District of Columbia Employee Group Life Insurance
The District of Columbia Human Resources Department (DCHR) announced it had negotiated an updated contract with The Standard Insurance Company. Beginning January 1, 2026, the District of Columbia Employee Group Life Insurance (DCEGLI) program will transition to this updated contract.
While the fundamental structure of your life insurance benefits remains the same, there are two significant administrative changes that will affect premium calculations and coverage reductions for many retirees.
- First, the method for calculating age for insurance purposes is changing. Starting in 2026, your insurance age will be determined as of January 1st each year and will remain the same for the entire calendar year.
- Second, for those approaching or who are past 65 years old, the previous system of gradual coverage reductions is being replaced. Under the old system, coverage decreased slowly over time after age 65. The new system implements an immediate coverage reduction all at once on January 1st of the year you are considered age 65 for insurance purposes.
These changes may have a financial impact on your annuity. Therefore, at the direction of DCHR, the District of Columbia Retirement Board (DCRB) conducted a special open enrollment for participants of the DCEGLI program. This special open enrollment ran from Monday, November 10, 2025, until Monday, December 8, 2025, and is now closed. All changes made during this special open enrollment period will take effect by March 1, 2026. The 2026 premiums will be deducted from your pension benefit beginning April 1, 2026.
Read more:
- Learn more about the premium structures and how to get support here.
- Have questions? See if these Frequently Asked Questions provide you with the answer you need.
- Looking for the DCEGLI Designation of Beneficiary form? Click here.
- The Continuation of Life Insurance Coverage form is here.
Last Updated: 12/9/2025
