What Is the OPM Open Season for Life Insurance?
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Open Season is a twice‑yearly enrollment window that allows federal employees, retirees, and their families to review, change, or add life‑insurance coverage under the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program. During this period, participants can adjust basic and optional coverage, add beneficiaries, or switch between coverage levels without waiting for a qualifying life event.
- What Is the OPM Open Season for Life Insurance?
- Who Is Eligible to Participate?
- Key Dates and Deadlines
- How to Enroll or Change Coverage
- Cost Considerations and Premiums
- Typical Premium Ranges (2024)
- Benefits of Adjusting Coverage During Open Season
- Common Questions and Clarifications
- Step‑by‑Step Checklist for the Upcoming Open Season
More from this site
Keep reading the latest coverage
Who Is Eligible to Participate?
Eligibility is limited to individuals who are covered under FEGLI, which includes:
- Current federal employees (civilian and uniformed)
- Federal retirees and annuitants
- Surviving spouses of deceased federal employees
- Family members who are covered as dependents
New hires automatically receive basic coverage, but they must wait 60 days before they can make changes during an Open Season.
Key Dates and Deadlines
OPM typically opens two enrollment periods each year. The exact dates can shift, but the pattern is:
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| January 1‑15 | First Open Season | Allows employees to adjust coverage after the previous year's changes |
| July 1‑15 | Second Open Season | Mid‑year opportunity to respond to life‑change events or financial planning needs |
All changes must be submitted by the closing date; otherwise, the existing coverage remains in effect until the next season.
How to Enroll or Change Coverage
Participants use the online FEGLI portal or submit a paper Form FAF‑110. The steps are:
Paper forms must be mailed to the address on the form and received by the deadline.
Cost Considerations and Premiums
FEGLI premiums are shared between the employee and the government. Basic coverage is free for most employees; optional coverage is employee‑paid. Premium rates are published annually by OPM and are based on age, coverage amount, and the selected options.
Typical Premium Ranges (2024)
- Option A (AD&D): $0.25‑$0.60 per $1,000 of coverage per month
- Option B (Additional Basic): $0.30‑$0.70 per $1,000 per month
- Option C (Supplemental): $0.35‑$0.80 per $1,000 per month
Exact rates vary; consult the OPM premium table for your age group.
Benefits of Adjusting Coverage During Open Season
Changing coverage at this time can:
- Align life‑insurance protection with current financial obligations (mortgage, dependents, etc.).
- Take advantage of lower premiums for younger employees.
- Address life events such as marriage, birth, or divorce without waiting for a special enrollment period.
Because FEGLI is portable, coverage can continue after retirement, though premiums shift to employee‑only payment.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Can I add coverage outside of Open Season? Only after a qualifying life event (marriage, birth, death, or change in employment status) or when you become eligible for the first time.
What happens if I miss the deadline? Your existing coverage stays unchanged until the next Open Season, potentially leaving gaps if your needs have shifted.
Is FEGLI the only life‑insurance option for federal workers? No. Employees may also purchase private policies, but FEGLI offers guaranteed issue rates and can be more affordable for basic protection.
Step‑by‑Step Checklist for the Upcoming Open Season
Use this list to ensure a smooth enrollment:
- Mark the Open Season dates on your calendar.
- Gather current policy statements and beneficiary information.
- Calculate needed coverage based on debts, dependents, and future goals.
- Log in to the FEGLI portal at least a week before the deadline.
- Complete and submit changes, then save confirmation numbers.