Cover Story

Open Season is Coming

November 12 to December 10, 2018

The 2018 Open Season runs from November 12 to December 10, 2018. During the Open Season period, you can enroll in or make changes to your medical, dental, or vision coverage. You may also enroll in health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Unless you have a Qualifying Life Event during the remainder of the year, this is your once–a-year opportunity to make any changes to these benefits. By taking time to select your plan, you can be confident that you have the right coverage at the right price.

To help you select the right health plan, the Postal Service™ provides all employees and retirees with free access to Checkbook‘s Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees (liteblue.usps.gov/planselection/). This online tool takes you through a few simple steps to find the best health plan for you and your family. Find every plan available to you ranked by estimated costs and more.

Employees are also invited to attend a Virtual Benefits Fair, hosted by Long Term Care Partners, from November 12 through December 10, 2018. As part of the virtual fair, you can:

n Visit individual health, dental, and vision provider booths,

n Watch instructional videos,

n Register for educational webinars, and

n Review and save 2018 health plan brochures.

Participation is Voluntary and Off-the-Clock

From November 12 to December 10, 2018, you can register to attend the Virtual Benefits Fair on ltcfeds.com. For live answers to your questions, visit the Virtual Benefits Fair during one of two live carrier chat days:

Tuesday, November 13, 2018
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET

Wednesday, December 5, 2018
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET

To access Checkbook‘s Guide to Health Plans and learn more about the Virtual Benefits Fair, visit the LiteBlue Open Season page at liteblue.usps.gov/openseason26. You‘ll also find a variety of resources to help you make the most of Open Season.

Once you are ready, make your selection online at PostalEASE from the LiteBlue Open Season page (liteblue.usps.gov/openseason26), through an Employee Self-Service Kiosk (available at some facilities), on Blue under the Human Resources tab by clicking “Benefits, Payroll Elections,” or by calling the PostalEASE Interactive Voice Response at 877-477-3273, option 1.

If you need more enrollment information or help using PostalEASE, you can contact the HR Shared Service Center at 877-477-3273, option 5 (Federal Relay Service: 800-877-8339).

This Open Season, take action regarding your health benefits.

Please Post on All Bulletin Boards Through December 10, 2018.