Those eligible can join FLTCIP at any time. It has not had an open season since the program began in 2002, although OPM may conduct one next year after issuing a new contract because there might be new benefits available; the current contract expires in April and OPM has started the process of opening the program for a rebid. During the initial FLTCIP open season, eligible employees were subject only to a shortened form of underwriting, which essentially screens out anyone who could be eligible for benefits immediately. Otherwise, abbreviated underwriting applies only to newly hired employees and their spouses.