Last Updated: November 4, 2026 Reading Time: 6 min

Aetna Direct is a plan MHBP and Foreign Service Benefit Plan enrollees can price this Open Season, and its premium is lower. Self and Family premiums run $3,895.84 a year below FSBP and $4,367.22 below MHBP Standard. That is premium only, before any care, and the plan's deductible is much higher.

Aetna Direct vs MHBP Standard vs FSBP in 2027

2027, in network Aetna Direct MHBP Standard FSBP
Biweekly, Self Only $92.31 $153.11 $143.75
Biweekly, Self Plus One $202.46 $442.77 $429.35
Biweekly, Self and Family $232.81 $400.78 $382.65
Deductible $2,000 / $4,000, with a $2,000 individual limit $500 / $1,000 $300 per person, $600 enrollment maximum
Out-of-pocket cap $8,000 / $16,000 $8,000 / $16,000 $6,000 / $12,000
Office visit 20% of the allowance after the fund and deductible $35 or $50 copay 10% after its deductible

Premiums are the employee share. Aetna Direct's enrollment codes are N61 (Self Only), N63 (Self Plus One) and N62 (Self and Family).

Aetna Direct's enrollee share rises about 12%, against 63% to 105% for MHBP Standard and 43% to 66% for FSBP. In 2026 the same employee paid $82.39, $180.70 or $207.79 biweekly. Our posts on the MHBP changes and the FSBP increase cover those plans in full.

How the Aetna Direct Fund and Deductible Work

The plan funds $900 (Self Only) or $1,800 (two or more) a year, spent first and paid at 100%. Once the fund is gone, the deductible is $2,000 for Self Only and $4,000 for two or more, in or out of network, for care other than preventive care.

The fund comes first, but it doesn't shrink the deductible: after $1,800 of fund money, a family's deductible is still $2,000 per person, up to $4,000 for the enrollment. A family with no rollover whose $5,800 of covered, deductible-subject care spreads so the full family deductible applies would use up both before coinsurance starts. Once one person meets $2,000, the plan begins to cover that person's eligible care.

Unused fund money rolls over up to $5,000 or $10,000, but you lose it if you leave the plan.

Against FSBP or MHBP Standard, Self and Family saves $3,895.84 to $4,367.22 a year in premium, and a $4,000 deductible can use up that saving. A family with little care keeps it and builds the fund.

Aetna's deductible waiver is for members with Medicare A and B as primary. Active employees whose plan pays first don't get it.

Who Can Get Aetna Direct

Aetna Direct is sold in all 50 states and D.C., but only in listed areas. Some states are covered in part, so check your county or ZIP code. Outside the service area, Aetna Direct says you can use out-of-network care or enroll in another plan. Overseas enrollees should confirm how routine care is paid.

Aetna markets Aetna Direct to retirees. OPM lists biweekly employee rates for Aetna Direct, and we found no retiree-only limit in the brochure sections we read. Confirm with Aetna before enrolling.

None of the three accepts Postal Service employees or Postal Service annuitants, except those currently on TCC.

What to Check Before You Leave MHBP or FSBP

  1. Your doctors. MHBP Standard uses the Aetna Choice POS II network in most states; Utah has its own network choice. FSBP uses the Aetna Choice POS II network in the U.S. and pays in-network levels outside the 50 states. We couldn't confirm that Aetna Direct's network matches, so check every doctor in Aetna's Aetna Direct provider search.
  2. Your drugs. Check your drugs in the 2027 formulary before you switch. Drug rules differ across the three plans.
  3. Your way back, if you're in FSBP. FSBP is limited to Foreign Service personnel and certain direct hires at listed organizations. There are no dues. Direct hires must enroll in FSBP while working to keep or choose it in retirement. Anyone leaving FSBP near retirement should confirm the way back first.
  4. Your county. Confirm Aetna Direct covers your ZIP code before you count on it.

If You Do Nothing on MHBP Value

If you're in MHBP Value and don't pick a plan, you move to MHBP Standard. You do not move to Aetna Direct or any other carrier. Retirees in MHBP Value or Consumer follow the same rule and move to MHBP Standard.

In 2026 MHBP Value cost $67.80 to $163.85 biweekly and Consumer $95.99 to $223.04, so a default move is a large jump. Our MHBP post has the numbers.

Open Season runs November 9 through December 14, 2026. Compare Aetna Direct and MHBP Standard in our FEHB plan comparison tool. FSBP is not included, so use its brochure and OPM's comparison tool alongside it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aetna Direct only for retirees?

Aetna markets Aetna Direct to retirees. OPM lists biweekly employee rates for Aetna Direct, and we found no retiree-only limit in the brochure sections we read. Confirm with Aetna before enrolling.

Does the Aetna Direct fund reduce the deductible?

No. The fund comes first, but it doesn't shrink the deductible: after $1,800 of fund money, a family's deductible is still $2,000 per person, up to $4,000 for the enrollment.

Is Aetna Direct available everywhere?

Aetna Direct is sold in all 50 states and D.C., but only in listed areas. Some states are covered in part, so check your county or ZIP code.

Will I be moved to Aetna Direct if my MHBP plan ends?

No. If you're in MHBP Value and don't pick a plan, you move to MHBP Standard. You do not move to Aetna Direct or any other carrier.

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