Government Employees Health Association, Inc. (G.E.H.A), a nonprofit member association serving the federal community, has announced that premiums will remain flat or decrease for six of its seven health options for the 2027 plan year, reinforcing G.E.H.A’s focus on affordability as federal families continue to navigate rising everyday costs.
G.E.H.A will offer five Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) options in 2027: a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), Standard Option, Elevate, Elevate Plus and High Option. G.E.H.A will also offer Standard Option and HDHP options through the Postal Service Health Benefits Program (PSHB). The FEHB High Option will have a reduced premium for 2027, while five additional G.E.H.A health options will hold premiums flat. The only G.E.H.A option seeing a premium increase in 2027 will be FEHB Elevate Plus.
Eligible federal employees, Postal employees and retirees may review and select coverage during the 2026 Federal Benefits Open Season, Nov. 9 through Dec. 14, 2026. Benefits are effective as of Jan. 1, 2027.
“Affordability matters to the federal community, particularly as families continue to manage higher costs across their household budgets,” said David Hakanson, president and CEO of G.E.H.A. “Holding or reducing premiums on six of our seven health plan options for 2027 while maintaining or improving benefits reflects G.E.H.A’s focus on delivering meaningful value while continuing to provide benefits designed specifically for the people we serve.”
What is G.E.H.A doing to make health coverage more affordable in 2027?
Beyond premiums, G.E.H.A is expanding benefits designed to help members manage health care costs and get more value from their coverage. Effective Jan. 1, 2027:
- Higher G.E.H.A health savings contributions for PSHB HDHP members. Contributions to a health savings account or health reimbursement arrangement will increase to $1,300 for Self Only enrollment and $2,600 for Self Plus One or Self and Family enrollment.
- Weight-management support. In accordance with OPM updates, G.E.H.A plans will add an intensive behavioral therapy program for weight management. Anti-obesity medications will require participation and engagement in behavioral therapy.
- IVF coverage in PSHB Standard. Required in vitro fertilization benefits will move to the PSHB Standard Option following the retirement of the PSHB High Option.
What other savings will G.E.H.A members have access to in 2027?
Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, eligible G.E.H.A health members and their eligible dependents will have access to the new G.E.H.A Member Discount Program, provided through LifeMart®. The program will offer savings on nationally recognized brand-name products and services, including travel, fitness, personal care, groceries, electronics, childcare and senior care. Members will access the program through the MyG.E.H.A member portal.1
What G.E.H.A health plans will be available in 2027?
G.E.H.A will offer five FEHB health plan options for 2027: HDHP, Standard Option, Elevate, Elevate Plus and High Option. For PSHB members, G.E.H.A will offer Standard Option and HDHP. The PSHB High Option will no longer be available for the 2027 plan year.
The UnitedHealthcare® G.E.H.A Group Medicare Advantage (PPO) Plan option will retain its 2026 benefits for 2027. Eligible retirees enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and in a qualifying G.E.H.A FEHB High Option or FEHB or PSHB Standard Option may opt in. The Medicare Part D true out-of-pocket threshold will increase to $2,400 in 2027. After members reach that threshold, they pay $0 for covered Part D prescriptions for the remainder of the calendar year.
How can federal employees compare G.E.H.A health plans during Open Season?
Premium is only one part of the decision. G.E.H.A encourages federal employees and retirees to compare total value, including expected out-of-pocket costs, prescriptions and whether preferred providers are in network.
G.E.H.A FedViser benefit experts will be available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time throughout Open Season. Members and prospective members can connect through live chat at geha.com, call 1-833-902-7246 or schedule an individual consultation at geha.com/TalkWithUs. G.E.H.A will also offer scheduled video consultations, webinars and virtual benefit fairs.
About G.E.H.A
Government Employees Health Association, Inc. (G.E.H.A) is a nonprofit member association founded by federal employees in 1937. G.E.H.A provides health and dental benefits designed for federal employees, Postal employees, retirees, military retirees and their families. G.E.H.A is committed to serving its members and the communities where they live, work and serve.
To learn more, visit geha.com
This is a brief description of G.E.H.A’s FEHB and PSHB plan features. Please review G.E.H.A’s federal brochures, available in the Online Resource Center. All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions outlined in the federal brochures. Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations, exclusions and/or network restrictions may apply.
1These benefits are neither offered nor guaranteed under contract with the FEHB or PSHB Programs but are made available to all Enrollees who become members of a G.E.H.A health plan and their eligible family members.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261006546866/en/
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