It’s Open Season — the time of year when employees can sign up for benefit programs, change enrollments, or cancel their participation.FEHB and FEDVIP plans have changed significantly. Employees are asked to note that even if they keep the same FEHB plans and coverage automatically continues, their premiums may change.
Employees with FEHB plans that are no longer offered must select a new plan or their health insurance coverage will end. Affected employees received a letter from the plan and from the Postal Service. Employees whose plan’s service area has changed also were notified.
FSA — which can save money on taxes for eligible out-of-pocket health care and dependent care expenses — also has changed. The Health Care FSA has added restrictions on coverage for over-the-counter drugs and medicines. Also, children who are not dependents on your taxes may now be covered under your Health Care FSA until December 31 of the year before they turn age 27. Employees who want an FSA for 2011 need to re-enroll as FSA coverage does not continue from year to year.
You can make FEHB and FSA selections by accessing PostalEASE via the telephone, the PostalEASE website from kiosks in some facilities or the Blue page. You’ll need your Employee Identification Number (EIN) and your USPS Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access the website. If you have any problems using this online system or have questions, contact the Human Resources Shared Service Center (HRSSC) at 1-877-477-3273. To reach HRSSC using TTY, call 1-866-260-7507.
For FEDVIP elections, go to http://www.benefeds.com/ or call the Customer Service Center at 1-877-888-FEDS (1-877-888-3337). Using TTY, call 1-877-889-5680. The center is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 7 pm EST.
Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Now through 12/14/2010 at 5:00 PM CST
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Now through 12/26/2010 at 5:00 PM CST
Federal Employees Dental/Vision Program (FEDVIP) Now through 12/13/2010 at 11:59 PM EST
Annual Leave Exchange (ALE) Now through 12/15/2010 at 11:59 PM CST
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