Underwriting in Future Open Seasons Uncertain

OPM also has clarified that while it expects to have future open seasons-although their frequency and the date of the next one are undecided at present-there is no guarantee that in future open seasons active employees and their spouses will be eligible for abbreviated underwriting. That could be a consideration for those considering waiting out the present open season-which runs through the end of the calendar year-and possibly applying in a future open season. Officials have noted in the past that in the insurance industry, there is commonly a presumption that those who turn down coverage and then apply for it later may have a stronger reason to believe they will need to use the benefits. That would make them less attractive as enrollees from the insurer’s perspective and provide an incentive for the insurer to apply a higher level of scrutiny to a later application. Eligible persons can apply outside an open season, although they will be subject to full underwriting if they do. To request an enrollment kit, call 1-800-582-3337.