WELCOME TO BENEFITSCHELLA
It's Time to Rock-Enroll! Open Enrollment for 2027 DC Government Employee Benefits is Open
Open Enrollment for your 2027 employee benefits begins Monday, November 09 and ends Monday, December 14, 2026.
Open Enrollment is your annual opportunity to review your current benefit elections and make any necessary changes. If you are satisfied with your current benefits and have no new dependents to add, take advantage of this Annual Benefits Enrollment period to review your benefit elections for accuracy and update your designated beneficiaries. If no changes are made, all elections except enrollments for Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Saving Accounts will carry over to the 2027 plan year; however, the costs will reflect the 2027 premium amounts.
Coverage Effective Dates
• For employees who are paid biweekly, changes made during Open Enrollment will be effective January 10, 2027.
• For employees who are paid semi-monthly (some DCPS and UDC), changes made during Open Enrollment will be effective January 1, 2027.
Important! Don't Miss Out on Your 2027 FSA Benefits
If you want a Healthcare FSA or Dependent Care FSA in 2027, you must submit a new annual pledge during Open Enrollment. Your current FSA election will not carry over to 2027.
Learn How to Enroll or Change Your Benefits
You can access ESS through PeopleSoft at ess.dc.gov/ on your work computer or any computer with an internet connection.
Accessing your benefits has never been easier! Here are the key highlights to guide you through your options and ensure set yourself up for a winning 2027.
What's New for 2027
Find out what you need to know about the 2027 benefits changes before enrolling in or changing your benefits this year.
- Current 2026 457(b) Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan Contribution Limits (2027 Limits Pending): The 2026 elective deferral limit for 457(b) plans is $24,500. The 2026 Age 50 Catch-Up Limit is $8,000 ($32,500 total), and the Pre-Retirement Catch-Up Limit is $24,500 ($49,000 total). Deductions start with the pay period that begins on December 13, 2026.
- Health Care FSA Contribution Limit: The 2027 pretax contribution limit for health care FSAs is $3,500. The 2027 maximum carryover amount is $700. Deductions start with the pay period that begins on December 13, 2026.
- Commuter Benefit Contribution Limit: The 2027 combined pretax contribution limit for transit/vanpool expenses is $350 per month. The pretax parking limit is $350 per month. Deductions start with the pay period that begins on December 13, 2026.
- Health Savings Account Contribution Limit: For participants enrolled in the Aetna CDHP or CareFirst CDHP with HSA, the 2027 pre-tax contribution limit for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) is $4,500 for individual coverage and $9,000 for family coverage. Please visit the respective CDHP (Aetna or CareFirst) plan pages for more information. Deductions start with the pay period that begins on December 13, 2026.
DCHR will have Hybrid Open Enrollment Benefits Fairs this year. We will host a total of 16 events with 8 onsite fairs and 8 days of virtual sessions. Join the in-person fairs and webinars for the latest benefit updates and personalized expert guidance to align your choices with your unique needs.
Benefits In-Person Fairs
Get a chance to meet and connect with the benefits vendors and DCHR benefits team in person at our 8 onsite fairs at the following DC Government locations:
OCP – November 10
DCHR – November 17
DC Health – November 18
DGS – December 2
DOB – December 3
UDC – December 8
DC Council – December 9
DCHA – December 10
Feel the energy! Festive activities, raffles, and surprises await as you explore your benefits.
Benefits Virtual Fairs
We're hosting 8 days of multiple one-hour virtual sessions where benefits vendors and the DCHR benefits team will present the 2027 employee benefits package.
November 13
November 16
November 20
November 30
December 4
December 7
December 11
December 14
Pop in for the sessions that catch your vibe. Stay all day or just swing by—it’s totally up to you.
All unused funds from 2026 for Commuter Benefits (Transit & Parking) Flexible Spending Accounts will roll over into 2027.
Account balances and access will be uninterrupted.
PLEASE NOTE:
If you need a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for 2027, you must re-enroll with a new annual pledge every year for healthcare and dependent care programs as current annual pledges do not carry forward into the new plan year.
Important rollover limits for the plan year 2027
For more information on Flexible Spending Accounts, please click HERE.
For additional plan resources and details, please visit our 2027 Benefits Plans and Contacts page.
Benefit | Plan Options | Who Pays | How to Enroll |
|---|---|---|---|
Medical Insurance |
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Dental Insurance |
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Vision Insurance |
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Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) |
*You must be enrolled in the Aetna or CareFirst CDHP to be eligible. |
| |
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) |
|
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Indemnity Insurance |
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Disability Insurance |
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Retirement Plans |
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Commuter Benefits |
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| *may enroll anytime |
Savings Plans |
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Employee Assistance Plan |
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ALEX® is an interactive tool that will ask you a few questions about your health care needs, crunch some numbers, and educate you about the plans that best fit your personal and family needs. It's that easy!
Get started with Alex now.
Take a Sneak Peek at Your 2027 Benefits with Alex Now
Watch the video below
How long does it take go through ALEX?
Going through the entire ALEX experience and clicking every possible button can take about 15 minutes with the tool. Also, you can always save your place in ALEX and return later simply by providing your email address.
Medical Premium Plan Rates
2027 Medical Premium Costs for Employees Hired Before October 1987
Please visit the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Health Care Plan Information page for 2027 medical premiums. In addition to the biweekly and monthly premiums, you can also find the total premiums, the amount the government pays, and the change in your portion of the premium compared to last year.
If you are updating your Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB), please complete Standard Form SF-2809 and email to [email protected].
2027 Medical Premium Costs for Employees Hired On or After October 1, 1987*
Aetna CDHP with HSA
► View Aetna CDHP HSA Health Plan Summary
Type | 2027 Biweekly Premium | 2027 Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
Self Only | $79.77 | $172.84 |
Self + 1 | $156.79 | $339.71 |
Family | $230.49 | $499.39 |
Aetna HMO
► View Aetna HMO Open Health Plan Summary
Type | 2027 Biweekly Premium | 2027 Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
Self Only | $166.85 | $361.50 |
Self + 1 | $330.11 | $715.25 |
Family | $478.91 | $1,037.63 |
Aetna PPO
► View Aetna PPO Health Plan Summary
Type | 2027 Biweekly Premium | 2027 Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
Self Only | $151.37 | $327.97 |
Self + 1 | $297.54 | $644.66 |
Family | $437.42 | $947.74 |
For more information, please visit the Aetna DC Government Microsite.
For Aetna's formulary (prescription drugs), please visit the Aetna Formulary Page.
CareFirst CDHP
Type | 2027 Biweekly Premium | 2027 Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
Self Only | $59.25 | $128.38 |
Self + 1 | $113.17 | $245.21 |
Family | $173.61 | $376.15 |
CareFirst HMO
Type | 2027 Biweekly Premium | 2027 Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
Self Only | $117.76 | $255.15 |
Self + 1 | $231.99 | $502.65 |
Family | $340.33 | $737.39 |
CareFirst PPO
Type | 2027 Biweekly Premium | 2027 Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
Self Only | $145.67 | $315.61 |
Self + 1 | $278.23 | $602.84 |
Family | $426.82 | $924.77 |
For more information, please visit the Carefirst DC Government Microsite.
For CareFirst's Formulary (Prescription Drugs), please visit the CareFirst Formulary Page.
Kaiser Permanente HMO
► View Kaiser Permanente Plan Summary
Type | 2027 Biweekly Premium | 2027 Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
Self Only | $109.72 | $237.73 |
Self + 1 | $209.57 | $454.065 |
Family | $321.47 | $696.525 |
For more information, please visit the Kaiser Permanente DC Government Microsite or contact Kaiser Permanente Member Services.
For Kaiser Permanente's Drug Formulary, please visit the Kaiser Permanente Drug Formulary (Covered Drugs) Page and Kaiser Permanente list of Covered Drugs.
UnitedHealthcare Choice Open Access HMO
► View UnitedHealthcare Choice Open Access HMO Plan Summary
Type | 2027 Biweekly Premium | 2027 Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
Self Only | $148.22 | $321.14 |
Self + 1 | $283.10 | |
Family | $434.28 | $940.93 |
UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus PPO
► View UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus PPO Plan Summary
Type | 2027 Biweekly Premium | 2027 Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
Self Only | $118.73 | $306.11 |
Self + 1 | $226.76 | |
Family | $347.85 | $896.88 |
For more information, please visit the UnitedHealthcare DC Government Microsite or contact UnitedHealthcare Member Services.
For UnitedHealthcare Formulary (Prescription Drugs), please visit the UnitedHealthcare Prescription Drug List.
In the event the plan rates listed here do not match the provider's listed rates, always default to the rates listed with the provider.
Click here for 2026 rates.
2027 Vision Plan
Vision coverage is available at no cost to eligible employees. DC Government pays 100 percent of the premium. For more information, please see the Vision Summary Plan Description or visit the VSP Vision Care Microsite.
2027 Dental Plan
Cigna Dental HMO: The District pays for 100 percent of the premium costs for the DHMO benefit.
For more information, please see the Cigna Dental HMO Summary.
Cigna Dental PPO: For more information, please see the Cigna Dental PPO Summary.
2027 Cigna DPPO Premium Rates
Type | 2027 Biweekly Premium | 2027 Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
Self Only | $27.51 | |
Self + 1 | $39.06 | $84.62 |
Family | $50.64 | $109.73 |
In the event the plan rates listed here do not match the provider's listed rates, always default to the rates listed with the provider.
Click here for 2026 rates.
Open Enrollment Resources
Play your cards right with our list of open enrollment resources to select the best benefits that fit your life.
Meet Alex, the Virtual Benefits Counselor
Talk to Alex
Join Open Enrollment Benefits Virtual Fair
Join a Session
View Benefits Plan Comparisons at a Glance
Compare Plans
Attend Open Enrollment Benefits In-Person Fair
View Schedule
Get Benefits Support with HR Desk
Submit a Ticket
Important Open Enrollment Documents
2027 Open Enrollment Checklist
The Open Enrollment Checklist provides step-by-step guidance to ensure you can make timely and appropriate updates to your benefits elections for 2027.
2027 Health Care Premiums Plan Rates and Changes
Explore the 2027 Healthcare Premiums Plan Rates and Changes for a clear view of upcoming premium changes to find the best coverage for you and your family.
2027 How to Enroll or Make Changes Guide
The How to Enroll or Make Changes Guide is a step-by-step, guide for enrolling or making changes in your DC Government Benefits through Employee Self Service (ESS).
2027 DC Government Employee Benefits Guide
The DC Government Benefits Guide provides comprehensive information about your DC Government employee benefits.
2027 DC Government Employee Benefits at a Glance
The DC Government Benefits At a Glance provides key information about your DC Government employee benefits.
2027 Health Care Plan Comparison at a Glance
Compare your DC Government employee healthcare plans at a glance and speed up your decision-making in choosing the best coverage for you and your family.
DCHR will be closed Wednesday, November 11,
in observance of Veterans Day.
You can still log in to Peoplesoft to access your Open Enrollment window to make benefit changes.
Contact the DCHR Benefits & Retirement Administration
Visit the HR Desk Portal to access self-service resources or get your benefits questions answered. For assistance, submit a ticket to the DCHR Benefits and Retirement Team.
The DCHR Benefits and Retirement Administration can be reached Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the following:
Phone: 202.442.7627
Payroll Concerns & Questions
For issues regarding payroll or paychecks, please contact the Office of Pay and Retirement Services.
Phone: 202.741.8600
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