Govexec.com reports on OPM’s announcement of 2017 FEHBP premiums here. Federal News Radio explains 

On average, participants in the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program will pay 4.4 percent more on their premiums in 2017. The increase is slightly lower than what federal employees and annuitants saw this past year, when FEHBP increases went up 6.4 percent, the largest rate change in recent memory.

Congress suspended the Affordable Care Act’s health insurer fee for 2017. The health insurer fee generally applies to FEHB plans.  That change likely accounts for a good chunk of the decrease between the two years.

The press is reporting that as the FEHBlog expected Congress has reached an agreement in principle on funding the federal government past September 30. No government shutdown in sight, thankfully.