| FEHB Open Season
|
This year's annual Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Open Season will take place November 12 through December 10, 2001, during which you may make changes to your health benefits coverage. FEHB Open Season information, which includes a list of available health plans, will be mailed to employees' home addresses in early November 2001. Copies of all individual plan brochures will be available through Employee Express and, beginning November 12, you may request up to 15 plan brochures at a time without the use of your PIN.Most Customs employees enrolled in FEHB began using pre-tax dollars late last year to pay their health insurance premiums. Enrollment in the "Premium Conversion Program" was automatic unless you waived participation. During this year's open season, in addition to the option to change your health plan, you may decide to waive premium conversion or enroll in it if previously waived. To change your status, you should contact your local administrative staff for additional information and a Premium Conversion Waiver/Election Form. What is Employee Express?
Employee Express is an automated system that puts you in control of processing your own health benefits, along with other discretionary personnel and payroll actions. Use of Employee Express is mandatory to make changes during the FEHB Open Season.Each new employee receives a PIN by mail from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). You can access Employee Express by calling (800) 827-6290, (478) 757-3085, or TDD (478) 757-3117; or by visiting OPM's Employee Express. If you need a replacement PIN, call the OPM Help Desk at (478) 757-3030. You'll receive your new PIN in about 1 week. What information will I need before calling Employee Express to make FEHB changes?
In preparation for making a change, you will need your:- Employee Express PIN;
- Social Security Number (SSN); and
- Name of health plan and enrollment code.
For family coverage, you will need to provide the following information for each family member:- Full names, complete permanent home address, date of birth, gender;
- Relationship codes; (1) spouse; (2) unmarried dependent child under 22 (including an adopted child); (3) step child, foster child, or child born out of wedlock; (4) unmarried disabled child over age 22;
- SSNs (if not available, leave blank; coverage will not be withheld); and
- Name(s) of other health plans that cover you and your family.
When will the FEHB Open Season changes become effective?
All Open Season FEHB changes will become effective on January 13, 2002.Where can I get additional information about the FEHB Open Season?
Visit Customs Intranet Web site; or OPM's Web site; or contact the HRM Employee Services Division at (202) 927-3900. |
|
