RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - On Tuesday the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) delivered the bad news to federal employees as open season got underway: premiums will rise by an average of 6.4 percent.

OPM also announced a new category of benefit that could cut premiums for some employees, however, according to a news release. The new 'Self Plus One' enrollment will offer coverage for an enrollee and one designated eligible family member.

Details of the cost changes, according to the release:


-------------------

-- On average, enrollees with Self Only coverage will pay $5.50 more each pay period

-- enrollees with Self and Family coverage will pay $19.61 more per pay period.

-- Those who opt for Self Plus One coverage will pay $8.92 more per pay period than they previously paid for Self and Family coverage.

More details can be found at opm.gov.

Enrollment begins November 9 and runs through December 14.