Federal employees enrolled in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan will pay 8.6% to 11.0% more toward their health insurance premiums in 2027, depending on the option and enrollment type.
Standard Option Self Only coverage will cost $204.65 per biweekly paycheck, up $16.33 from 2026. That adds about $425 a year. About two-thirds of federal employees are enrolled in one of the plan’s three options: Standard, Basic, or FEP Blue Focus.
How Much Are Blue Cross Premiums Increasing?
The following are biweekly premiums for non-postal federal employees. Annual increases are calculated using 26 pay periods.
Option
Enrollment
2026
2027
Annual increase
Standard
Self Only
$188.32
$204.65
$424.58
Standard
Self Plus One
$410.88
$449.89
$1,014.26
Standard
Self and Family
$457.66
$496.90
$1,020.24
Basic
Self Only
$133.77
$145.46
$303.94
Basic
Self Plus One
$319.25
$350.48
$812.00
Basic
Self and Family
$356.86
$387.54
$797.68
FEP Blue Focus
Self Only
$66.81
$74.16
$191.10
FEP Blue Focus
Self Plus One
$143.63
$159.43
$410.80
FEP Blue Focus
Self and Family
$157.97
$175.35
$451.88
The average increase in the employee share of premiums across the FEHB program is 10.9%. Standard and Basic increases are below that average, while FEP Blue Focus premiums rise by 11.0%.
What Will Annuitants Pay Each Month?
Federal retirees and other annuitants pay monthly premiums. Here are the 2027 rates:
Option
Self Only
Self Plus One
Self and Family
Standard
$443.41
$974.76
$1,076.61
Basic
$315.17
$759.38
$839.67
FEP Blue Focus
$160.69
$345.44
$379.93
Which Blue Cross Option Costs the Least?
FEP Blue Focus has the lowest premiums. Self and Family coverage costs $379.93 per month, compared with $1,076.61 for Standard. That is a difference of about $697 a month, or $8,360 a year.
Premiums are only part of the cost, however. Deductibles, copayments, prescription coverage, and out-of-pocket maximums differ by option. A lower premium may not mean lower overall costs, particularly for people who use healthcare services frequently.
Why Are Premiums Going Up?
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) attributes the 2027 increases to higher healthcare prices and utilization, including inpatient, outpatient, physician, and surgical care. Rising behavioral health spending and prescription drug costs, including GLP-1 and other specialty medications, are also contributing factors.
Across FEHB, total premiums are increasing by an average of 9.3%, while the government’s contribution is rising by 8.6%. The average enrollee share is increasing by 10.9%.
What Should You Do Before Open Season?
Federal Benefits Open Season runs November 9 through December 14, 2026. OPM has published the 2027 rates and benefits, so federal employees and annuitants can compare plans before making their elections.
Review the premium alongside the plan’s deductible, copayments, prescription coverage, and out-of-pocket maximum. Compare Standard, Basic, and FEP Blue Focus rather than automatically renewing your current option.
