FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- The U.S. Office of Personnel Management announced this year's open season for health benefits, dental and vision insurance and flexible spending accounts runs now until Dec. 13.
Fort Rucker holds an open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 16, in the first floor lobby of the Soldier Service Center, Bldg. 5700.
The open house highlights each plan available, to include 2011 cost share information. Federal Employees Health Benefit carriers will be on site to answer questions.
OPM enters into annual negotiations with each FEHB carrier.
"The FEHB program has important features, including a wide choice of health plans and competitive benefit packages," said John Berry, OPM director.
Because of the annual negotiations, people are encouraged to look over their personal healthcare plans every year too.
"Plans change each year, it is important to review your plan, and ensure it continues to meet your individual needs," said Margie Fields, human resource specialist.
FEHB offers 207 health plan options starting in January. All FEHB plans now offer tobacco cessation benefits in compliance with the U.S. Public Health Services' 2008 clinical guidance on tobacco cessation. Five plans have increased benefits for hearing devices and six FEHB plans offer testing for up to four transplant donors for bone marrow and stem cell transplants, according to the OPM guide to federal benefits Web site at <a href="http://www.opm.gov/insure" target="_blank">www.opm.gov/insure</a>.
Berry also said in 2011, enrollee cost sharing will be eliminated for preventative care services, incentives for tobacco cessation will be added and in accordance with the Affordable Care Act, added coverage for children up to age 26.
The office of OPM released the 2011 FEHB Program and stated costs will rise by an average of 7.2 percent for the enrollee share of premiums. This increase is below last year's increase of 8.8 percent. This will equate to on average $5.53 more each pay period for self-only coverage and $11.45 more per pay period for family coverage. FEHB enrollees pay on average 30 percent of the total cost of the plan premium while the government pays on average 70 percent.
For questions or information regarding enrollment or changes to your existing FEHB plan, visit the ABC website at <a href="https://www.abc.army.mil" target="_blank">https://www.abc.army.mil</a>, or call (877) 276-9287. For question regarding dental or vision plans, visit BENEFEDS at www.benefeds.com or call (877) 888-3337.
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