Rep. Connolly to Hold FEHBP Open Season Workshop for Federal Employees, Retirees on December 3

WASHINGTON, Nov. 22 -- Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, D-Va., issued the following news:

Congressman Gerry Connolly will hold his 8th annual Federal Open Season Workshop on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at the Fairfax County Government Center to assist federal employees and retirees in navigating through the many changes in the 2017 Federal Employees Health Benefits Plans (FEHBP), dental and vision insurance programs.

The federal government's Open Season for federal employees and retirees to change their health plans runs from November 14, 2016 through December 12, 2016.

Connolly's Open Season Workshop will take place at the Fairfax County Government Center on Saturday, December 3, 2016 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. The Government Center is located at 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035.

This year's event will once again feature FEHBP expert Walt Francis, author of CHECKBOOKS's Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees as well as a representative of the Office of Personnel Management. Representatives from the various FEHB plans and Medicare will be available to answer questions and discuss their programs with participants.

"Most FEHB plans have benefit and rate changes for 2017 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 12, 2016. "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 December 3rd " he said.

Congressman Connolly's Open Season 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 and a representative from OPM

Hosted in the Government Center Board Room

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 2017

Hosted in adjoining conference rooms

Federal employees seeking further information about FEHB plans can visit OPM's 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.

Congressman Connolly has held an Open Season event each year since he took office in January 2009.

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