The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has released the 2026 FEHB premiums for the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHB) and the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).
The total average increase for the enrollees’ share of the 2026 FEHB premiums for current non-postal federal employees and federal retirees will be 12.3% next year. In 2025, the overall average premium increase was 13.5%, it increased 7.7% in 2024, and it was 8.7% in 2023.
The total average increase for the 2026 FEHB premiums will be 10.2%. It was 11.2% in 2025, 5.8% in 2024 and 7.2% in 2023. The federal government pays for about 70% of the total cost of federal employees’ health insurance, so it’s still a valuable benefit for federal employees and retirees despite the steep annual premium increases.
For Postal workers and retirees, the total average increase in the enrollees’ share of premiums will be 11.3%. The total average increase will be 9%.
The full listing of FEHB premiums is available on OPM’s website.
In 2026, the FEHB Program will have 47 participating carriers offering a total of 132 plan options. The Postal Service Health Benefits Program (PSHB) will have 17 participating carriers offering a total of 75 plan options. FEDVIP will have 11 dental carriers offering 21 plan options and five vision carriers offering 10 plan options.
In August, OPM issued its annual carrier letter for the 2026 plan year in which it said that gender transition services will no longer be covered for any FEHB enrollees. The letter also required carriers to update their online provider directories “…to not list or otherwise recognize providers for the purpose of providing chemical and surgical modifications of an individual’s sex traits.”
According to OPM, the cost increases are primarily driven by the size and scope of the government’s health insurance program, namely the average ages of active enrollees and the resulting healthcare-related expenditures for drugs and medical services.
OPM’s Associate Director for Healthcare and Insurance Shane Stevens said in a blog post that 8.2 million individuals use the insurance benefits programs. He noted that the average age of active enrollees is 47, with retirees increasing the average to 60, and an older enrollee population results in higher healthcare expenditures due to chronic conditions and increased pharmaceutical usage.
Stevens wrote:
…we recognize that increasing health care expenses at this clip is not a sustainable path. As we assess the overall health vs. expense equation across the US, we find an alarming trend. Per capita health care spend is higher than our peer nations, our life expectancy has dropped further and we see rising rates of treatable and preventable mortality. In short, something is NOT working. As a result, we are very excited about a number of things OPM is working on to increase the quality of care, improve health outcomes, and reduce overall expenses.
He went on to state that the government aims to reduce healthcare costs by addressing waste, fraud, and abuse, particularly in pharmaceutical spending. This includes supporting efforts to lower drug costs and promoting a shift towards preventive healthcare, focusing on healthy behaviors to improve overall well-being and reduce expenses.
“None of these initiatives, of course, will happen overnight – turning a $79 billion ship takes slow and steady progress. But, we are committed to improving the quality of life and quality of care for our members while also ensuring that healthcare remains accessible and affordable for those who work (or have worked) for the American people,” wrote Stevens.
Historical Average FEHB Premium Increases
The table below shows the total average annual FEHB premium increases since 2009.
| Year | Total |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 10.2% |
| 2025 | 11.2% |
| 2024 | 5.8% |
| 2023 | 7.2% |
| 2022 | 2.4% |
| 2021 | 3.6% |
| 2020 | 4.0% |
| 2019 | 1.3% |
| 2018 | 4.0% |
| 2017 | 4.4% |
| 2016 | 6.4% |
| 2015 | 3.2% |
| 2014 | 3.7% |
| 2013 | 3.4% |
| 2012 | 3.8% |
| 2011 | 7.2% |
| 2010 | 8.8% |
| 2009 | 8.0% |
| Average | 5.5% |
When is the Federal Benefits Open Season?
The Federal Benefits Open Season will be held from November 10 through December 8, 2025. During this time, federal employees, annuitants, and other eligible individuals have the opportunity to review their FEHB and FEDVIP plan options, make changes, and enroll for the upcoming benefit year that begins January 1, 2026.
