2026 FEHB and PSHB Plans: Updates on Availability and Premiums
Recent updates were released by the Office of Personnel Management regarding the 2026 Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) and Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) plans. Key changes involve an increase in premium contributions and a revised lineup of available health plans for federal employees and annuitants.
2026 FEHB Premium Changes
In 2026, the average enrollee premium contribution for the FEHB program will rise by 12.3%. This increase, while substantial, is a slight improvement from the 2025 increase of 13.5%. The primary factors contributing to this rise include an aging workforce and a surge in chronic health conditions, as well as a higher demand for specific prescription medications.
Notably, the impact of these changes will not be uniform across all plans. Among the 129 FEHB plans available, 23 plans will see a decrease in self-only premiums, while 57 plans will increase below the average and 49 plans will rise above the average. Key changes include:
- The largest decrease of 18% is seen in Kaiser Permanente High (F81) in Georgia, resulting in savings of approximately $727 for enrollees.
- The Panama Canal Benefit Plan (431) will have a staggering premium increase of 139%, leading to an additional cost of $4,622.
- UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Primary (WF1) in Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington will see a 99% increase, raising costs by about $2,330.
Available FEHB Plans
In 2026, federal employees and annuitants will have 14 fewer plans to choose from. This reduction is primarily due to local carriers exiting the market, including the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), which is discontinuing its two FEHB offerings. However, they will continue to provide PSHB plans.
Those currently enrolled in plans being discontinued will need to choose new options during the Open Season. If no action is taken, individuals will automatically be enrolled in the GEHA Elevate plan. The following plans are affected:
- NALC High (321, 322, 323) and CDHP (324, 325, 326)
- Aetna Open Access High (2U1, 2U2, 2U3, WQ1, WQ2, WQ3, YE1, YE2, YE3)
- AvMed HDHP (WZ1, WZ2, WZ3) and Standard (ML4, ML5, ML6)
- Blue Care Network of Michigan High (K51, K52, K53)
- Independent Health High (QA1, QA2, QA3)
- Priority Health High (LE1, LE2, LE3) and Standard (LE4, LE5, LE6)
- Sentara Health HDHP (PG4, PG5, PG6) and High (F21, F22, F23, PG1, PG2, PG3)
- Triple S Salud High (851, 852, 853)
2026 PSHB Premium Changes
The enrollee premium contribution for PSHB plans will see a more modest average increase of 11.3%. The impact varies significantly among the 75 PSHB plans:
- UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Primary East will decrease by 30.37%, saving enrollees $891.
- Medical Mutual of Ohio Standard will increase by 56.42%, adding $4,175 to costs.
Available PSHB Plans
Like the FEHB, the PSHB will also see a reduction in options, with two plans being discontinued: GEHA Elevate and GEHA Elevate Plus. Affected individuals will be notified and must select a new PSHB plan during the Open Season. If no action is taken, they will be enrolled in the BCBS FEP Blue Focus plan.
Conclusion
The 2026 Open Season presents a critical opportunity for federal employees and annuitants to assess their health coverage options. With ongoing premium increases, reviewing your specific plan changes is essential to ensure that your health care needs are adequately met. This year’s changes exemplify the importance of staying informed and proactive in health plan selection.
