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Health and Insurance Benefits

  Insurance Programs

One of the top advantages of federal employment is the comprehensive insurance coverage offered.

  • Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) - the widest selection of health plans in the country. For eligible employees, the government pays a portion of your premiums. There is also an option of paying your portion of the premium on a pre-tax basis.
  • Federal Employee Dental/Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) - comprehensive dental and vision insurance for federal employees and their families at competitive group rates, paid for through pre-tax dollars.
  • Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI) - the largest group life insurance program in the world, offering group term life insurance for federal employees. For eligible employees, there is a government contribution.
  • Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS) - a program that allows you to pay for eligible out-of-pocket health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
  • Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) - insurance to help pay for costs of care if you or a covered family member needs help with activities performed every day (such as bathing, dressing, and eating).​

Note: Seasonal or temporary employees with appointments of one year or less may not be eligible for insurance benefits. To confirm your eligibility, please speak with your HR Representative.

Picture of OPM web page

Go to the Source

OPM.gov, sponsored by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, provides a complete overview of all federal employee insurance programs, designed especially for new and prospective employees.

Go to Insurance Programs: New/Prospective Employees on OPM.gov 

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 Enrolling In Benefits

Introduction​

It’s important to know the rules and timeframes for enrolling in health and insurance benefit programs. For most types of insurance, if you miss the opportunity to enroll as a newly​ hired employee, you must wait until the next annual Open Season. (Generally, Open Seasons for health, vision, dental, and flexible spending accounts are held in the late fall.) One exception is if you experience a qualifying life event (QLE).

Health Insurance

For the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, eligible employees must enroll within 60 days from the start date of employment or eligibility date. Otherwise, you can enroll only during the annual Open Season. However, if you have a qualifying life event (QLE), such as the birth of a new child or other change in life circumstances, you may be eligible to make new elections.
To learn more, see What is a Qualifying Life Event? on OPM.gov.

Dental/Vision Insurance

For the Federal Employees Dental/Vision Program (FEDVIP), eligible employees must enroll within 60 days from the start date of employment. Otherwise, you can enroll only during the annual Open Season, unless you have a qualifying life event (QLE).
To learn more, see FEDVIP Qualifying Life Event on BENEFEDS.com.

Life Insurance

For the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI), eligible employees are automatically enrolled in Basic life insurance. If you do not want this coverage, you must cancel (waive) by the end of your first pay period to avoid paying for it.
You have 31 days to elect Optional life insurance (you must have Basic coverage to do this). You may cancel or decrease your coverage at any time. However, to increase your Life Insurance coverage after 31 days, you will have to wait for a Life Insurance Open Season (infrequently held). Or you may request enrollment, in which case you will have to provide proof of insurability. You may also increase your life insurance if you experience a qualifying life event (QLE).
To learn more, see FEGLI Qualifying Life Events on OPM.gov.

Flexible Spending Account

For the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS), eligible employees must enroll within 60 days from the start date of employment. (Applications for the current calendar year are not accepted from October 1 through December 31.) Otherwise, you can enroll only during the annual Open Season, unless you have a qualifying life event (QLE). You must re-enroll every year to continue participating.
To learn more, see FSA Qualifying Life Event on FSAFEDS.com.

Long Term Care

For the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP), eligible employees must apply within 60 days from the start date of employment. After that, you must follow a more extensive application process that may involve a review of medical records and/or a physical examination at your expense.
To learn more, see Long Term Care Insurance for Federal Employees on LTCFEDS.com​    

 Questions About Benefits?
​Contact the HR Representative identified in your offer letter.