October 20, 2026 · 4 min read
Federal Benefits Open Season 2026: November 9 – December 14, and What You Have to Redo
Open Season for federal employees and retirees runs November 9 to December 14, 2026. Most coverage rolls over on its own, but FSAFEDS doesn't, and adding a family member now needs proof.
If you're a federal employee, a federal retiree or a Postal Service employee, your once-a-year chance to change health, dental, vision and flexible spending benefits is coming up. OPM has set the 2026 Federal Benefits Open Season for November 9 through December 14, 2026, and the choices you make apply to the 2027 plan year. Most of it can be ignored if you're happy, but two things can't: your flexible spending account, and any family member you plan to add.
The dates
- Opens: Monday, November 9, 2026
- Closes: Monday, December 14, 2026
- Applies to: the 2027 plan year
During this window, eligible employees and annuitants can enroll in, change or cancel coverage under FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits), PSHB (Postal Service Health Benefits) and FEDVIP (dental and vision). Eligible employees can also sign up for FSAFEDS, the federal flexible spending accounts.
The choice is wide: OPM lists 45 FEHB carriers with 118 plan options, 17 PSHB carriers with 65 options, and FEDVIP with 11 dental and 5 vision carriers. The 2027 plans and premiums are already posted on OPM.gov, so you can compare before the window opens.
What happens if you do nothing
FEHB, PSHB and FEDVIP carry over. If you make no changes, your current coverage continues into 2027. That said, premiums and benefits change every year, so it's worth checking that your plan still makes sense for your doctors and prescriptions.
FSAFEDS does not carry over. OPM is explicit: FSAFEDS participants must make a new election every year to keep the benefit. If you have a health care or dependent care FSA this year and want one in 2027, you have to sign up again during Open Season. This is the one most people miss.
New for 2027, FSAFEDS (run by HealthEquity) lets employees choose an FSAFEDS Visa FSA card to pay at the point of sale, or keep paperless reimbursement.
New this year: proof for any family member you add
Under an OPM final rule that took effect in July 2026, anyone who adds a family member to FEHB or PSHB coverage must provide documentation that the person is eligible, and that includes changes made during Open Season, not just after a life event like marriage or a birth.
Expect to need documents such as a marriage certificate, a tax return or a birth certificate. If you plan to add a spouse or child, find those papers before the window opens rather than in the last week. Your agency's benefits office can tell you exactly how and where to submit them.
Common questions
When is Federal Benefits Open Season 2026? November 9 through December 14, 2026, for coverage in plan year 2027.
Do I have to do anything if I'm happy with my health plan? No. FEHB, PSHB and FEDVIP enrollments continue automatically. You only need to act to change plans, or to re-elect FSAFEDS.
Does my FSA renew automatically? No. FSAFEDS requires a new election every year during Open Season.
Can I add my spouse or child during Open Season? Yes, but you'll now need to submit proof of their eligibility, such as a marriage or birth certificate.
What if I miss December 14? Outside Open Season you can generally only change your enrollment after a qualifying life event, so otherwise you'll wait until next year's Open Season.
A simple reminder plan
Five weeks sounds like plenty of time, but it overlaps with Thanksgiving and the end-of-year rush. A few reminders keep it from slipping:
- Early November: compare 2027 plans and premiums on OPM.gov; gather documents if you're adding a family member.
- November 9: Open Season opens; re-elect FSAFEDS if you use it.
- Around December 1: make or confirm your changes.
- December 11: last check before the deadline.
ReminderIt is built for dates like these. Message it on WhatsApp in plain words, for example "Remind me on November 9 at 9am to re-enroll in FSAFEDS", and at that time your phone rings with a voice reading the reminder, plus a WhatsApp message with Done and Snooze. It's harder to ignore than a calendar notification. There's no app to install and a 7-day free trial with no card; after that it's $7 a month.
Message ReminderIt on WhatsApp at https://wa.me/14786061901 and set your Open Season reminders now.
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