Washington, DC - The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has announced the average premium rate for the 8.2 million people covered by the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program will increase by 3.7 percent in 2014.  That percentage is only slightly higher than last year’s increase of 3.4 percent and less than the national average increase in 2013.  The average premium increase for the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) will be under one percent for dental coverage and average premiums for vision benefits will decrease by 1.3 percent.

“For the third year in a row, OPM has kept the average premium increases for the FEHB Program under 4 percent, continuing our commitment to provide federal employees, annuitants and their families with the best possible coverage options,” said OPM Acting Director Elaine Kaplan.  “The FEHB Program delivers competitive rates and benefits through an efficiently run program to attract and retain top-talent in the federal service.”

There are no significant benefit changes for 2014 and more plan choices:  256, up by over 10 percent from 2013.

On average, FEHB Program enrollees with self only coverage will pay $3.28 more per bi-weekly pay period, and enrollees with family coverage will pay $7.90 more.  Premiums for Health Maintenance Organizations will increase an average of 6.5 percent, while Fee-for-Service plans will see an average increase of 3.1 percent.

The 2013 Open Season for health, dental, and vision insurance and flexible spending accounts will be held from November 11, 2013 to December 9, 2013.  The annual Open Season gives federal employees and retirees the opportunity to review their health plan choices and make changes for the following year.  It also allows eligible employees to enroll for coverage.  FEHB Program enrollees should review the benefits and premiums for their health plan choices and decide what coverage will best fit their healthcare needs in the coming year. 

Established in 1960, the FEHB Program is the largest employer-sponsored health benefits program in the United States.  The government provides a weighted average contribution of 72 percent of premiums with a cap of no more than 75 percent of total premium cost.  Approximately 90 percent of all federal employees participate in the Program.

The OPM website provides a detailed breakdown on the FEHB Program premium rates and the FEDVIP rates.