The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has announced that, for 2016, a new Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program enrollment type will be available for the first time:  Self Plus One.  Self Plus One allows you to cover yourself and one eligible family member, either a spouse or a dependent, whom you designate.

All FEHB plans will be required to offer a Self Only, a Self Plus One, and a Self and Family enrollment type for 2016.  Employees and annuitants will be able to select a Self Plus One enrollment during this year’s Open Season, from November 9 through December 14, 2015.

A Self Plus One enrollment could make sense for you if:

· You currently cover only yourself and your spouse

· You currently cover only yourself and one child

· Both you and your spouse are covered under separate Self Only enrollments

If you choose a Self Plus One enrollment during Open Season, your enrollment change will be effective on the first day of the first full pay period in January 2016.  The earliest available effective date for a Self Plus One enrollment is January 1, 2016.

After Open Season, you may change your enrollment to Self Plus One upon experiencing a Qualifying Life Event (QLE).  Generally your enrollment change will be effective on the first day of the first pay period following the one in which you make a change.

Family members who are eligible to be covered under a Self Plus One enrollment are determined in the same manner as for a Self and Family enrollment.  Enrollees need to determine their needs for eligible family members and decide which enrollment type is best for them.

You will not be automatically enrolled in Self Plus One, regardless of your family status.  You must take action to select Self Plus One and designate your eligible family member if you want that enrollment type for 2016.

Rates for Self Plus One enrollments will be announced by OPM in mid-October, before the start of Open Season, along with all other 2016 rates.  If you have questions or would like additional information about Self Plus One, visit OPM’s Self Plus One web page at www.OPM.gov/SelfPlusOne.