For those who changed plans during the open season and who need medical care before the effective date of a new plan they chose during the open season, here’s how the Office of Personnel Management explains things: “Your new plan is not responsible for providing coverage until the effective date of your enrollment change which for most employees is the first day of the first full pay period in January. If you need medical services before the effective date of your open season enrollment, you should contact your old plan. Please remember, while the new enrollments are not effective until the first full pay period in January, the new plan benefits are effective January 1. Your old plan, therefore will provide coverage according to the new contract. These expenses will count toward your prior year’s deductible. If you are an annuitant, you should contact your new plan.”