Open Season Dates Set

The annual benefits open season, during which eligible persons can enroll or change levels of coverage in the health insurance, vision/dental insurance and flexible spending account programs, will run November 9 through December 14. An OPM notice to agencies stressed that the extension of last year’s open season through the end of January “was a unique occurrence,” caused by a controversy over the benefit design, subsequently revised, under Blue Cross-Blue Shield for certain surgical procedures in its standard option. OPM also noted that while FEHB and FEDVIP coverage carry forward from year to year if the enrollee makes no changes, a new enrollment is required each year in the FSAFEDS program.