OPM Refines Fed Retirees' Second-Chance Benefits Guide
Published Date: 2/27/2026
Notice
Summary
The Office of Personnel Management is asking for public feedback on the instructions about how federal employees can ask for a second look at decisions about their retirement, health benefits, or life insurance. This update keeps the process clear and easy to follow, with no new costs or deadlines added. If you’re a federal employee or retiree, now’s the time to share your thoughts before April 28, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Clarifies federal reconsideration process
RI 38-47 explains how federal employees and retirees can request reconsideration of initial OPM decisions about Civil Service or Federal Employees retirement, Federal or Retired Federal Employees Health Benefits enrollment or changes, and Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance coverage. OPM is asking the public for feedback on this information collection and will accept comments until April 28, 2026.
OPM says no new costs or deadlines
OPM states this update keeps the reconsideration process clear and easy to follow and does not add any new costs or deadlines. The notice requests public comment but does not change existing cost or deadline requirements.
Estimated paperwork time for respondents
OPM estimates the information collection will affect 3,100 respondents, with an average of 45 minutes per respondent and total estimated burden of 2,325 hours. These estimates reflect the time individuals or households may spend when responding to the collection.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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