for Self & Family, with total biweekly premiums of $411.24 and $1,017.84, respectively. Government contributions remain consistent with FEHB’s 72% share, amounting to $324.76 (Self Only) and $778.03 (Self & Family). Monthly totals range from $891.02 for Self Only to $2,205.32 for Self & Family, with enrollee shares between $289.83 and $773.20.
FEP Blue Focus
The FEP Blue Focus plan remains the most affordable BCBS option, with biweekly enrollee costs of $66.81 for Self Only, $143.63 for Self Plus One, and $157.97 for Self & Family. Total biweekly premiums range from $236.70 to $559.70, translating to monthly totals of $512.85 to $1,212.68. Government contributions range from $200.45 to $473.93 biweekly.
Standard Option
The Standard plan continues to be the most comprehensive (and costly) BCBS option. Biweekly enrollee costs will average $188.32 for Self Only, $410.88 for Self Plus One, and $457.66 for Self & Family, with total biweekly premiums of $472.89, $1,034.14, and $1,138.88, respectively. Monthly totals reach $1,024.60 (Self Only), $2,240.64 (Self Plus One), and $2,467.57 (Self & Family).
OPM Guidance Addresses Pay Issues arising During, After Shutdown
Financial Impact of Shutdown Starts to Hit Home; WH Threatens No Back Pay
Threat of RIFs Hangs Over Federal Workforce as Shutdown Continues
Surge of Retirement Applications Is in the Pipeline, Says OPM
OPM Advises Agencies on Conducting RIFs During Shutdown
Shutdown Stalls Hegseth’s Reforms on Two Fronts as Pentagon Accelerates Cuts
See also,
5 Steps to Protect Your Federal Job During the Shutdown
Over 30K TSP Accounts Have Crossed the Million Mark in 2025
The Best Ages for Federal Employees to Retire
