Fehb plans are a type of health insurance offered to federal employees and their families, providing comprehensive coverage for medical expenses.
These plans are managed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and are designed to be flexible and affordable.
There are two main types of Fehb plans: Standard Option and High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), each with its own set of benefits and costs.
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Types of Plans
If you're looking for a health plan through the FEHB program, you have several options to choose from.
There are many types of health insurance plans offered through the FEHB program, which can make it difficult to decide which one is best for you.
Fee-For Service (FFS) plans are available, which allow you to see any doctor or hospital you want, but may cost more.
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans are also an option, which require you to see a primary care physician before seeing a specialist.
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Point of Service (POS) plans offer more flexibility than HMOs, but may have higher costs.
High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) are available, which have lower premiums but higher deductibles.
Consumer-Driven Health Plans (CDHP) are also offered, which combine a high-deductible health plan with a health savings account.
Here are the different types of plans available through the FEHB program:
- Fee-For Service (FFS)
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
- Point of Service (POS)
- High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHP)
- Consumer-Driven Health Plans (CDHP)
Enrollment and Eligibility
Most federal employees are eligible for FEHB health coverage, but it's essential to check with your agency for specific rules and regulations.
You can enroll during the annual FEHB Open Season, which typically begins in mid-November and ends in mid-December. You can also change health plans, adjust your benefits, or cancel your enrollment during this time.
Newly eligible employees can enroll within 60 days of first becoming eligible, even if that occurs outside of Open Season.
To be eligible, you must be a federal employee, unless your position is excluded by law or regulation. Your agency will dictate these rules as well as your eligibility.
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You can also enroll if you're a family member or dependent of a federal employee, a full-time temporary, seasonal, or intermittent federal employee, a civilian employee on active military duty, or a temporary firefighter.
Here are the key dates to remember:
- Annual FEHB Open Season: mid-November to mid-December
- 60-day enrollment period for newly eligible employees
- First 60 days of employment: make your election to enroll or not to enroll with the Processing and Servicing Center
- After your first 60 days of employment: complete and submit SF-2809 (FEHB – Health Benefits Election Form) to the Retirement and Benefits Portal or mail original to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Retirement and Benefits Advisory Services (RABAS), 90K Street NE, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20229, Mail Stop 1400.
Insurance and Costs
Federal employees pay for health insurance plans in the same way many employees do, sharing the cost with the Government. Depending on the plan, employees may also have to pay deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance.
You'll typically pay about 30% of the premium, while your agency covers about 70%. This cost split applies to most plans, but it's essential to check your specific plan details.
Each pay period, you'll pay part of the cost for any service you receive, such as doctor visits or prescriptions.
Here's a breakdown of the typical cost split for FEHB plans:
Keep in mind that these costs can vary depending on the plan you select. It's crucial to review your plan details to understand your specific costs.
Plan Overview and Resources
You can enroll in a FEHB plan during your first 60 days as a newly eligible employee, or during the Federal Benefits Open Season in mid-November to mid-December. You can also enroll when you have a qualifying life event such as marriage, divorce, or birth.
Most federal employees are eligible to enroll in a FEHB plan, and annuitants may be eligible to continue their FEHB coverage into retirement if they meet certain requirements. You can check with your Human Resources Office if you're unsure about your eligibility.
Here are the different enrollment periods for a FEHB plan:
- During your first 60 days as a newly eligible employee
- During the Federal Benefits Open Season (mid-November to mid-December)
- When you have a qualifying life event such as marriage, divorce, or birth
Employee Benefits Overview
Federal employees have access to a range of health insurance plans through the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program. The best plan for you will depend on factors such as cost, coverage, and in-network providers.
You can choose from Fee-For Service (FFS) plans, Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans, Point of Service (POS) plans, High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHP), and Consumer-Driven Health Plans (CDHP). These plans offer different levels of coverage and flexibility.
Most federal employees are eligible for the FEHB program, but it's always best to check with your Human Resources Office to confirm your eligibility. You can enroll during your first 60 days as a newly eligible employee or during the Federal Benefits Open Season, which typically takes place in mid-November to mid-December.
You'll pay about 30% of the premium, and your agency will pay about 70%. You may also need to pay part of the cost for any services you receive. The cost of your plan will depend on the specific plan you choose.
If you're unsure about your eligibility or the enrollment process, don't hesitate to reach out to your Human Resources Office. They can provide you with more information and help you navigate the process.
Here are the different types of health plans available through the FEHB program:
- Fee-For Service (FFS) plans (with or without a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) preference)
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans
- Point of Service (POS) plans
- High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHP)
- Consumer-Driven Health Plans (CDHP)
Mygeha Secure Member Portal
The MyGEHA Secure Member Portal is a fantastic tool that makes it easy to stay on top of your health and benefits. You can view your digital ID card anytime, anywhere.
With the portal, you can quickly access important resources like MDLIVE and CVS Caremark, which can be a huge time-saver. You can also use single sign-on to get to these resources fast.
You can search for in-network health or dental providers, hospitals, and clinics near you, making it easy to find the care you need.
A personalized list of things to do will keep you on track with your health and benefits. You'll see reminders and tasks to complete, helping you stay organized.
You can connect with Customer Care or access secure messaging to get your questions answered fast. No more waiting on hold or trying to find a phone number!
Here are some of the key features of the MyGEHA Secure Member Portal:
- View your digital ID card
- Check your plan details on-demand
- Use single sign-on for quick access to resources like MDLIVE and CVS Caremark
- Search for in-network providers
- See a personalized list of things to do
- Connect with Customer Care or access secure messaging
- Upload claims, check balances, deductibles, out of pocket maximums
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is FEHB per month?
The monthly FEHB contribution varies by coverage level: $645.84 for Self Only, $1,408.33 for Self Plus One, and $1,547.50 for Self and Family. Check the FEHB website for more details on coverage options and costs.
Is FEHB the same as Blue Cross Blue Shield?
The Federal Employee Program (FEHB) is administered through the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, but it's not the same as a standard Blue Cross Blue Shield plan. FEHB is a specific nationwide program for federal employees with unique features and benefits.
What is the 5 year rule for federal health insurance?
To be eligible for continued FEHB coverage into retirement, you must have been enrolled in the plan for at least 5 years or the entire time you were eligible to enroll. This 5-year rule applies to those retiring on an immediate annuity.
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