How do I change my health plan if I relocate outside the covered area at retirement or change my health plan during the open season before my retirement date at the end of the year?
You can only change or cancel your FEHB coverage during Open Season or if you experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). Open Season begins the 2nd week of November and ends the 2nd week of December each year. Employees that are retiring after Open Season closes but prior to the effective date of the new FEHB coverage must submit a SF-2809 form (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf2809.pdf) with their retirement package to their Retirement Specialist prior to the Open Season closing date. It will be processed by OPM and effective with all other Open Season elections. Retirement is not a Qualifying Life Event. QLE’s are listed on pages 6-8 of the SF-2809. If you feel that you have experienced or will be experiencing one of these events prior to retirement, please contact your Retirement Specialist. Any QLE that is experienced after retirement must be submitted to the Office of Personnel Management.
