As the largest employer-sponsored health benefits program of its kind, the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program began offering coverage in 1960. FEHB Program health insurance providers cover most active, full-time U.S. government civilian employees, retirees, and family members.
The Program offers 180 health plan choices, including preferred provider organizations (PPOs) and consumer-driven high deductible plans (CDHPs).
APWU Health Plan has been a dominant carrier in the FEHB Program since 1960. As a national PPO, APWU Health Plan offers FEHB health plans, including a fee-for-service High Option and a Consumer Driven Option paired with a Personal Care Account. Both options are open to all employees and retirees covered under the FEHB Program.
Federal employees and retirees are eligible to enroll in APWU Health Plan
Federal employees and employees of certain tribes, tribal organizations, and Urban Indian organizations are eligible for FEHB coverage, unless excluded by law or regulation.
If you have questions about your eligibility, contact your federal agency or tribal employer to find out if you’re eligible to enroll in the FEHB Program.
You don’t need to work for the Postal Service to enroll in APWU Health Plan
All employees and retirees (also known as annuitants) covered under the FEHB Program are eligible to enroll in APWU Health Plan. As part of enrollment, you will become an associate member of the American Postal Workers Union and be billed a $35 fee.
If an employee, retiree, surviving spouse, or child is eligible to enroll in the FEHB Program, that person is eligible to join APWU Health Plan.
APWU Health Plan offers both postal and federal health plans
In addition to covering federal employees and retirees eligible for the FEHB Program, APWU Health Plan covers postal workers and retirees eligible for the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program.
Starting in 2025, United States Postal Service employees, retirees, and family members are eligible for health insurance coverage under the PSHB Program, a new health plan within FEHB. PSHB health plans will replace FEHB health plans for these groups, while FEHB plans will continue to cover federal employees and retirees.
Compare FEHB health plans
Whether you’re an active employee or a retiree, choosing health insurance that is right for you and your family is an important decision. Online tools from OPM and APWU Health Plan can help clarify your options:
Use the FEHB plan comparison tool to view your options for health insurance coverage.
The APWU Health Plan find your plan tool makes it easy for you to compare FEHB health plans choose a health plan that offers the coverage and benefits you need.
APWU Health Plan works with Medicare
You’re eligible for Medicare if you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident who has lived in the country for at least five consecutive years. The federal health insurance plan is for:
- People 65 years of age and older
- Some people with eligible disabilities under age 65
- People with end-stage renal disease
If you or your spouse are employed and have an APWU Health Plan, APWU Health Plan is your primary health plan and Medicare is secondary. If both you and your spouse are retired, Medicare is your primary coverage and APWU Health Plan is secondary.
Find answers to your questions about how FEHB health plans work with Medicare.
If you need help understanding your Medicare options, contact the Office of Personnel Management (OPM):
OPM Retirement Information Center
1-888-767-6738
retire@opm.gov
Enroll in our Medicare Advantage plan to receive added benefits and reduced costs
APWU Health Plan also offers a Medicare Advantage plan for High Option retirees covered by Medicare Part A and Part B. The UnitedHealthcare® Medicare Advantage (PPO) for APWU Health Plan enhances your FEHB Program coverage by reducing or eliminating cost-sharing for services.
To qualify for enhanced Medicare Advantage benefits you must be retired, enrolled in APWU Health Plan High Option, and enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. To find out if you’re eligible to enroll in the Medicare Advantage plan, call:
Medicare Advantage
1-855-383-8793
711 (TTY)
8 a.m. – 8 p.m. CT
Monday – Friday
Enroll in your FEHB health plan during Open Season
The FEHB Open Season runs each year from the Monday of the second full work week in November through the Monday of the second full work week in December. During Open Season, anyone eligible to participate in the FEHB Program can enroll or change health plans.
Outside of Open Season, new employees, employees who are newly eligible, and those who experience certain qualifying life events (QLE)—such as marriage, divorce, or birth—may enroll within 60 days of becoming eligible or within 60 days of experiencing the QLE.
Visit the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website for instructions on how to make an enrollment change during Open Season.
Complete the Federal Employees Health Benefits Election Form (SF 2809) to enroll in the FEHB Program, change your FEHB enrollment, or cancel your FEHB enrollment.
If you need help enrolling in APWU Health Plan, visit our FEHB enrollment support center.
Contact APWU Health Plan for FEHB enrollment support
High Option
For questions about the High Option, contact APWU Health Plan to speak with a customer service representative:
1-800-PIC-APWU (Open Season)
1-800-222-APWU (2798)
1-800-622-2511 (TTY)
8:30 am – 6:30 pm ET
Monday – Friday
If the Health Plan is experiencing a high call volume, you can schedule a call back, 9 am – 6:30 pm ET, Monday – Friday.
Consumer Driven Option
For questions about the Consumer Driven Option, contact UnitedHealthcare:
1-855-808-3003
whyuhc.com/apwuhp
APWU Health Plan has provided FEHB health plans since 1960
As a federal employee or retiree, when you choose APWU Health Plan, you’re not just selecting an insurance provider—you’re partnering with an organization deeply committed to safeguarding your health and well-being for years to come. We look forward to serving you.
