NARFE – The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is introducing new leadership to its Healthcare and Insurance Division (division) as it prepares for Open Season. Mathew Kiley is set to take over the role on September 8, succeeding Shane Stevens, who has led the division since May 2025 and resigned less than a year and a half later. Stevens oversaw significant changes to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, led the implementation of the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) program, and outlined the Trump administration’s goals for these programs, including plans to collect medical data on FEHB and PSHB enrollees. 

The timing of Kiley’s appointment is an important one. Open Season is scheduled for November, and the division is responsible for communicating plan changes, overseeing carrier negotiations, and ensuring that enrollment information is accessible to all eligible beneficiaries. OPM’s 2027 FEHB Program Carrier Letter for All FEHB and PSHB Carriers calls for a stronger emphasis on prevention, wellness, digital health tools, cost-effective care, and long-term affordability, which will likely influence enrollees’ choices during Open Season. 

While the new leadership is not expected to directly impact enrollees’ ability to enroll or switch healthcare providers, it may influence how OPM communicates changes and addresses concerns during the enrollment period. Especially since OPM continues to face staffing reductions, leading to diminished customer care, including slower call center response times and processing delays.