October 2026
OPEN SEASON
NOVEMBER 9 – DECEMBER 14, 2026
HEALTH INSURANCE — CAREER MAIL HANDLERS
The Federal Health Benefits Open Season provides an opportunity for Career Mail Handlers to make changes to their health insurance coverage through the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program. During open season, you may make changes to your health insurance including changing plans, enroll if not enrolled, cancel enrollment, or select and change your coverage options (Self Only, Self Plus One or Self and Family).
Open season changes may be made using the Postal Service Health Benefits System (PSHBS), the enrollment platform for health benefits, which is accessible via health-benefits.opm.gov utilizing login.gov.
HEALTH INSURANCE — MAIL HANDLER ASSISTANTS
Mail Handler Assistants (MHA) are eligible for health insurance coverage through the USPS Health Benefits (USPSHB) Plan for non-career employees.
Visit MHBPPostal.com for the Value Plan features. You have sixty (60) days from the date of your newly acquired eligibility to enroll in MHBP or enroll during open season.
SUPPLEMENTAL DENTAL & VISION PLANS
All career Mail Handlers and Mail Handler Assistants are eligible to enroll in supplemental dental and vision insurance programs offered through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). These plans are optional, with all premiums paid by the employee without any subsidy from the Postal Service.
In addition to the FEDVIP, supplemental dental and vision plans are also sponsored by the Mail Handlers Benefit Plan (MHBP). Mail Handlers who are members of the NPMHU, even if they do not enroll in health insurance sponsored by the MHBP, are eligible.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) allow employees to set aside a portion of their pre-tax earnings for certain types of out-of-pocket health care expenses and dependent care expenses that may be incurred during the next year. FSAs are an excellent opportunity for Mail Handlers to save money for health care and dependent care.
ANNUAL LEAVE EXCHANGE OPTION MOU
The Annual Leave Exchange Option MOU allows career employees to sell back a maximum of eighty (80) hours of annual leave prior to the beginning of the Leave Year 2027.
Mail Handlers who meet the eligibility criteria and want to exercise this option under the Annual Leave Exchange MOU must make request through PostalEase during open season.
OPEN SEASON
NOVEMBER 9 – DECEMBER 14, 2026
