Monday, November 14, 2011 through Monday, December 12, 2011

This is the time of year to ensure that you have the right health, dental or vision insurance coverage for you and your family. It is also time to consider the money you can save on your out-of-pocket medical and dependent care expenses for 2012.

Nowis the time to make elections you usually cannot make during any other time of the year, absent a qualifying life event. All health or dental or vision plans are not alike. Open Season is about exercising your right of choice. Failure to consider your health plan choices could leave you without the healthcare services or supplies you need or with a premium that you cannot afford. Dental and/or vision coverage can also serve to fill in coverage gaps typically found in medical insurance policies. Flexible spending accounts can also help you to save money on healthcare and/or dependent care expenses.

The Programs that participate in the annual Open Season are the:

• Health Insurance: Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program

• Dental and Vision Insurance: Federal EmployeesDental and Vision Program (FEDVIP) - Dental Benefits

• Flexible Spending Accounts: Flexible Spending Accounts for Federal Employees(FSAFEDS)

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act, (ACA), Public Law 111-148. Several provisions of the ACA will affect eligibility and benefits under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS) beginning January 1, 2011. ReadaboutACA and Health Reform at:

• Health Reform Website

• Health Reform Briefing

• FastFacts - Health Care Reform Extends FEHB to Children Under 26

• FAQs - Changes to Eligibility Due to Health Reform

For assistance with making Open Season changes and elections, see Servicing Human Resources Office Contacts.

Please visit the Office of Personnel Management Federal Benefits Open Season Web page http://www.opm.gov/insure/openseason for additional information and answers to the following questions:

• Why is Open Season important to me?

• Has anything changed with my plan?

• What happens if I do nothing during Open Season?

• How much do these Programs cost?

• How do I enroll during Open Season?

• Where can I get details on the choices available to me?

• What can help me make decisions during this Open Season?