Federal Employee Open Season 2026: What to Do During the Shutdown
Federal employees, here’s the bottom line: Open Season runs November 10 through December 8, and it continues regardless of the shutdown. Your coverage, elections, and deadlines all remain active. If you’re furloughed or in non-pay status, you can still make benefit changes through your agency’s HR platform—Employee Express, myPay, GRB, NFC EPP, or others. Missed premiums are simply withheld from back pay once it lands.
This year, costs are climbing fast. FEHB premiums for employees are rising by about 12.3% on average for 2026. That means it’s not the year to “set it and forget it.” A thoughtful review can save you hundreds—or protect you from losing your doctor or coverage for a critical medication.
Step 1: Compare the Total Cost, Not Just the Premium
Start with OPM’s 2026 Plan Compare Tool. Don’t stop at the monthly premium—factor in deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums. Once you’ve narrowed your options, read the plan brochure before making a switch. It’s the legal document that governs your benefits.
Step 2: Confirm Your Doctors and Network for 2026
Networks change yearly. If you’re in the D.C.–Maryland–Virginia area, for example, Johns Hopkins is now out-of-network for many UnitedHealthcare and GEHA plans. Never assume last year’s network holds. Verify directly with your plan or through OPM’s site before Open Season ends.
Step 3: Audit Your Prescriptions
Pull your top 10 medications and check the 2026 formulary for exclusions, biosimilar substitutions, or step-therapy requirements. If a key drug looks restricted, contact your plan early and ask about prior authorization or exception processes. Having your prescriber’s letter ready can smooth the way.
Step 4: Re-Enroll in FSAFEDS
Flexible Spending Accounts don’t roll over automatically. If you want to save pre-tax dollars on 2026 expenses, you must actively re-enroll during Open Season.
Step 5: Manage Dental and Vision Separately
FEDVIP plans are separate from FEHB and require their own enrollment through BENEFEDS. Coverage changes take effect January 1.
Step 6: Mind the Five-Year FEHB Rule if You’re Retiring
If retirement is on your horizon, double-check that you’ve been enrolled in FEHB for at least five consecutive years before switching or canceling coverage. Some agencies require retirees to use Form SF-2809 instead of online systems—confirm your HR office’s procedure.
Step 7: Don’t Let the Shutdown Dictate Your Health Choices
Take one focused hour this week: run the comparison tool, confirm your network and meds, re-enroll in FSAFEDS, and review FEDVIP. Then share this checklist with your team. A few proactive steps now can prevent serious headaches—and unnecessary costs—later.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While I am a federal employment attorney, this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is unique, and legal outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.