OPM announces 2013 FEHBP premiums

OPM issued its Open Season press release today. "The average premium for the 8.2 million people covered by the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program will increase by 3.4 percent in 2013, which is lower than last year’s increase of 3.8 percent." OPM explained that there are no significant program wide benefit changes for 2013 (other than those mandated by the Affordable Care Act). You can find the 2013 rates here. The Washington Post adds that "There will be 230 participating plans in the FEHBP during 2013, up from the current 206, all but 13 of them health maintenance organization plans available only in a local area."