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My Coast Guard
Commentary | Dec. 5, 2024

Last Chance: Healthcare Open Enrollment Season ends Dec. 9

By Kathy Murray, Senior Writer, MyCG

Federal Benefits Open Season ends Dec. 9. So, if you haven’t yet made decisions about your health, dental, vision, or flexible spending accounts, the clock is ticking. 

Whether you are active duty with TRICARE or a civilian with Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB), your ability to alter your plans will end at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 9, 2024. 

If you opt not to change anything, your current enrollment in FEHB, TRICARE and Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) will continue; but there could be changes to premiums and/or coverage so be sure to you check the 2025 plan brochures.  

And don’t forget: Federal Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAFEDS) must be renewed each year you are participating.   

Here’s a quick rundown of links to help you: 

Healthcare 

TRICARE

Military members and their families currently enrolled in, or eligible for a TRICARE Prime option, including a United States Family Health Plan (USFHP), or TRICARE Select have until Dec. 9 to make any changes. If you aren't currently enrolled and would like to enroll a TRICARE plan, you can visit the eligibility page to learn more. You can also enroll online through milConnect or by contacting your regional contractor or designated provider at the following numbers:  

Check the TRICARE Plan Finder tool to see which plans you may be eligible to enroll in. Remember if you are not already in a plan and you do not enroll during open season, you will only be eligible for care at clinics depending on space. Review TRICARE’s website for more information.   

Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) 

FEHB provides coverage for civilians and their families. Check out OPM’s Plan Search Tool to find and compare all the plans that are available. You can find detailed information on specific plans and links to plan brochures and websites at FEHB Plan Information for 2025.  

To enroll in an FEHB plan or to make changes to your FEHB enrollment during the open season, you must use My EPP. Select Health Insurance from the menu, then the Self-Service button.   

Enrollments and changes made during open season will become effective in mid-January 2025. 

Dental and Vision care  

Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)  

Civilians, active duty, retired members (both active or reserve) and their families, may opt for supplemental dental and vision care through FEDVIP. You can compare vision and dental plans with the FEDVIP tool on the BENEFEDS site. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) also has an Open Season site to help people learn about the programs.   

To enroll, change, or cancel your enrollment in a FEDVIP plan, visit the BENEFEDS website or call (877) 888-3337. The FEDVIP plans will send confirmation of open season enrollments to enrollees by mid-January.  

Federal Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAFEDS)  

FSAFEDS can help you save money by allowing you to set aside pre-tax funds to pay for eligible out-of-pocket dependent-care and healthcare expenses. 

  • The Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) reimburses non-medical expenses associated with childcare or adult day care. The maximum limit is $5,000.   
  • The Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) reimburses eligible health care expenses. The maximum limit is $3,300.   
  • Employees covered by a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA) may enroll in a Limited Expense HCFSA (LEX HCFSA) for their eligible dental and vision expenses. The maximum limit is $3,300.  

You must re-enroll annually to continue to participate. Here is a calculator to help you determine how much money to set aside for 2025.   

To enroll during open season, log in to your online account, click Enrollment, and follow the step-by-step instructions, or call 1-877-372-3337. FSA elections will be effective on January 1, 2025. If you already have an FSA account, it will NOT continue automatically.   

For more information on the FSAFEDS Program, visit FSAFEDS. If you have questions about your FSA eligibility, contact your Servicing HR Specialist or Retirement and Benefits Specialist

-USCG- 

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