The Office of Personnel Management likely will soon announce new coverage and rates under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program for calendar year 2004, with another significant increase in rates widely expected. OPM has been negotiating through the summer with carriers for their 2004 offering, trying to keep coverage comprehensive while counteracting the upward pressure on premiums from increased prescription drug costs and usage and from the overall aging of the FEHB population. In recent years, plans have been continuing to emphasize care management and other cost-containment measures while also shifting some overall costs from premiums to out-of-pocket expenses such as copayments and deductibles. The open season for selecting 2004 plan year coverage will run November 10-December 8.