NEW for 2016
 FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS (FEHB) FastFacts

The New Self Plus One Enrollment Type
 

Why does the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) 

Program have a new Self Plus One enrollment type? 

Section 706 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 amends section 

8905 of title 5, United States Code, to add a Self Plus One enrollment 

type to the existing FEHB Program’s Self Only and Self and Family 

enrollment types. 

When will the new Self Plus One enrollment type 

be implemented? 

The implementation date for the new Self Plus One enrollment type 

will be January 1, 2016. 

Who will the Self Plus One enrollment type cover? 

The Self Plus One enrollment type will cover the enrollee and one 

eligible family member designated by the enrollee. 

When can I enroll or change my FEHB enrollment to

Self Plus One? 

You can enroll in FEHB or change your FEHB enrollment during the 

2015 Open Season; or when you experience an FEHB-specific 

Qualifying Life Event (QLE) beginning in 2016. 

When is the 2015 Open Season? 

The 2015 Open Season will run from November 9, 2015 to December 

14, 2015 and will include the Self Plus One enrollment type. 

What is the effective date of a 2015 Open Season 

Self Plus One enrollment or enrollment change? 

Generally, coverage begins on the first day of the first full pay period 

in 2016. 

How do I enroll or change my FEHB enrollment to 

Self Plus One? 

Contact your employing/Human Resources office for assistance. 

Some agencies use the Health Benefits Election Form (SF 2809), 

while others use an online self-service system such as Employee 

Express, MyPay, Employee Personal Page, or EBIS. 

How much will I pay? 

You can find the premiums at www.opm.gov/healthcareinsurance/healthcare/plan-information/premiums. What you pay is 

based on the plan and option you choose. Generally, premiums are 

shared by you and your Federal agency. You are encouraged to take 

a close look at the health plan premiums for Self Plus One before 

making an enrollment decision. For many enrollees, there will be a 

cost savings but this may not be true for everyone. 

Can I pay my Self Plus One premiums pre-tax? 

Paying premiums pre-tax (known as premium conversion) allows 

Federal employees to use pre-tax dollars to pay their FEHB 

premiums. All employees who enroll in the FEHB Program 

automatically receive premium conversion tax benefits, unless they 

waive participation. Federal retirees are not eligible to pay premiums 

with pre-tax dollars. 

Am I required to enroll in Self Plus One if I have only

one eligible family member? 

No, enrollees are free to elect any of the enrollment types available 

regardless of how many eligible family members they have. 

Who is an eligible family member that can be covered

under a Self Plus One enrollment? 

!	 your spouse (including a valid common law marriage) 

!	 your child under age 26 including 

!	 Recognized natural child 

!	 Legally adopted child 

!	 Stepchild (including child of same-sex domestic partners in 

certain states) www.opm.gov/healthcareinsurance/healthcare/eligibility/#url=Dependents 

!	 A child age 26 or over who is incapable of self-support 

because of a mental or physical disability that existed 

before age 26 www.opm.gov/healthcareinsurance/healthcare/reference-materials/reference/familymembers/ 

!	 Foster child who meets certain requirements with your 

signed certification www.opm.gov/healthcareinsurance/healthcare/reference-materials/reference/familymembers/#FosterChildren 

For complete details on family member eligibility, visit 

www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/referencematerials/reference/family-members 

Where can I go for more details or additional information? 

!	 FEHB plan brochures 

!	 FEHB website 

!	 www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/special-initiatives/selfplus-one/ 

Where do I go for additional information or if I 

have questions? 

Please contact your employing/Human Resources office or your 

agency’s benefits officer http://apps.opm.gov/abo/ or visit 

www.opm.gov/selfplusone.