| 2009 Benefits Open Enrollment Season: November 10-December 8
The DC Department of Human Resources (DCHR) will host Open Enrollment Season for District employees under both the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and the District of Columbia Employees Health Benefits (DCEHB) Program to select, change or update their employee benefits from November 10-December 8, 2008.
During this period, benefits-eligible employees may elect to make changes or enroll in new benefits for the 2009 plan year.
Open Enrollment Season Hot Topics:
Open Enrollment Season is the only time during the year, with limited exceptions, that you may:
- Change your health plan coverage in the District of Columbia Employees Health Benefits Program (DCEHBP) or the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP);
- Enroll in the Short-term Disability Insurance program;
- Set up Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for 2009 to pay out-of-pocket health care and/or dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars; and
- Add new dependents to your health plans.
If you want to maintain your current level of coverage for the health benefits and short-term disability programs for 2008, you do not need to do anything; your enrollment will continue automatically. However, DCHR advises that you at least review your current benefit selections to ensure that they will continue to meet your needs for upcoming year. Please review your "plan summary" carefully when selecting and/or updating your health insuarnce coverage. There may be changes in co-pays for hospitalization, prescriptions, primary care, or other plan changes and stipulations.
If you participated in the Flexible Spending Accounts program during 2008, your FSA contributions will not automatically continue into 2009. You must sign up for a new FSA account(s) for the 2009 plan year. New participants in the Flexible Spending Account program are welcome to enroll.
Enrolling with ESS (Employee Self Service)
During Open Enrollment Season, DCHR will not be accepting or proccessing any paper benefits selection applications.
As part of our continuing effort to provide District government employees better services while developing and promoting more streamlined and environmentally friendly operations, DCHR encourages all eligible employees to use ESS (Employee Self Service) to make open enrollment selections and changes. ESS is the fastest and most convenient way to check, update and manage your records, personal data and benefit selections.
It is fast, easy, convenient and paperless.
Open Season Health Fairs
DCHR will host several "Open Season Health Fairs" during Open Enrollment Season. These fairs will give employees an opportunity to meet in person with representatives from health plan and benefits providers such as Aetna, United Healthcare, FlexAmerica and ING.
2009 Health Benefit Plan Premium Rates
Benefits Open Enrollment Information and Resources
For additional information or questions on 2009 Benefits Open Enrollment, please call (202) 442-9700. | 
