FEHB in 2027: What’s Changing and How to Manage Costs
By Larry Zemlak • Updated Oct 23, 2026 • Reviewed by editorial
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Federal employees and retirees could pay more for health insurance in 2027. The average enrollee share of FEHB premiums is rising by 10.9%, but the change varies by plan. Some premiums will remain steady or fall, while others will increase substantially.
Open Season runs from November 9 through December 14, 2026. Before renewing your coverage, check OPM’s official premium charts and review whether your plan still fits your health needs and budget.
Check Benefits, Not Just Premiums
Your premium is only part of your health care spending. A plan can also increase deductibles, prescription charges, hospital costs and the maximum amount you pay out of pocket.
For 2027, MHBP Standard is increasing several member costs and replacing certain fixed hospital and emergency-care copays with coinsurance, a percentage of the covered charge. BCBS Basic and Standard are also increasing some charges.
Read Section 2, “Changes for 2027,” in your plan brochure. You can begin your review through OPM’s Open Season resources.
Make Sure Your Plan Is Still Available
FEHB will offer fewer plan options in 2027, and some existing plans are leaving, merging or changing service areas.
Members of MHBP Value and Consumer Option, for example, will move into MHBP Standard unless they select another option. An automatic transfer may keep coverage in place, but it does not mean the replacement is the best choice for your family.
Review notices from your carrier and confirm that your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions will remain covered.
Consider an HSA-Eligible Plan
A qualifying high-deductible health plan may offer lower premiums and access to a Health Savings Account (HSA). Some FEHB plans also contribute money to the account.
The IRS’ 2027 HSA contribution limits are:
| Coverage type | Annual limit |
|---|---|
| Self-only | $4,500 |
| Family, including eligible self-plus-one coverage | $9,000 |
These limits include both your contributions and money contributed by the plan. Compare potential premium savings with the deductible and other out-of-pocket expenses before switching.
Use FSAFEDS for Expected Expenses
Eligible active federal employees can use FSAFEDS to pay qualified health care expenses with pretax money. Covered expenses can include copays, prescriptions, dental treatment and vision care.
A new FSAFEDS Visa FSA Card will be available for eligible health care and limited-expense accounts in 2027, making it easier to pay qualifying expenses directly.
Choose your contribution carefully. Unused funds above the allowed carryover may be forfeited. If you contribute to an HSA, check compatibility before enrolling in an FSA; a general-purpose health FSA can affect HSA eligibility.
Compare Your Total Yearly Costs
Before Open Season ends, review:
Premiums for the full year.
Deductibles, copays and coinsurance.
Prescription coverage.
Provider networks.
Maximum out-of-pocket costs.
Available HSA or FSA benefits.
A lower premium is helpful only if the coverage works for you. Comparing the full cost of care can help you avoid choosing a cheaper-looking plan that becomes more expensive when you need treatment.
