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How to Enroll

We’re here with simple instructions to help you enroll in the Service Benefit Plan.

Automatic enrollment into the Postal Service Health Benefits Program

If you’re a U.S. Postal Service employee, OPM will automatically transition you and any family members on your contract to the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) equivalent of your current Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) plan. For example, if you’re enrolled in FEP Blue Standard Self & Family, you’ll move to the PSHB version of FEP Blue Standard Self & Family. This transition will happen prior to Open Season. If you’re happy with this change, there’s nothing you need to do.

First time enrolling? Here’s what you need to know

If you want to become a member of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan, follow the specific instructions for both FEHB and PSHB eligible individuals outlined below. 

Keep in mind: If you’re already a Service Benefit Plan member and happy with your coverage, you don’t have to do anything. Your coverage will automatically carry over each year.

Enrollment Codes

You’ll need the full name of the health plan and the enrollment code below to enroll.

Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program

FEP Blue Focus® FEP Blue Basic™ FEP Blue Standard™
Self 131 111 104
Self + 1 133 113 106
Self & Family 132 112 105

Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program

FEP Blue Focus® FEP Blue Basic™ FEP Blue Standard™
Self 35A 33A 33D
Self + 1 35C 33C 33F
Self & Family 35B 33B 33E

When to enroll

Open Season

All actively working or retired federal and Postal Service employees can enroll in, change or cancel their health plan during Open Season, which is typically the second Monday of November through the second Monday of December each year.

New Hires

If you're a new employee eligible for Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) or Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) coverage, you have 60 days from your start date (also known as your entry on duty date) to enroll in a health plan.

Qualifying Life Event

You might be able to change your health plan outside of Open Season if you have a qualifying life event. These include getting married, having a baby, getting divorced or a change in employee status.

Enrolling as a Postal Service employee or retiree

If you’re a Postal Service employee or retiree and want to enroll in the Service Benefit Plan or make a change, note the PSHB enrollment code for your family status and plan option of your choice in the table above.

You have the following option to enroll:

Postal Service Health Benefits System

If you have questions, you can call the OPM Helpline at 1-844-451-1261.

Enrolling as a federal employee

If you’re currently working and want to enroll in the Service Benefit Plan or make a change, note the FEHB enrollment code for your family status and the plan option of your choice in the table above.

You may be able to enroll or change plans online using your agency’s preferred method:

Department of Defense

 

DoD automated enrollment system

Department of Energy

 

DOE automated systems

Department of Commerce, Department of Homeland Security & employees of other agencies paid through the National Finance Center

 

Employee Personal Page

Health and Human Services, Department of Veterans Affairs & Environment Protection

 

MyPay

You can also fill out and submit a SF 2809 Form to your agency’s personnel office. Please do not submit the form anywhere else.

Note: Online resources provided by OPM at www.opm.gov/insure

Enrolling as a retired federal employee

If you’re retired and want to enroll in the Service Benefit Plan or make a change, note the FEHB enrollment code for your family status and plan option of your choice in the table above.

You have the following options to enroll:

During Open Season

  • Use OPM’S Open Season Online system
  • Call Open Season Express at 1-800-332-9798
  • Send regular mail to:
  •      Office of Personnel Management
         Open Season Processing Center
         P.O. Box 5000
         Lawrence, KS 66046-0500

Outside of Open Season

  • Call the OPM Retirement Information Center at 1-888-767-6738 (TTY: 1-800-878-5707 or DC local 202-606-0551)
  • Send an email to retire@opm.gov 

Note: If you receive an annuity from another program or need more information, please visit opm.gov 

Have questions? Review our FAQs.

Get a plan recommendation and enrollment instructions

Not sure which plan is right for you? Our AskBlueSM FEP Medical Plan Finder tool can help you select the right option for your needs plus provide specific enrollment instructions based on your agency.

Try AskBlue