Federal employees stay informed through health fair Published Nov. 9, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Jake Eckhardt 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs Scott Air Force Base, Ill. -- The Scott Club hosted the annual Federal Employee's Health Fair Nov. 1 to increase awareness of all the available health care providers. Health care providers that showcased their business included Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Government Employees Health Benefits, Health Link, Met Life, Vision Care Benefits, United Health Care, United Concordia, Humana, Mail Handlers, AETNA, the Health and Wellness Center, and Tricare representatives also offered information. "This gives the employees a chance to compare health plans," said Patricia Ohlendorf, the 375th Force Support Squadron Civilian Personnel Office Human Resources Assistant. "People went to each table, picked up their brochures and compared, as an alternative to having to do it online." The Federal Employee's Health Fair has been a source of information since its creation in the late 1980s. Michael Schreiber, a participant of the Federal Employee's Health Fair, went to his first fair in 2009. "At the time, I had just retired from the military, so I was going into the federal service," he said. "I picked up some information on insurance plans, and they helped me out quite a bit. They helped me make the transition." Two years later, he is looking at all his health care options. "I have had some changes, so I came here specifically to pick up the information I knew I needed," said Schreiber. "The companies know what I am looking for." The Federal Employee Health Fair open season is from Nov. 14 through Dec. 12. To register, go to Employee Benefits Information System website through the AF portal. Ohlendorf said, "I think this helps people make an informed decision. Everyone gets a chance to talk to a representative and get answers to their questions." More information on federal employee health benefits can be found at www.opm.gov/insure/index.aspx.