OPM Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

As a federal employee, you have access to a range of benefits, one of which is the option to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is the agency responsible for administering this program, which provides health insurance to eligible workers and their families.

What is OPM Insurance?

OPM Insurance is the health insurance program offered to federal employees and retirees, as well as their eligible family members. The program provides access to a range of health plans that offer comprehensive coverage, including medical, dental, and vision benefits. The OPM negotiates with insurance providers to offer competitive rates and ensures that the plans meet certain standards of quality and value.

One of the benefits of enrolling in OPM Insurance is that you have access to a wider range of health plans than you might find in the private market. There are over 200 plans to choose from, including fee-for-service plans, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and preferred provider organizations (PPOs). This means that you can select a plan that best meets your individual needs and budget.

Types of Plans Available

Here are some of the types of plans available through OPM Insurance:

Plan Type
Description
Fee-for-Service
This type of plan allows you to choose any healthcare provider you want, but you generally have to pay higher premiums and deductibles.
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
With an HMO plan, you typically have to choose a primary care physician and stay within the plan’s network of providers. You often have lower out-of-pocket costs but less flexibility in choosing doctors and hospitals.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
A PPO plan also has a network of providers, but you can usually visit out-of-network healthcare providers for a higher cost. You typically have more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers.
Consumer-Driven Health Plan (CDHP)
A CDHP plan typically has lower premiums but higher deductibles. It may also offer a health savings account (HSA) that you can use to pay for healthcare expenses tax-free.

How to Enroll

If you’re a federal employee, you’re eligible to enroll in OPM Insurance during the annual Open Season, which typically runs from mid-November to mid-December. During this time, you can review the plans available and make changes to your coverage if needed. You can also enroll in the program if you become a new federal employee or experience a qualifying life event, such as getting married or having a baby.

To enroll in OPM Insurance, you’ll need to visit the OPM website and follow the instructions. You’ll need to provide information about yourself and your family members, and select the plan that best meets your needs.

Benefits of OPM Insurance

There are many benefits to enrolling in OPM Insurance, including:

Comprehensive Coverage

OPM Insurance plans offer comprehensive coverage, including medical, dental, and vision benefits. This means that you can get the care you need without having to worry about high out-of-pocket costs.

Wide Range of Plan Options

With over 200 plans to choose from, you can select the plan that best meets your individual needs and budget. This means that you can get the coverage you need without breaking the bank.

Competitive Rates

Because OPM negotiates with insurance providers on behalf of federal employees, the rates are often lower than what you might find in the private market. This means that you can get quality coverage at an affordable price.

Flexibility

With a wide range of plan options, you can select the plan that best meets your individual needs. You also have the flexibility to change your coverage during Open Season or if you experience a qualifying life event.

FAQ

Who is eligible for OPM Insurance?

Federal employees and retirees, as well as their eligible family members, are eligible to enroll in OPM Insurance.

When can I enroll in OPM Insurance?

You can enroll in OPM Insurance during the annual Open Season, which typically runs from mid-November to mid-December. You can also enroll if you become a new federal employee or experience a qualifying life event.

What types of plans are available through OPM Insurance?

OPM Insurance offers a range of plans, including fee-for-service, HMOs, PPOs, and CDHPs.

How do I enroll in OPM Insurance?

You can enroll in OPM Insurance by visiting the OPM website and following the instructions.

Can I change my coverage once I’ve enrolled?

You can change your coverage during Open Season or if you experience a qualifying life event.

OPM Insurance offers federal employees and their families comprehensive, affordable health insurance coverage. With a range of plan options and competitive rates, it’s a great choice for those looking for quality health insurance.