Federal Health Benefits (FEHB)

The Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program is available to eligible civilian employees and their eligible family members, as well as to civilian retirees and their survivors. There is no preexisting conditions clause in the FEHB Program. The Government contributes approximately 72% of the premium and employees are responsible for the remainder. Employees can choose from self only and family coverage. Eligible family members include spouses and children under the age of 22. Children incapable of self support may continue to be covered after age 22.

• New employees have 60 days from their date of hire to elect FEHB coverage. Enrollment opportunities outside of this initial 60 day window are limited to Open Seasons, or must be tied to a qualifying life event (QLE).
• Coverage is effective the pay period following the receipt of the Employee Health Benefits Registration Form SF2809 by the Human Resource (HR) Specialist or Command Staff Advisor (CSA).
• Premium conversion allows premiums for FEHB coverage to be made on a pre-tax basis, which means that premiums are withheld before Federal taxes, Social security, Medicare and most state taxes are computed.
  • Employees are automatically enrolled in premium conversion when they enroll in an FEHB plan.
  • Employees may waive premium conversion when they elect FEHB coverage.
• New employees and employees selecting plans during Open Season should always visit the actual plan website prior to making a selection. The Office of Personnel management (OPM) provides a website that will help find specific plan information.
• Open Season elections must be submitted through My Employee Personal Page (MyEPP).
  • Employees will only be permitted to make changes to their FEHB coverage though MyEPP during Open Season. If employees experience a qualifying life event, they should submit the standard form SF2809 to their local HR Specialist or CSA for processing.
• The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will alter some FEHB eligibility criteria. The most current information can be found on OPM’s website.