The DC Department of Human Resources (DCHR) will host Open Enrollment Season for District government employees under both the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and the District of Columbia Employees Health Benefits (DCEHB) Program to select, change or update their 2009 employee benefit selections from November 10-December 8, 2008.

During this period, benefits-eligible employees may make changes and/or enroll in new benefits plans for the 2009 plan year.

Open Enrollment Season is the only time during the year (with limited exceptions) that District Government employees may make certain benefit plan changes; this includes choosing a health care plan, enrolling in the short-term disability insurance program, setting up flexible spending accounts, and for DCEHB participants this year only, life insurance elections can also be changed.

DCHR will host several health fairs during Open Enrollment Season. These fairs will give employees an opportunity to meet with representatives from benefits providers such as Aetna, United Healthcare, FlexAmerica, ING and others. The fairs will afford employees an opportunity to gather information that will enable them to make informed decisions about their benefits coverage.

As part of our continuing effort to provide all District government employees better services, while developing and promoting more streamlined and environmentally friendly operations, DCHR will not be accepting or processing any paper benefits forms during Open Enrollment Season. DCHR encourages all eligible employees to use ESS (Employee Self Service) to make their benefits enrollment selections.

To learn more about Open Enrollment Season, get a list of health fairs, or to enroll in Employee Self Service, visit dchr.dc.gov  and select “Employee Benefits” or call (202) 442-9700.