Open Season: The Insiders' Perspective
On the latest episode of the FEDtalk podcast, host Debra Roth sits down with open season experts to discuss coverage options, changes from the previous year, and all the ways federal employees can learn about their insurance options virtually.
The panel features Joan Melanson, Director of Education and Outreach at FedPoint, and Jay Fritz, Program Manager for Outreach and Program Services in the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Federal Employees Insurance Operations Division.
OPM encourages everyone to have adequate coverage for their family's health, dental, and vision insurance needs. Furthermore, Fritz underscored the efforts OPM made for open season, noting that before this year's open season began, OPM began preparing for next year's open season, which will involve over 2 million federal employees.
According to OPM, the average premium increase for the current year is 2.4 percent. Fritz compared this average to California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) average premium increases of 4.8 percent and PricewaterhouseCoopers' (PwC) projected premium increases of 6.5 percent. The 2022 premium increase represents the lowest by OPM in recent years, which stacks well against the competition.
Using virtual benefits and online resource portals, Melanson discusses the role FedPoint plays in administering federal employee benefits in 2021 -- a new experience for workers after the pandemic. Using FedPoint's virtual benefits fair, you can learn about your benefit options at one place. Visit benefeds.com to learn more.
In spite of no additions to the OPM's dental and vision insurance plans this year, rates and benefits of plans from carriers may change. In the absence of any changes from the previous year, federal employees' plans roll over, with just about 5 percent of federal employees making a switch.
Find options for active federal employees, federal retirees, tribal employees, and uniformed services on the open season homepage. A plan comparison tool and several open season options are available for Feds to choose the best healthcare plan for themselves and their families.
The Federal Benefits Open Season for the 2022 plan year for health insurance under the FEHB Program, dental and vision insurance under FEDVIP, and flexible spending accounts will be held from November 8 through December 13, 2021.
You can stream the show online anytime via the Federal News Network app and listen to the FEDtalk podcast on PodcastOne and Apple Podcasts.
FEDtalk is a live talk show produced by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993.
FEDtalk is sponsored by the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). The FLTCIP is sponsored by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, insured by John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company, under a group long term care insurance policy, and administered by Long Term Care Partners, LLC (doing business as FedPoint).