Connolly sets Nov. 17 “open season” workshop on federal health benefits plans

Congressman Gerry Connolly will hold his annual Open Season Workshop on Saturday, Nov. 17,  at WT Woodson High School 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.

The event will also provide an opportunity for participants to get a flu shot from the Fairfax County Health Department for a $25 fee with Medicare Part D accepted.

The federal government’s Open Season for federal employees and retirees to change their health plans runs from Nov. 12 to Dec. 10.

Connolly’s Open Season Workshop will take place at WT Woodson High School on Saturday, Nov. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  The high school is located at 9525 Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22031.

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.

“Most FEHB plans have benefit and rate changes for 2013 so it is important that federal employees and retirees know the details on how their current plans are changing and whether or not there is another option that better suits their needs,” Connolly said.  “With these possible changes, it is important that every federal employee and retiree review the status of their current coverage.”

Connolly urged every federal employee and retiree, as well as survivor and former spouse annuitants to make sure they review their FEHB plan coverage and other benefits before Open Season ends on December 10.  “Federal employees, retirees, and annuitants who have questions or want to make sure that they have the coverage they need are welcome to attend my Open Season Workshop on November 17,” he said.
Congressman Connolly’s Open Season workshop will feature:

10-11 a.m.: 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 WT Woodson Auditorium

11 a.m.-1 p.m.: 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 WT 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.

Federal employees, retirees, or annuitants seeking more information about the Open Season workshop can call Connolly’s District Office at 703-256-3071.