Deadline approaching: Open Season ends Dec. 8 Published Nov. 14, 2025 By Laisa Leao 412th Test Wing Public Affairs Office EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The annual Open Season for federal benefits is scheduled from Nov. 10 to Dec. 8, allowing both civilian and military personnel to make adjustments to their benefit elections. During this period, military members and civilian employees can modify their dependent care flexible spending accounts and dental and vision insurance plans. Civilian employees can also make changes to their health plans, health care FSAs, and limited expense health care FSAs. Outside of a qualifying life event, this is the only time to enroll, change or cancel enrollment in these programs. Because military members are typically enrolled in TRICARE, no health-related changes are necessary for them. However, civilian employees are encouraged to carefully review their health plan elections. Many plans will see benefit and rate changes for the upcoming year. Some plans may be discontinued or alter their service areas or coverage options. Employees should carefully review their coverage to determine the best plan and premium for their individual circumstances for the upcoming year. Health benefits elections will be effective Jan. 11, 2026. Open Season also provides an opportunity for both military and civilian personnel to review dental and vision insurance coverage, which can supplement health insurance and lower out-of-pocket costs for these types of care. Enrollment can be cancelled during this time as well. Dental and vision insurance elections will be effective Jan. 1, 2026. A dependent care FSA allows individuals to use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible dependent care services, such as preschool, summer day camp, before- or after-school programs, and child or adult daycare. Contributions are not subject to payroll taxes, which reduces overall taxes. The maximum annual contribution is $3,750 for those who are married and file a separate tax return and $7,500 for those who are married and file a joint tax return, or file as single or head of household. If both spouses participate, the combined maximum contribution is $7,500. Dependent care FSA elections will be effective Jan. 1, 2026. A health care FSA is also a pre-tax benefit account used to pay for eligible medical, dental, and vision care expenses not covered by elected plans. Contributions are not subject to payroll taxes. The maximum annual contribution is $3,400, with the option to carry over up to $680 remaining in the account from one plan year to the next. Health care FSA elections will be effective Jan. 1, 2026. 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 dental and vision expenses. The maximum amount an employee can set aside in any tax year is $3,400. Limited expense health care FSA elections will be effective Jan. 1, 2026. While Thrift Savings Plan contributions can be adjusted at any time, upcoming changes to contribution limits for 2026 should be noted. The standard IRS contribution limit for the TSP will increase to $24,500, a $1,000 rise from 2025. The catch-up contribution limit for those age 50 and over will also increase to $8,000, up from $7,500. A special catch-up contribution for participants aged 60-63 will remain unchanged at $11,250. TSP contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, reducing taxable income. The Office of Personnel Management offers tools to compare plan benefits and out-of-pocket costs for both health plans, and dental and vision plans. Employees with questions or needing assistance can contact the Department of the Air Force Benefits Office at 800-525-0102.