How to change FEHB after retirement?


Editorial team Published on

You can change your Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plan as a retiree online through the FEHB Open Season Online portal or by phone.

When Can You Change Your Plan?

  • Annual Open Season: Occurs each year from mid-November to mid-December. Changes made here take effect in January of the next year.
  • Qualifying Life Events (QLE): You can change plans or coverage levels (such as moving from Self Only to Self and Family) within 60 days of a major life event like marriage, the birth or adoption of a child, or moving out of your HMO's service area. Turning age 65 and becoming eligible for Medicare also allows you to change to a lower-cost option.

How to Change Your Plan Online

  1. Go to the FEHB Open Season Online portal.
  2. Sign in or register using Login.gov credentials.
  3. Enter your 8-digit CSA or CSF retirement claim number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  4. Select the link to change your plan and enter the 3-character enrollment code for your new choice.

How to Change Your Plan by Phone

  • Call OPM's Open Season Express or retirement infoline at 1-888-767-6738 (or 1-800-332-9798).
  • Be ready to provide your retirement claim number (CSA/CSF), Social Security number, and the enrollment code or name of the new plan.