The 2027 Postal Service Health Benefits rates are now official, and postal employees need to look closely at their current plan before Open Season. OPM reports that PSHB
will offer 65 plan options from 17 carriers in 2027. Across the program, total premiums are increasing an average of 6.7 percent, while the average enrollee share will increase 8.2 percent. That is lower than 2026, when the average enrollee share increased 11.3 percent and overall PSHB premiums increased 9.0 percent, but it still means higher costs for many employees and retirees. U.S. Office of Personnel Management
The most important thing to understand is that 8.2 percent is only an average. Individual plans vary dramatically, as the accompanying infographic shows. APWU Consumer Driven Option increases are considerably smaller than the APWU High Option increases, while the MHBP Standard Option shows some of the largest dollar increases among the nationwide plans displayed. GEHA HDHP and Standard show no employee premium increase in the comparison, while NALC High Option actually decreases by $5.08 biweekly for Self Only and $3.31 for Self Plus One, with Self and Family increasing $2.95. The differences make it clear that members should not assume their current plan remains the best financial choice simply because they were satisfied with it in 2026.
The 2026 Federal Benefits Open Season runs November 9 through December 14, 2026. If you make no change, your existing PSHB enrollment generally continues into 2027, but OPM is encouraging enrollees to compare their options. Look beyond the premium alone. Review deductibles, copays, coinsurance, provider networks, prescription coverage, and maximum out-of-pocket costs before making a decision. In some PSHB plans, Self Plus One can even cost more than Self and Family, so compare every enrollment category available to you. U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Do not wait until the first 2027 paycheck to find out what your health coverage is costing you. Review the rates, study your plan, compare your options, and make an informed decision during Open Season.