Open Season Increases
Federal employees can increase their FEHB or FEGLI coverage during the annual open season, which typically runs in the fall. During this window, employees may raise their basic life insurance amount or add supplemental coverage without providing evidence of insurability. Changes made during open season take effect on the first day of the following January.
More from this site
Keep reading the latest coverage
Qualifying Life Events
Outside open season, a federal employee can increase life insurance when a qualifying life event occurs. These include marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, a spouse losing other coverage, or a dependent losing eligibility. The employee must contact their human resources office within 60 days of the event to make the change, and coverage is effective the date of the event or as specified by the agency.
Reenrollment and New Hires
New federal employees have a 60-day enrollment window after starting duty. During this period, they can elect the full basic life insurance amount under FEGLI and may also choose supplemental options. Employees returning from an authorized break in service may also be able to increase coverage upon reenrollment, subject to agency rules and the availability of supplemental plans.
FEGLI Option B Considerations
FEGLI Option B provides supplemental coverage equal to one times the employee's salary, rounded to the next $1,000, plus $2,000. Coverage in Option B increases in ten-year tiers, and employees can adjust their elected amount during open season or after a qualifying life event. Premiums for Option B increase at each ten-year interval, which is an important factor when deciding how much coverage to add.
How to Submit an Increase
Employees should submit an increase request through their agency's human resources or benefits office using the appropriate form, such as Standard Form 2817 for FEGLI changes. The request must include the desired coverage amount and, if the increase is outside open season, documentation of the qualifying life event. Agencies process the change and confirm the effective date and new premium deduction.