Update on 2026 FEHB and PSHB Plans and Premiums Now Available
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recently announced updates regarding the 2026 Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) and the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) plans. These updates highlight significant changes in premiums and the availability of plans for federal employees and retirees.
2026 FEHB Premium Contributions
In 2026, the average enrollee premium contribution for federal employees will increase by 12.3%. This rise is an improvement from the 13.5% increase seen in 2025. Key factors influencing this decision include:
- Aging federal workforce
- Increase in chronic health conditions
- Higher demand for prescription medications, especially GLP-1 drugs for weight loss
From the 129 FEHB plans available, changes to self-only premiums will vary as follows:
- 23 plans will see a decrease.
- 57 plans will experience below-average increases.
- 49 plans will have increases above the average.
Notable Premium Changes
The most significant reduction comes from the Kaiser Permanente High (F81) plan in Georgia, which will lower premiums by 18%, saving enrollees approximately $727. Conversely, the Panama Canal Benefit Plan (431) will see a staggering 139% increase, adding $4,622 to the cost for enrollees. Another notable increase is the UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Primary (WF1), with a 99% rise, costing enrollees an additional $2,330.
Changes to Available FEHB Plans
Next year, federal employees and retirees will have 14 fewer plans to select from. Most discontinued plans are local. However, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will also withdraw its two nationwide plans, while still offering PSHB options for postal employees. The affected FEHB plans include:
- NALC: High (321, 322, 323), CDHP (324, 325, 326)
- Aetna: Open Access High (several codes)
- AvMed: Standard and HDHP plans
- Priority Health: Multiple tiers of plans
- Sentara Health: Multiple plans
If you are enrolled in one of these plans, you must select a new one during the Open Season. Failing to do so will lead to auto-enrollment in the lowest-cost nationwide PPO plan, GEHA Elevate.
New Plans for 2026
Two new plans will be introduced: Kaiser’s Prosper plan in Fresno, California, and Baylor Scott and White’s Value plan in Texas.
2026 PSHB Premium Increases
Similar to the FEHB, the average enrollee premium contribution for PSHB plans will rise by 11.3% in 2026. Changes in self-only premiums within the 75 PSHB plans will include:
- 13 plans with a decrease.
- 1 plan remaining unchanged.
- 35 plans with below-average increases.
- 26 plans with above-average increases.
Key Examples of Changes in PSHB Premiums
For instance, UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Primary East’s premium (JYA) will decrease by 30.37%, allowing a saving of $891, while Medical Mutual of Ohio Standard (D3D) will increase by 56.42%, equating to an additional $4,175.
Plans Discontinued in the PSHB Program
Two PSHB plans will be discontinued: GEHA Elevate (58D, 58E, 58F) and GEHA Elevate Plus (58A, 58B, 58C). Affected enrollees will receive notification and must choose a new plan during Open Season. If no action is taken, you will be automatically enrolled in BCBS FEP Blue Focus, the lowest-cost option.
Conclusion
The upcoming year marks a continued trend of double-digit premium increases in both the FEHB and PSHB programs. Although most plans will see price hikes, some will decrease. It is crucial for enrollees to review their plans, especially if their current plan is being discontinued. This Open Season is vital for ensuring appropriate coverage and cost-effectiveness.
