November 1, 2023

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Do I need to take any action if I want to remain with my current health insurance plan?

If you are satisfied with your current plan option, you do not have to do anything.  Your coverage will continue throughout the 2024 calendar year.

Enhancement to Medicare Part D

Please note that health plans are not allowed to charge you more than $35 for a one-month supply of each Medicare Part D-covered insulin product you are prescribed.  In addition, charges in connection with insulin prescriptions will no longer be subjected to meeting the annual deductible requirement.

What were the top health plans for 2023 utilized by Retirement Plan annuitants?

Based on 2023 enrollment data maintained by DCRB, many annuitants are enrolled in one of the following plans:

·  Blue Cross & Blue Shield

· Kaiser Foundation HP - The Mid Atlantic

· Government Employees Hospital Association

· Aetna Open Access

· Mail Handlers Benefit Plan

· M.D. IPA: The Quality Care HP

· Capital Care, Inc. (CareFirst Blue Choice)

I’d like to make a change to my current health plan, how do I complete the Health Benefits Election Form (SF-2809)?

• If you are making a change to your plan, you need to complete Parts A, B, C and H.

• If you are adding a dependent, you need to complete Parts A, B, C and H.

• If you are adding a spouse, you are required to submit a copy of the marriage certificate.

• If you are adding a child, you must submit a copy of the birth certificate for each child.

  • the child must be unmarried and under age 26 (if 26 or older, the child can only be covered if he/she is incapable of self-support because of a disability that began before age 26. Documentation of this instance must be provided to DCRB);

  • you must be the primary source of financial support for the child;

  • if you are adding a stepchild or grandchild, the parent-child relationship must be with you and not the biological parent. This means that you exercise parental authority, responsibility, and control and that you also care for, support, discipline, and guide the child; and you expect to raise the child into adulthood.

• If you are considering suspending your coverage, you must complete Parts A, B, G and H; if you are canceling your coverage, you must complete Parts A, B, F and H.  It is important to note that if you cancel your enrollment in the FEHB program, you cannot re-enroll at a later date. 

How do I find out more information about the plans available to me?

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) offers a plan selection comparison tool on its website: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/compare-plans/.

1. Enter your 5-digit zip code (or if you live outside of the United States, click on the directly below the zip code box);

2. Select “annuitant” as Enrollee Type;

3. Click on “monthly” to determine the Pay Frequency;

4. Enter the name of your current plan; and

5. Click the “search” button.

The OPM website will list all of the plans you are eligible to enroll in based on your zip code.  If you are interested in learning more about the health plan, click on the box.  You may review and compare up to three plans at a time. 

Once you have selected the plan you would like to enroll in for the 2024 calendar year, you may return to the DCRB website to complete your Open Enrollment election.

Where can I find the rates for the 2024 plan year?

The plan selection comparison tool includes the 2024 premiums: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/compare-plans/.

How do I submit my Open Enrollment change?

For your convenience, you have 3 options to submit your Open Enrollment changes:

1. Member Services Online 24/7 -  You can now visit dcrb.dc.gov to complete and submit your Open Enrollment election online directly to the DCRB Member Services team.  Select “Member Services Online 24/7” and “Member Web Submission Forms” to access the online form.   

2. DCRB Drop Box is a “no contact” tool.  Between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, you can drop off forms outside of the DCRB suite. Forms are collected and distributed at the end of each day.

3. U. S. Mail:  District of Columbia Retirement Board

          Attn:  Member Services Center

         (Open Enrollment)

         900 7th Street, NW, Second Floor

         Washington, DC 20001

Is there a deadline to submit my Open Enrollment form?

Yes.  All forms and supporting documentation must be received by our office on or before Monday, December 11th.  Forms received after that date must be postmarked for Monday, December 11th and must be received in our office no later than Friday, December 22nd.

Who should I contact if I have a question regarding my health insurance coverage?

Our benefits administration team is here to serve you from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (except District holidays).  You can reach our office at (202) 343 3272, toll-free at (866) 456-3272 or TTY #711.  Due to increased call volume at this busy time, members may experience longer than average wait times.