For the first time in 12 years, the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) will be having an Open Season! During the entire month of September 2016, eligible Federal Employees can elect any FEGLI coverage OR change current elections. You do not have to be currently enrolled to elect coverage during this Open Season.
Making Elections During Open Season
Any elections made in the month of September 2016 will have a one year delayed effective date. This means that the elections you make in the September 2016 Open Season, will be effective on the first day of the first full pay period starting October 1, 2017. During this waiting period, you will not pay the new insurance premiums. Those will be effective when your coverage is effective.
If you are happy with your current FEGLI coverage, there is no need to re-elect your coverage. You do not need to take any action. However, if you want to add or increase any coverage, you must elect ALL the FEGLI coverage you want! Coverage that is not elected will be waived or cancelled. You may change your elections as many times as needed during this time, and all employees eligible for FEGLI coverage may participate.
Note: Annuitants are not eligible to make elections during Open Season. They are, however, allowed to cancel or reduce their FEGLI coverage at any time.
If you are receiving Workers’ Compensation benefits and are within the first 12 months of a non-pay status from a FEGLI eligible position, once you meet the pay and duty status, coverage will become effective. If that first 12 months has ended, you cannot elect coverage in the Open Season.
Open Season is a rare event and it is unknown when it will happen again. Take advantage of this opportunity now! For more information on eligibility and the FEGLI Open Season, visit https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/life-insurance/open-season/.