Congressman Connolly's Open Season Workshop to assist federal employees and retirees in navigating through the many changes in the 2013 Federal Employees Health Benefits Plans (FEHBP), dental and vision insurance programs, and flexible spending accounts will take place this Saturday, November 17, 2012 at W.T. Woodson High School, 9525 Main St., Fairfax, Va.

This year’s event will once again feature FEHBP expert Walt Francis, author of CHECKBOOKS’s Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees, along with presentations by other FEHB experts.  Representatives of the Office of Personnel Management, Medicare, and the various FEHB plans, will be available to answer questions discuss their programs with participants.  The Fairfax County Health Department we will also be offering flu shots for $25.00 and Medicare Part B is accepted.

Most FEHB plans have benefit and rate changes for 2013, so it is important that federal employees and retirees know how their current plans will change and whether or not another option may better suit their needs. It is also a good idea to review the status of current coverage every year.

Federal employees and retirees, as well as survivors and former spouse annuitants, should make sure they review their FEHB plan coverage and other benefits before Open Season ends on December 10. Those who want to ask questions or make sure that they have the coverage they need should plan to attend my Open Season Workshop on November 17.

The federal government’s Open Season to change health plans and benefits runs from November 12 to December 10.

This year’s workshop will feature:

10:00 am – 11:00 am

• Panel Discussion featuring experts on FEHB programs and available health plan options, including FEHBP expert Walt Francis, author of CHECKBOOKS’s Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees

Hosted in the Woodson Auditorium

11:00 am – 1:00 pm

• Representatives of various FEHB health plans and Medicare will be available to provide information and answer questions concerning plan offerings for 2013

Hosted in the Woodson High School Cafeteria

Federal employees seeking further information about FEHB plans can visit OPM’s FEHB Open Season website at: http://www.opm.gov/insure/openseason/.

The OPM website contains detailed information about FEHB plans, dental insurance, vision insurance, and flexible spending accounts for federal employees and dependents.  The site also provides links to frequently asked questions and other information that federal employees and retirees might need to help them make decisions about their current and future coverage.