Deadline approaching: Open Season ends Dec. 8

  • Published
  • By Laisa Leao
  • 412th Test Wing Public Affairs Office
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  

Open Season for federal benefits ends on Dec. 8, so civilian and military personnel must make any desired adjustments to their benefits before that date. Outside of a qualifying life event, this is the only time to enroll, change or cancel enrollment in these programs. Due to the government furlough, many people have not considered these issues and now have less time to research plans and make changes. The best place to start is https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/open-season. Employees with questions can also visit My Air Force Benefits or call 800-525-0102 for civilian benefit questions or 888-721-2769 to talk to benefits experts Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

During this period, military members and civilian employees can make changes to their health, dental and vision insurance plans (FEHB and FEDVIP). Additionally, some programs such as health care FSAs, dependent care FSAs, and limited expense health care FSAs (FSAFEDS) must be renewed each year.

There have been many changes this year, and maximum contributions to the savings accounts have increased, so all Team Edwards members are encouraged to carefully review their coverage to determine the best plan for their circumstances in the coming year.

A health care FSA allows you to keep more of your money by using pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible medical, dental, and vision care expenses not paid by insurance plans and even many over-the-counter medical products. The maximum contribution for 2026 will be $3,400, accumulated using deductions from each paycheck, with the option to carry over up to $680 into 2027 if you don’t spend it in 2026.

A dependent care FSA also reduces taxable income by using pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible dependent care services, such as preschool, summer day camp, before- and after-school programs, and child or adult daycare. The maximum contribution for 2026 will be $3,750 for individuals filing a separate tax return and $7,500 for those who file a joint tax return or as head of household.

Limited expense health care FSAs are available only to employees enrolled in high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts. Allotments may be used for eligible out-of-pocket dental and vision care services. The maximum amount an employee can contribute in 2026 will be $3,400.

While Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions can be adjusted at any time, Open Season is also a good time to consider TSP options for the coming year. The standard contribution limit for TSPs increases by $1,000 to $24,500 for 2026. The catch-up contribution limit for those over 50 also increases by $500 to $8,000, and a special catch-up contribution for participants aged 60-63 remains unchanged at $11,250. All TSP contributions are pre-tax.