The requirement begins this Open Season
OPM says anyone adding a new family member to an FEHB or PSHB plan during Open Season for 2027 must submit supporting documentation so eligibility can be verified. The change follows the FEHB Protection Act of 2025 and is distinct from the annual premium announcement.
Open Season runs November 9 through December 14, 2026. A household planning to add a spouse or child should ask the employing office benefits officer or check OPM instructions for the documentation appropriate to that relationship. Do not assume selecting a family enrollment option completes every verification step.
Gather records before the enrollment deadline
The highlights do not tell every existing enrollee to cancel dependent coverage or submit the same records regardless of circumstances. They identify a specific trigger: adding a new family member during Open Season. Relationship eligibility and the form used should be checked against current official guidance.
Gathering documents early can reduce last-minute enrollment problems. Keep sensitive family records off unofficial assistance sites. The announcement is about proof and oversight, not a new fee, and does not guarantee coverage for a person who does not meet the program eligibility rules.