Last verified: October 15, 2026, against the sources linked below. Written by Casey Steward.
Key dates
- Opens: Monday, November 9, 2026
- Closes: Monday, December 14, 2026
- FEHB and PSHB close at 11:59 p.m. in the local time of your electronic enrollment system. FEDVIP and FSAFEDS close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern (OPM Open Season).
- Changes take effect: January 10, 2027 (the first pay period beginning in January) for most non-Postal employees; January 1, 2027 for annuitants, PSHB enrollees, FEDVIP, and FSAFEDS; January 24, 2027 for compensationers (OWCP) (OPM, Open Season Highlights for Plan Year 2027).
What’s changing for 2027
| Program | 2027 change (average) |
|---|---|
| FEHB enrollee share | +10.9% |
| FEHB total premium | +9.3% |
| PSHB enrollee share | +8.2% |
| FEDVIP dental / vision | +1.0% / +1.6% |
Source: OPM, Open Season Highlights for Plan Year 2027. Averages hide big swings: your plan could rise much more or less.
2027 maximum biweekly government contribution: $352.04 Self Only, $767.53 Self Plus One, $843.82 Self and Family (72% of the program-wide weighted average; OPM premiums).
Step 1: Find your 2027 premium
Look up your plan and enrollment code on OPM’s premiums page. Write down the 2026 and 2027 biweekly amounts and the dollar difference × 26 pay periods.
Step 2: Check for life changes
Marriage, a new child, a child turning 26, Medicare eligibility, or a move out of a plan’s service area can all change the best choice.
Step 3: Watch the Self Plus One quirk
OPM warns that in some plans the Self Plus One enrollee premium is higher than Self and Family. If you cover one family member, you may elect either type, so compare both.
Step 4: Compare three plans
Use OPM’s FEHB Plan Comparison Tool. For each plan, note:
| Item | Plan A | Plan B | Plan C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual premium (biweekly × 26) | |||
| Deductible | |||
| Out-of-pocket maximum | |||
| Your prescriptions’ tier/cost | |||
| Your doctors in network? |
Rough worst-case cost = annual premium + out-of-pocket maximum. Check the plan brochure for details.
Step 5: Consider an HDHP with an HSA
Lower premiums plus a plan HSA contribution can offset a higher deductible, especially if you’re healthy and can save for medical costs. Run low-, medium-, and high-use scenarios.
Step 6: Postal employees and annuitants: PSHB
Postal Service employees and annuitants enroll in the separate PSHB Program through the PSHB System, and many postal annuitants must coordinate with Medicare Part B. See OPM’s PSHB pages.
Step 7: Don’t forget FEDVIP and FSAFEDS
Health, dental, and vision enrollments roll over automatically if you do nothing, but FSAFEDS requires re-enrollment every year (OPM Highlights). FEDVIP and FSAFEDS close at 11:59 p.m. ET on December 14.
Final check
- Save your confirmation number.
- Check your first 2027 earnings statement (or annuity statement) for the new premium.
FAQ
When is FEHB Open Season 2027?
November 9 to December 14, 2026, for coverage in plan year 2027.
Do I have to do anything if I’m happy with my plan?
Health, dental, and vision coverage continue automatically. FSAFEDS does not.
How much are FEHB premiums going up in 2027?
The average enrollee share rises 10.9%, per OPM. Check your specific plan.
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Sources
Educational only, not financial advice. The High Three is an independent publication. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), the IRS, or any government agency. Verify details with official sources and your agency HR office before making decisions.