Health Benefits Open Season approaching fast Published Nov. 6, 2013 By David Pritchard 94th Force Support Squadron DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- The 2014 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Open Season is fast approaching. Dates for open season are Nov. 11 thru Dec. 9. During this time, members can enroll in, change or cancel an existing health, dental or vision plan. The programs that participate in the annual Open Season are Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), Federal Flexible Spending and Account (FSAFEDS) Program. Most, if not all FEHB and FEDVIP plans will undergo benefit and rate changes for 2014. Please take the time to check the cost of premiums you will pay next year and review your current health plan's benefit brochure to see what changes were made for covered services, supplies and out-of-pocket costs. If you are already enrolled in a FEHB program and/or FEDVIP program and you are satisfied with your health benefits and price you will pay next year, you do not have to do anything. Your enrollment will automatically continue. If you have a FSAFEDS account, you MUST re-enroll during the open season. Your FSA enrollment does not automatically carry over to the next year. You cannot enroll, change your enrollment, or cancel your coverage in these programs outside of the open season dates unless you experience a qualifying life event. A list and explanation of the QLE's can be found at www.opm.gov/insure/openseason. Below are links and contact numbers for all programs: www.opm.gov/insure/openseason This site contains brochures, premiums, comparison information and other helpful resources for all offered health plans. www.BENEFEDS.com Vision and Dental (FEDVIP) plan information and changes to enrollment; or you can call 1-877-888-3337, TTY 1-877-889-5680. www.FSAFEDS.com Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAFEDS) information and enrollment; or you can call 1-877-372-3337, TTY 1-800-952-0450 Employees can make open season enrollments, changes or cancellations through the Benefits and Entitlements Service Team (BEST) by using the Employee Benefits Information System (EBIS) web application via the Air Force Portal at https://w20.afpc.randolph.af.mil/AFPCSecurenet20 or the BEST automated phone system at 1-800-525-0102 (Press 2 for Air Force civilian, then 2 for BEST benefits and entitlements and follow the prompts). Program effective date for FEHB is the first day of the first full pay period that begins in January 2014 FEDVIP/FSAFEDS begins Jan. 1, 2014. The Dobbins Civilian Personnel Office has several different 2014 hard copy service benefit plans/brochures for your use. Please be advised, civilian personnel does not accept enrollment, change or cancellation forms for any health, dental or vision related programs. All transactions must be carried out using the BEST website, AFPC Secure, Air Force Portal or the provided contact numbers. For further information, please contact David Pritchard, Employee & Labor Relations at 678-655-5036.
