How to Enroll
We’re here with simple instructions to help you enroll in the Service Benefit Plan.
First time enrolling? Here’s what you need to know
If you want to become a member of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan, follow the specific instructions for both FEHB and PSHB eligible individuals outlined below.
Enrollment Codes
You’ll need the full name of the health plan and the enrollment code below to enroll.
Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program
| FEP Blue Focus® | FEP Blue Basic™ | FEP Blue Standard™ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self | 131 | 111 | 104 |
| Self + 1 | 133 | 113 | 106 |
| Self & Family | 132 | 112 | 105 |
Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program
| FEP Blue Focus® | FEP Blue Basic™ | FEP Blue Standard™ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self | 35A | 33A | 33D |
| Self + 1 | 35C | 33C | 33F |
| Self & Family | 35B | 33B | 33E |
When to enroll
Open Season
All actively working or retired federal and Postal Service employees can enroll in, change or cancel their health plan during Open Season, which is typically the second Monday of November through the second Monday of December each year.
New Hires
If you're a new employee eligible for Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) or Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) coverage, you have 60 days from your start date (also known as your entry on duty date) to enroll in a health plan.
Qualifying Life Event
You might be able to change your health plan outside of Open Season if you have a qualifying life event. These include getting married, having a baby, getting divorced or a change in employee status.
Enrolling as a Postal Service employee or retiree
If you’re a Postal Service employee or retiree and want to enroll in the Service Benefit Plan or make a change, note the PSHB enrollment code for your family status and plan option of your choice in the table above.
Enrolling as a federal employee
If you’re currently working and want to enroll in the Service Benefit Plan or make a change, note the FEHB enrollment code for your family status and the plan option of your choice in the table above.
You may be able to enroll or change plans online using your agency’s preferred method:
Department of Commerce, Department of Homeland Security & employees of other agencies paid through the National Finance Center
You can also fill out and submit a SF 2809 Form to your agency’s personnel office. Please do not submit the form anywhere else.
Note: Online resources provided by OPM at www.opm.gov/insure
Enrolling as a retired federal employee
If you’re retired and want to enroll in the Service Benefit Plan or make a change, note the FEHB enrollment code for your family status and plan option of your choice in the table above.
You have the following options to enroll:
During Open Season
- Use OPM’S Open Season Online system
- Call Open Season Express at 1-800-332-9798
- Send regular mail to:
Office of Personnel Management
Open Season Processing Center
P.O. Box 5000
Lawrence, KS 66046-0500
Outside of Open Season
- Call the OPM Retirement Information Center at 1-888-767-6738 (TTY: 1-800-878-5707 or DC local 202-606-0551)
- Send an email to retire@opm.gov
Note: If you receive an annuity from another program or need more information, please visit opm.gov
Have questions? Review our FAQs.
Get a plan recommendation and enrollment instructions
Not sure which plan is right for you? Our AskBlueSM FEP Medical Plan Finder tool can help you select the right option for your needs plus provide specific enrollment instructions based on your agency.
Try AskBlue