CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Beginning this year, the Office of Personnel Management is changing the focus and name of the annual Federal Employees Health Benefits Program Open Season to a more inclusive Federal Benefits Open Season.
Because of the recent addition of two benefit programs, the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program and the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program, Open Season isn't just for FEHB anymore. People will need to make decisions during Open Season not only for FEHB, but also for FEDVIP and FSAFEDS.
Representatives from various health plans are available to answer questions.
Employees will have until Dec. 10 to submit their elections to enroll (or make changes) electronically through the automated system. The automated system consists of the Web-based Employee Benefits Information System and an automated phone system, which is also called the "BEST" phone system.
EBIS is a secure Web site that can be reached by logging on to the Air Force Portal at www.my.af.mil or the Air Force Personnel Center Secure Web site at wwa.afpc.randolph.af.mil/afpcsecure/default.asp.
You can contact BEST by calling toll free 1-800-616-3775. Press 2 for Air Force-serviced civilian employees, then two again for BEST benefits and entitlements, and follow the prompts.
It's also recommended that members visit the OPM Web site at www.opm.gov/insure to review the revised guide that includes information about the three benefit programs: FEDVIP, FSAFEDS and FEHB. OPM no longer prints or distributes these guides.