2026 FEHB Premium Analysis: Winners, Losers, and What to Know
FEHB premiums increased 12.3% average for 2026. See which plans increased, decreased, and what federal employees need to know about their health coverage.
Federal employee health insurance premiums jumped again for 2026. The average enrollee share increased 12.3%, the second consecutive year of double-digit hikes.
But averages hide the real story. Some plans dropped 18% while others jumped 139%. The difference between a good choice and auto-renewal could be hundreds of dollars.
Here's what 2026 FEHB costs actually look like.
Key Takeaways
- 12.3% average enrollee premium increase for 2026, with 10.2% total premium growth
- 23 plans had premium decreases, while some jumped over 100%
- 8 plans discontinued, auto-enrolling affected members into GEHA High (potential 260% cost jump)
- 132 plan options remain from 47 carriers, down 14 from 2025
- GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic remain covered but cost-sharing varies significantly by plan
2026 Premium Snapshot
| Metric | 2026 Value |
|---|---|
| Average enrollee share increase | 12.3% |
| Total premium increase | 10.2% |
| Government share increase | 9.2% |
| Total plan options | 132 |
| Plans discontinued | 8 |
| Plans with premium decreases | 23 |
Maximum Government Contributions (Biweekly)
| Enrollment Type | Max Government Contribution | Program-Wide Average Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Self Only | $324.76 | $451.05 |
| Self Plus One | $711.17 | $987.73 |
| Self and Family | $778.03 | $1,080.60 |
Plans With the Biggest Decreases
Good news if you shop: 23 plans lowered premiums for 2026. The best opportunities:
| Plan | Code | Premium Change | Annual Savings | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaiser Permanente High | F81 | -18% | $727 | Georgia only |
| UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Primary East | JYA | -30.37% | $891 | Regional |
These represent real money saved. If your current plan increased significantly, switching to a plan that decreased could offset years of premium growth.
Plans With the Biggest Increases
Some plans saw dramatic cost jumps. If you're in one of these, you felt the hit starting January 1:
| Plan | Code | Premium Change | Annual Cost Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panama Canal Benefit Plan | 431 | +139% | $4,622 |
| UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Primary | WF1 | +99% | $2,330 |
| Medical Mutual of Ohio Standard | D3D | +56.42% | $4,175 |
Popular Plan Changes
Most federal employees are in BCBS or GEHA. Here's how they fared:
| Plan | 2026 Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BCBS Standard (105) | Below average increase | About two-thirds of feds are in BCBS plans |
| BCBS Basic (113) | +17.4% | Highest BCBS increase |
| FEP Blue Focus | +12.91% | Still the most affordable BCBS option |
| GEHA Standard (316) | +7.5% | Self Plus One: $404.11/month |
| GEHA High (312) | Significant increase | +$352.53/month for Self and Family |
Discontinued Plans: The Auto-Enrollment Trap
Eight plan options were discontinued for 2026. If you were enrolled and didn't actively choose a new plan during Open Season, you were auto-enrolled into GEHA High.
| Plan Name | Enrollees Affected | Auto-Enrolled Into |
|---|---|---|
| NALC Health Benefit Plan CDHP | ~29,000 total | GEHA High Option |
| NALC Health Benefit Plan Standard | (combined) | GEHA High Option |
| Health Alliance HMO Standard | Local | GEHA High Option |
| AvMed Health Plan HDHP | Florida | GEHA High Option |
| AvMed Health Plan Standard | Florida | GEHA High Option |
| Independent Health High | NY regional | GEHA High Option |
| Blue Care Network of Michigan High | Michigan | GEHA High Option |
| Priority Health High | Michigan | GEHA High Option |
The NALC Cost Shock
NALC CDHP members paying $146.26 biweekly for Self and Family saw their costs jump to $525.18 biweekly if auto-enrolled into GEHA High. That's a 260% increase overnight.
If you were auto-enrolled and didn't realize it, you're stuck until the next Open Season in November 2026, unless you have a Qualifying Life Event.
How the Government Contribution Works
The government doesn't pay a flat percentage. The formula is:
The government pays the lesser of:
- 75% of your plan's total premium, OR
- 72% of the program-wide weighted average
What this means in practice:
| Plan Type | Government Share | Your Share |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-cost plans (66 of 132) | Full 75% | 25% |
| Average-cost plans | ~70% | ~30% |
| High-premium plans | Can drop to 50% or less | 50%+ |
Example: Aetna Open Access High Option in Northern NJ, the government contribution covers only 27% of the premium. You pay 73%.
Plans Receiving Full 75% Government Contribution
- BCBS FEP Blue Focus
- GEHA Standard
- MHBP Standard
- Aetna Advantage
- UnitedHealthcare Choice Primary
- Several Kaiser plans
GLP-1 Coverage: Required but Costly
All FEHB plans must cover at least one GLP-1 medication for weight loss (Ozempic, Wegovy, etc.) plus two oral anti-obesity medications.
But coverage doesn't mean affordable. Cost-sharing varies significantly:
| Plan | GLP-1 Cost Sharing |
|---|---|
| Some plans | Standard copay |
| Kaiser (2026) | 50% coinsurance for GLP-1s |
| Others | Prior authorization + step therapy required |
Check your plan's formulary to understand your actual costs. The requirement ensures access, not low prices.
FEHB vs. Medicare for Retirees
Federal retirees often wonder if they need Medicare Part B alongside FEHB. Short answer: not required, but often beneficial.
| Factor | FEHB Only | FEHB + Medicare |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | Lower (no Part B premium) | Higher (+$185/month Part B) |
| Out-of-Pocket | Higher | Lower (Medicare pays first) |
| GLP-1 Coverage | Required in FEHB | FEHB covers what Medicare doesn't |
When Medicare + FEHB makes sense:
- Frequent medical care usage
- High prescription drug needs
- Your plan offers Medicare coordination benefits
- Some plans waive deductibles when Medicare is primary
Note for Postal Employees: PSHB (Postal Service Health Benefits) requires Medicare Part B enrollment for retirees 65+. This is different from FEHB.
What's Driving Premium Increases
OPM cited these factors for the 10.2% total premium increase:
- GLP-1 Medications: Expensive but showing downstream savings potential
- Aging Federal Workforce: More chronic conditions requiring ongoing care
- Specialty Drugs: Biologics and other high-cost medications
- Behavioral Health Expansion: Increased access and utilization
- Medical Inflation: General healthcare cost increases
Benefit Changes to Watch
IVF Coverage Expanded
2026 has the highest number of plans offering IVF coverage in FEHB history. OPM mandated HMOs in states with IVF laws must meet state requirements.
BCBS Cost-Sharing Changes
BCBS Basic members are paying more for:
- Durable medical equipment
- Inpatient/outpatient hospital services
- Emergency room visits
- Lab tests
- Ambulance services
GEHA Cost-Sharing Changes
GEHA plans have:
- Higher deductibles
- Increased catastrophic limits
- Higher coinsurance percentages
- More expensive physician and ER visits
- Out-of-network limit increased 135% ($8,500 to $20,000 for self-only)
What to Do Now
Open Season has closed. Your 2026 plan is locked until November 2026, unless you have a Qualifying Life Event (marriage, divorce, new dependent, etc.).
For 2027 Open Season, start preparing now:
- Track your actual costs throughout 2026
- Document claims and out-of-pocket expenses
- Note what your plan doesn't cover well
- Research alternatives before Open Season opens
Compare Your Plan Options
Use our free FEHB Premium Calculator to compare premium costs across different plans. See your actual out-of-pocket costs based on enrollment type and pay frequency.
For a complete understanding of FEHB coverage options, read our FEHB Guide 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are FEHB premiums increasing in 2026?
The average enrollee share is increasing 12.3% for 2026, the second consecutive year of double-digit increases. The total premium (including government share) is up 10.2%. However, this varies significantly by plan. 23 plans actually decreased while some increased over 100%.
What is the maximum government contribution for FEHB in 2026?
The 2026 biweekly maximum government contribution is $324.76 (Self Only), $711.17 (Self Plus One), and $778.03 (Self and Family). This represents 72% of the program-wide weighted average premium.
Which FEHB plans are being discontinued in 2026?
Eight plan options from six carriers are leaving FEHB: both NALC plans (affecting around 29,000 enrollees), Health Alliance HMO Standard, both AvMed plans, Independent Health High, Blue Care Network of Michigan High, and Priority Health High. Affected enrollees are auto-enrolled in GEHA High if they don't choose a new plan.
Which FEHB plans have the lowest premiums in 2026?
FEP Blue Focus remains the most affordable BCBS option at $66.81 biweekly for self-only. GEHA Standard also qualifies for the full 75% government contribution. In total, 66 of 132 self-only plans receive the maximum 75% government contribution.
Do I need Medicare if I have FEHB in retirement?
No, Medicare is not required for FEHB retirees (unlike PSHB for postal employees). However, Medicare Part B can reduce out-of-pocket costs when coordinated with FEHB. Consider your healthcare usage. If you use medical services frequently, the extra $185/month for Part B may be worth it.
Does FEHB cover weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy?
Yes, all FEHB plans must cover at least one GLP-1 medication for weight loss. However, cost-sharing varies by plan. Some plans are increasing member costs (Kaiser: 50% for GLP-1s in 2026). Check your specific plan formulary for coverage details.
When is FEHB Open Season for 2026?
The 2026 Open Season ran November 10 through December 8, 2025. Changes are now locked in until the next Open Season (November 2026 for 2027 coverage), unless you experience a Qualifying Life Event.
How is the government contribution for FEHB calculated?
The government pays the lesser of 75% of your plan's total premium OR 72% of the program-wide weighted average. For lower-cost plans (66 of 132), you get the full 75%. For expensive plans, the government share can drop well below 50%.
Related Resources
- FEHB Premium Calculator: Compare plan costs
- FEHB Guide 2026: Complete FEHB coverage guide
- FERS Retirement Calculator: Plan your retirement
- Federal Leave Optimizer: Maximize your leave