The annual election remains necessary
Federal employees considering 2027 flexible-spending benefits must make a new FSAFEDS election during open season, November 9 through December 14, 2026. OPM contrasts that annual requirement with health, dental and vision coverage that generally continues if an enrollee makes no change.
New for 2027, eligible participants can choose a FSAFEDS Visa FSA Card for health-care and limited-expense health-care accounts. OPM describes paying qualified pharmacy, dental, vision and other eligible expenses at the point of sale. Participants may instead continue using paperless reimbursement.
A card changes payment mechanics, not expense eligibility
The payment card is not a new government cash grant and does not make every purchase eligible. It changes how qualifying expenses are paid. The highlights identify FSAFEDS as a benefit for active employees, so an annuitant should not infer eligibility simply because they participate in federal health coverage.
Estimate likely eligible expenses and consult actual account terms before making the annual election. OPM encourages comparing the tax benefits, but its announcement does not set an individual contribution amount or promise savings for every employee. Keep the open-season deadline distinct from the start of the 2027 benefit year.