Health Insurance Premiums Increasing in 2015

Federal employees covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program will see an overall average increase of 3.2% in their premiums next year.

Federal employees covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program will see an overall average increase of 3.2% in their premiums next year according to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). OPM notes that this is the fourth year in a row that the average premium increase has been under 4%.

In 2015, there will be 257 health plans, with 11 of them available nationwide. Premiums for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program Standard Option­–the most popular choice for federal workers and retirees—are increasing by 3%. Standard and basic option premiums under this plan will be as follows:

Standard Option and Basic Option Premiums in 2015

Standard Option:

  • Self Only biweekly premiums will be $91.03
  • Self and Family biweekly premiums will be $213.31

Basic Option:

  • Self Only biweekly premiums will be $63.40
  • Self and Family biweekly premiums will be $148.46

All changes will take effect on January 1, 2015.

This fall’s Open Season for health, dental and vision insurance, as well as for the flexible spending accounts, will be from November 10 to December 8. During that time, employees and retirees will have the chance to review their current plans and make any changes they desire for the following year. Eligible employees who are not currently a part of FEHB may also enroll for the first time.

About the Author

Ian Smith is one of the co-founders of FedSmith.com. He has over 20 years of combined experience in media and government services, having worked at two government contracting firms and an online news and web development company prior to his current role at FedSmith.