Open season for benefits starts next week Published Nov. 6, 2015 By Master Sgt. Brian Lamar 403rd Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Biloxi, Miss. -- 403rd Wing Members can now enroll or change their health, dental or vision insurance benefits beginning Nov. 9 - Dec. 14. Even if members do not plan to change their benefits plans, it is still important to check to ensure that your plan is not dropped from the federal benefits program, according to the Office of Personnel Management. Citizen Airmen can find out if their FEHB plan is terminating coverage in your service area or is leaving the FEHB Program by visiting https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/publications-forms/benefits-administration-letters/2014/14-405a1.pdf. Dental and vision plans have not been affected this year and all current plans remain unaffected according to OPM guidelines. Most FEHB plans will see benefit and rate changes for 2015. Some plans are dropping out of the program and others are changing their service areas or coverage options. It is wise to review your coverage during this period to decide what coverage and premium best suits your needs for the upcoming year. Qualified Airmen can elect to supplement their health care plans by choosing additional dental or vision plans that will reduce personal costs. Enrollment in flexible spending accounts are allowed during this period and can help members save money through lower tax withholdings by funding the 0account through pre-tax contributions from an Airman's salary. For more information about flexible spending accounts, go to https://www.fsafeds.com/GEM. Once the open enrollment season is complete, members will not be able to make changes to their program until next year unless they qualify by experiencing a qualifying life event such as a child birth, adoption, marriage or divorce, according to OPM. To find out more information about open enrollment and Airmen's rights to benefits, go to https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/open-season