Published
Oct 16, 2026
Last Updated
Oct 16, 2026
Blue Cross FEHB Premiums 2027: What Federal Employees Will Pay
Blue Cross FEHB premiums in 2027 are rising between 8.6% and 11.0% for non-postal federal employees. The exact increase depends on your plan option and enrollment tier.
Your biweekly enrollee share for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan Standard Option Self Only rises from $188.32 to $204.65. That's $16.33 more per paycheck, or roughly $425 per year.
Basic Option Self Only rises to $145.46 biweekly, and FEP Blue Focus Self Only rises to $74.16. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) confirmed these rates when it announced that the 2026 Federal Benefits Open Season will run from November 9 through December 14, 2026, for coverage that begins January 1, 2027.
This guide from Federal Pension Advisors, a retirement planning firm specializing in federal employee benefits, breaks down every 2027 rate change for the three Blue Cross nationwide options. You'll see what the increase means for your paycheck and how to think about your choices during Open Season.
Blue Cross FEHB Premiums 2027 at a Glance
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan offers three nationwide options for 2027: Standard Option, Basic Option, and FEP Blue Focus. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association administers the plan on behalf of the FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits) Program.
The table below shows the 2027 enrollee share of biweekly premiums for non-postal employees. Per-tier percentage changes come from OPM's 2027 FEHB premium rate charts.
Source: OPM 2027 FEHB premium rate charts, published September 30, 2026. Rates reflect the enrollee biweekly share for non-postal employees. OPM calculated each percentage change against the corresponding 2026 enrollee biweekly rate for the same option and tier.
The per-tier percentage change isn't uniform within each plan option. For both Standard and Basic options, Self Plus One rises most sharply at 9.5% and 9.8% respectively, while Self & Family rises least at 8.6% for both.
FEP Blue Focus rises 11.0% across all three enrollment tiers.
According to OPM's 2027 Open Season Highlights, the enrollee share of FEHB premiums rises an average of 10.9% in 2027. That's the third straight double-digit increase.
Blue Cross's 2027 increases span the FEHB average. Most tiers come in below 10.9%, while FEP Blue Focus's 11.0% increase lands slightly above the average across all three enrollment types.
What You'll Actually Pay Per Paycheck in 2027
The headline percentage matters less than the dollars leaving your paycheck. A federal employee enrolled in Blue Cross Standard Option Self & Family, for example, sees the biweekly premium rise from $457.66 to $496.90. Over 26 pay periods, that adds roughly $1,020 to your annual out-of-pocket premium cost.
Your actual annual deduction depends on your agency's payroll calendar, which may include 26 or 27 pay periods in a given year.
Approximate annual enrollee premium costs for 2027 Blue Cross coverage, based on 26 biweekly deductions, work out as follows:
- Standard Option Self Only: $5,321 per year
- Standard Option Self Plus One: $11,697 per year
- Standard Option Self & Family: $12,919 per year
- Basic Option Self Only: $3,782 per year
- Basic Option Self Plus One: $9,112 per year
- Basic Option Self & Family: $10,076 per year
- FEP Blue Focus Self Only: $1,928 per year
- FEP Blue Focus Self Plus One: $4,145 per year
- FEP Blue Focus Self & Family: $4,559 per year
The timing matters this year. On August 26, 2026, the President transmitted an alternative pay plan to Congress (House Document 119-189) determining that base pay and locality pay for civilian federal employees will not change from 2026 rates in 2027.
The letter authorizes a 3.8% increase for certain federal law enforcement personnel. Under 5 U.S.C. 5305, Congress may enact a different pay provision before the plan becomes final by executive order in late December. As of October 2026, no such action has occurred.
If the determination stands, the 2027 Blue Cross premium increase will reduce take-home pay for most non-postal General Schedule (GS) federal employees.
How Blue Cross FEHB Premiums Are Calculated
Your biweekly premium is only your share of the total cost. The law sets the "Fair Share" formula, according to OPM's 2027 Open Season Highlights.
For most employees and annuitants, the Government contribution equals the lesser of two amounts. The first is 72% of the program-wide weighted average premium. The second is 75% of the total premium for the particular plan an enrollee selects.
This is the standard formula under 5 CFR Part 890. Certain part-time employees, temporary employees, and specific retiree groups follow different contribution rules.
Here's how it works in practice. OPM negotiates a total premium with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan carrier.
The government then pays its share using the formula above. You pay the remainder through payroll deduction as an active employee, or annuity deduction as a retiree.
For FEHB in Plan Year 2027, OPM's Open Season Highlights report three key figures. The overall average premium increase is 9.3%, down from 10.2% in 2026.
The average enrollee share increase is 10.9%, down from 12.3% in 2026. The government contribution increase is 8.6%, down from 9.2% in 2026.
The average enrollee-share increase exceeds the increase in the government's contribution for 2027. Employees and annuitants face a higher percentage increase in their share of premiums, a pattern that has held for several consecutive years.
Blue Cross FEHB Plan Options Compared: Standard vs. Basic vs. FEP Blue Focus
Choosing between the three Blue Cross options is an important decision during Open Season. The three plans differ in premium, network rules, and cost sharing.
The benefit figures in this section come from OPM's 2027 plan-benefit data, dated October 9, 2026, for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan. OPM will post the final 2027 brochures on its plan information page in early November. Standard Option and Basic Option both appear in brochure RI 71-005, and FEP Blue Focus appears in brochure RI 71-017.
Standard Option
Standard Option offers Preferred (in-network) and Non-Preferred (out-of-network) benefits. In-network care uses the Local Plan's Preferred provider network. Out-of-network care may receive coverage, subject to the plan's non-preferred cost-sharing rules, covered-service limits, and the Plan Allowance (the maximum amount Blue Cross will pay for a given service).
For 2027, Standard Option Self Only carries a $500 calendar-year deductible, up $150 from 2026. The in-network catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum is $7,000, up $1,000 from 2026.
Standard Option may be worth comparing if you need broader provider flexibility, or if you regularly see providers outside the Preferred network.
Basic Option
Basic Option is Blue Cross's lower-premium alternative. It uses only the Preferred network and generally doesn't cover non-preferred care except in emergencies.
For 2027, Basic Option Self Only has no calendar-year deductible, unchanged from 2026. The in-network catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum is $8,500, up $1,000 from 2026.
Basic Option may be worth comparing if you're comfortable staying in the Preferred network and want a lower biweekly premium.
FEP Blue Focus
FEP Blue Focus has the lowest biweekly premium among the three Blue Cross nationwide options discussed here. It also carries the narrowest network. For 2027, FEP Blue Focus Self Only has a $1,000 calendar-year deductible, up $250 from 2026. The in-network catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum is $11,000, up $1,000 from 2026.
FEP Blue Focus may be worth comparing if you use health care sparingly and the lower biweekly cost outweighs the higher deductible and out-of-pocket limit for your situation.
The right choice depends on your providers, drug formulary, expected treatments, copays and coinsurance structure, and personal risk tolerance. Utilization level alone doesn't decide it.
Two enrollees with similar medical use can land on different plans once network and formulary differences get modeled against their actual providers and prescriptions.
Beyond the Premium: 2027 Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket Maximums
For 2027, in-network out-of-pocket maximums are rising across all three Blue Cross options. Deductible changes vary.
Standard Option and FEP Blue Focus deductibles both rise, while the Basic Option deductible stays at $0, unchanged from 2026.
Source: OPM 2027 plan-benefit data (dated October 9, 2026) for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan (brochures RI 71-005 and RI 71-017). Reconfirm these figures against each plan's final 2027 brochure once OPM posts them on its plan information page in early November 2026.
The example that follows is an illustrative total for one plan option and enrollment tier only. It is not a cap on your total healthcare spending, and it excludes premiums, non-covered services, most out-of-network charges, and separate category limits.
A Standard Option Self Only enrollee who meets the full in-network out-of-pocket maximum in 2027 would pay roughly $5,321 in premium plus up to $7,000 in eligible in-network cost sharing. That's about $12,321 for the year, before any excluded services or out-of-network charges.
Biweekly premiums don't count toward the out-of-pocket maximum. Separate limits may apply to prescription drugs or specific benefit categories.
Always review the plan brochure for the exact rules.
What's Changing for Postal Workers in 2027
The Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program replaced FEHB for Postal Service employees and annuitants on January 1, 2025. The Postal Service Reform Act created PSHB, and OPM administers it.
Blue Cross participates in PSHB with the same three plan options at separate rates.
PSHB enrollees see smaller increases than FEHB enrollees in 2027, though the two program-wide averages measure different things. According to OPM's 2027 Open Season Highlights, the average PSHB enrollee share rises 8.2% in 2027.
The overall PSHB premium, including enrollee and government shares combined, rises 6.7%. For context, the comparable FEHB figures are 10.9% (enrollee share) and 9.3% (overall premium).
PSHB-specific Blue Cross rates run slightly lower than FEHB rates. For example, PSHB Basic Option Self Only is $139.94 biweekly compared with $145.46 under FEHB. Postal employees and postal annuitants can't elect FEHB coverage.
Blue Cross FEHB Premiums for Retirees in 2027
If you're a federal annuitant, OPM deducts your FEHB premium monthly from your annuity payment. The figures below are OPM's official 2027 monthly enrollee shares for annuitants, not a conversion from the biweekly active-employee rates.
For 2027, monthly Blue Cross premiums for retirees are:
- Standard Option: $443.41 (Self Only), $974.76 (Self Plus One), $1,076.61 (Self & Family)
- Basic Option: $315.17 (Self Only), $759.38 (Self Plus One), $839.67 (Self & Family)
- FEP Blue Focus: $160.69 (Self Only), $345.44 (Self Plus One), $379.93 (Self & Family)
A retiree enrolled in Blue Cross Standard Self & Family sees the monthly premium rise by roughly $85 in January 2027. That's just over $1,000 per year reduced from net annuity income.
If the January Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) doesn't fully offset the premium increase, your monthly take-home retirement income will drop.
Generally, to carry FEHB coverage into retirement, employees under FERS (the Federal Employees Retirement System) and CSRS (the Civil Service Retirement System) must have been continuously enrolled in FEHB for the five years immediately before retirement, or since their first opportunity to enroll. This is subject to OPM's eligibility rules and applicable exceptions, including provisions for coverage as a family member under another person's FEHB enrollment.
How to Compare Blue Cross FEHB Plans During the 2027 Open Season
OPM confirmed that the 2026 Federal Benefits Open Season runs from November 9 through December 14, 2026. Changes generally take effect January 1, 2027 for annuitants and PSHB enrollees. For most non-postal FEHB active employees, OPM's general rule is that an enrollment change takes effect the first day of the first full pay period beginning on or after January 1, which is expected to be January 10, 2027 for most employees. Check with your agency's payroll office for your specific effective date.
If you're enrolled in Blue Cross and do nothing, your coverage automatically continues at the new 2027 rate.
Follow this sequence to compare your options:
- Confirm your 2026 plan and 2027 rate. Check your most recent earnings and leave statement, then compare it to the 2027 rate above.
- Estimate your 2027 medical use. Tally your 2026 doctor visits, prescriptions, specialists, and planned procedures. Check which providers appear in each plan's network.
- Use OPM's Plan Comparison Tool. OPM's comparison tool and full brochures go live in early November 2026. Model your three Blue Cross options side-by-side.
- Factor in prescription coverage. Each Blue Cross option has a different formulary and copay tier. A single brand-name specialty drug can shift which plan is cheapest.
- Verify your five-year enrollment history if you're near retirement. Switching plans or carriers within FEHB preserves eligibility. Dropping FEHB entirely does not.
- Make your election by the deadline. The season ends at 11 p.m. ET on December 14, 2026. Your 2026 election carries over otherwise.
Federal Pension Advisors advises federal employees on Open Season trade-offs between Blue Cross options, including expected medical use, retirement timing, and Medicare coordination.
What the 2027 Blue Cross Rates Mean for Your Planning
Blue Cross FEHB premiums in 2027 will cost most federal employees several hundred dollars more per year than they did in 2026. Standard Option enrollees see the largest dollar increase, FEP Blue Focus enrollees see the largest percentage increase, and the per-tier changes within Standard and Basic Option vary meaningfully. Use our TSP calculator to estimate your retirement savings.
Start with your own exact plan, tier, and expected use rather than the program-wide average. For personalized guidance, schedule a retirement planning consultation.
If you're within five years of retirement, your Open Season decisions carry extra weight, not just for 2027 coverage but for your eligibility to carry FEHB into retirement. Use our FERS Supplement Calculator to estimate your potential benefit as part of your retirement planning.
FAQ: Blue Cross FEHB Premiums 2027
How much are Blue Cross FEHB premiums in 2027?
For 2027, the Blue Cross Standard Option Self Only biweekly premium is $204.65, Basic Option Self Only is $145.46, and FEP Blue Focus Self Only is $74.16, according to OPM's published rate charts. Self & Family coverage under Standard Option is $496.90 biweekly, or roughly $12,919 per year at 26 pay periods.
How much are FEHB premiums going up in 2027?
The enrollee share of FEHB premiums rises an average of 10.9% in 2027, down from 12.3% in 2026, according to OPM's 2027 Open Season Highlights. The nine Blue Cross nationwide options rise between 8.6% and 11.0% depending on plan option and enrollment tier. Most Blue Cross tiers come in below the FEHB average, while FEP Blue Focus is slightly above it.
When is FEHB Open Season for 2027 coverage?
The 2026 Federal Benefits Open Season runs from Monday, November 9, 2026, through Monday, December 14, 2026, at 11 p.m. Eastern Time, according to OPM. Elections take effect January 1, 2027, for annuitants and PSHB enrollees. For non-postal FEHB active employees, changes take effect the first day of the first full pay period beginning on or after January 1, which is expected to be January 10, 2027 for most employees. Confirm your exact date with your agency's payroll office.
Which Blue Cross FEHB plan is cheapest in 2027?
FEP Blue Focus has the lowest 2027 Blue Cross biweekly premium at 74.16forSelfOnlycoverageamongthethreeBlueCrossnationwideoptions,accordingtoOPMratetables.Italsocarriesthehighestdeductible(1,000) and the highest in-network out-of-pocket maximum ($11,000) of the three. The cheapest premium isn't necessarily the lowest overall annual cost.
Can I keep Blue Cross FEHB coverage when I retire?
Generally yes, if you were continuously enrolled in FEHB for the five years immediately before your retirement date, or since your first opportunity to enroll. Coverage as a family member under another FEHB enrollment can also count. The five-year rule applies under both FERS and CSRS, subject to OPM's eligibility rules and applicable exceptions.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, retirement, insurance, tax, or legal advice. Premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and enrollment rules are based on the sources and information available at the time of writing and may change. Verify current rates, plan benefits, eligibility requirements, and effective dates with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the official Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan brochures before making enrollment decisions. Individual circumstances vary, and readers should consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to their needs. Federal Pension Advisors does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of third-party information.
Get Updated
Subscribe to our weekly updates for the latest on retirement planning, federal benefits, exclusive webinars, and more!
Thomas A. Doherty
Thomas A. Doherty is a retirement planning consultant with 35 years of experience helping individuals, federal employees, academic employees, and business owners better understand their retirement options. His work focuses on helping clients make the most of their available benefits, insurance policies, and investment plans so they can build more stable retirement income and reduce unnecessary financial risk.
Download Federal Retirement: Step-by-step Checklist
This comprehensive guide will help you understand your federal benefits, optimize your savings, and plan for a comfortable future.
Recent Post's
