Fedweek

FEHB premiums will rise 1.5 percent on average for enrollees in 2019 over 2018, OPM has announced, well below the increases of recent years. As always there will substantial variation within the average, though, with much higher increases in some plans and rates in some others essentially level or decreasing slightly.

Premiums in the FEDVIP vision-dental insurance program meanwhile on average are rising over 2018 rates by 1.2 percent for dental plans and falling by 2.8 percent for vision plans.

The annual benefits open season will be November 12-December 10. During that time, enrollees can change plans or change types or levels of FEHB coverage for 2019, and active employees can enroll if not already in the program. Retirees generally cannot join if not already enrolled but if enrolled they can make the other changes.

2019 Health Insurance Rates

The open season also allows new enrollments or enrollment changes in the FEDVIP for both active employees and retirees—unlike in the FEHB program, there is no requirement that retirees keep their coverage continuously throughout retirement in order to remain eligible. Also, while the government pays about 70 percent of the total cost of FEHB premiums, FEDVIP premiums are at the enrollee’s sole cost.

In both FEHB and FEDVIP, self-only, self plus one and self and family options are available, but there is no requirement that those enrolled in both programs must have the same option for each. And while some FEHB carriers also offer FEDVIP plans, someone enrolled in both programs need not have the same carrier for both. Also, in both programs an enrollment will continue next year unless changed.

That is not the case with the flexible spending account program; those who wish to have a dependent care and/or health care account in 2019 must make a new election during the open season. Further, to take advantage of the allowed carryover of up to $500 of unspent health care account money from one year to the next an employee must have an account in the second year. Maximums for dependent care accounts currently are $5,000 for dependent care accounts and $2,650 for health care accounts.

Learn more at ask.FEDweek.com on:

FEHB – Federal Employee Health Benefits

FEDVIP – Dental and Vision Insurance

Federal Employee Flexible Spending Accounts

Health Savings Account – FEHB