OPM.gov Home | Subject Index | Important Links | Contact Us | Help

U.S. Office of Personnel Management - Ensuring the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce

Insurance Services Programs

Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program

Open Season FAQs

These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) discuss the FEGLI 2004 Open Season. They do not include general questions about the FEGLI Program.

For general information on the FEGLI Program, click here to read the FEGLI Program Booklet for Federal employees or the FEGLI Program Booklet for Postal employees.

General Information
What's New
Eligibility
Electing Coverage
Elections – Timing
Effective Dates
Newly Hired Employees and the Open Season
Premiums
Open Season Materials
Continuation into Retirement

General Information

1. What is an Open Season?

An Open Season is a rare event. It allows eligible Federal and Postal employees to enroll or increase their life insurance coverage in the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program without providing evidence of medical insurability or answering any health questions.

2. When is the FEGLI 2004 Open Season?

September 1, 2004 – September 30, 2004

3. If I make an Open Season election, when will my new coverage become effective?

Your Open Season election will become effective on the first day of your first pay period that begins on or after September 1, 2005, and that immediately follows a pay period in which you were in pay and duty status for the required amount of time (32 hours for full–time employees). Click here for more details on pay and duty status requirements.

4. Is there any advantage to turning in my election at the start of the Open Season vs. at the end?

No. Your election will be effective at the same time (see the previous question for information on effective dates).

5. Why is OPM holding an Open Season?

OPM is holding an Open Season to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the FEGLI Program. In 1954, Congress passed a law providing for the creation of the FEGLI Program to provide affordable life insurance to Federal employees with the convenience of salary deduction.

6. Will we now have an Open Season every year?

No. A Life Insurance Open Season is a rare event. No one knows when the next one might be, so be sure to take advantage of this Open Season

7. Do I need to answer any health questions or submit medical evidence of insurability
to make an Open Season election?

No.

8. Will I have to start paying premiums for my Open Season coverage right away?

No. You don't start paying premiums for your new coverage until it goes into effect. Click here to read about the effective date.

9. I'm happy with the coverage I have now. Do I have to do anything?

No. You only need to fill out a form if you are not enrolled and wish to enroll or if you are already enrolled and wish to change your coverage. If you are happy with what you have now, do nothing.

9.A. What is included in my annual rate of Basic pay?

Your annual rate of Basic Pay includes:
Your salary, including:

Locality–based comparability payments
Night differential pay for wage employees
Environmental differential pay for employees exposed to danger or physical hardship
Premium pay for groups such as law enforcement officers

Your annual rate of Basic pay does not include other types of pay such as: bonuses, allowances, overtime, holiday and military pay or supplemental payments from the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP). See your Human Resources office if you are not sure what your annual rate of basic pay is.

9.B. How can I find out my current level of FEGLI coverage?

You can check your most recent SF 50 Notification of Personnel Action to determine the coverage you currently have. On that form, in block 27, there is a 2–character code that represents your current FEGLI coverage and a definition of the code. For example, if block 27 shows "C0–Basic only", that means you have Basic life only with no optional coverage. You can look up the codes in the FEGLI Handbook, the
SF 50 Equivalents of Insurance Codes chapter.

If you cannot find the documents listed above, you should go to your human resources office at your agency. OPM and OFEGLI do NOT have your records and cannot verify your current coverage.

What's New?

10. Is there any new coverage available during this Open Season?

No. There is no new FEGLI coverage available during the 2004 FEGLI Open Season. There have been no changes to the types and amounts of FEGLI coverage. You can elect Basic (equal to your annual rate of basic pay, rounded to the next $1,000, plus $2,000), Option A – Standard ($10,000), Option B – Additional (1 to 5 multiples of your annual rate of basic pay, after rounding it to the next even $1,000) or Option C – Family (1 to 5 multiples, with each multiple providing $5,000 for the death of your spouse and $2,500 for the death of each eligible child).

Eligibility

11. How do I know if I am eligible to participate in the FEGLI 2004 Open Season?

Almost all employees are in eligible positions and can enroll in FEGLI. The only exception is those employees in positions that do not allow FEGLI coverage. Your human resources office can tell you if that applies to you. Or, you can check your most recent SF 50 Notification of Personnel Action. Look in Block 27–FEGLI. If that block shows "Ineligible" or code "A0", then you are not eligible to enroll. If that block shows coverage or shows that you waived coverage, you are eligible to enroll.

12. What if I recently waived or cancelled my coverage. May I participate in the FEGLI
2004 Open Season?

Yes. It does not matter when you last waived or cancelled coverage.

12.A. What if I don't have any coverage now, not even Basic. May I participate in the
FEGLI 2004 Open Season?

Yes. The Open Season is open for all FEGLI eligible employees.

12.B. What if I was previously denied coverage after I filled out the SF 2822 Request
for Insurance. May I participate in the FEGLI 2004 Open Season?

Yes. It doesn't matter if you have been denied coverage in the past.

May I participate in the FEGLI 2004 Open Season if:

13. I'm Over Age 50?

Yes. There is no age restriction. Anyone in an eligible position can enroll.

14. I'm a retiree?

No. Retirees, other than reemployed annuitants, cannot participate in the FEGLI 2004 Open Season.

15. I'm a retiree, but I am also reemployed?

Yes, if you are reemployed in a position that allows FEGLI coverage. Your human resources office can tell you if you are in an eligible position. Or, you can check your most recent SF 50 Notification of Personnel Action from your reemployed position. Look in Block 27–FEGLI. If that block shows "Ineligible" or code "A0", then you cannot participate in the Open Season. If that block shows coverage or shows that you waived coverage, you are eligible to elect new coverage during the Open Season.

16. I'm receiving compensation benefits from the U.S. Department of Labor?

It depends. If you are within the first 12 months of nonpay status, you may elect coverage. But, any coverage you elect during the Open Season cannot be effective until you are back at work, receiving pay, and meet the other effective date requirements. If your first 12 months of nonpay status has ended, you cannot elect coverage during the FEGLI 2004 Open Season.

17. I'm receiving compensation benefits from the U.S. Department of Labor, but I am
also reemployed on a part–time basis?

Yes, if you are reemployed in a position that allows FEGLI coverage. Your human resources office can tell you if you are in an eligible position. Or, you can check your most recent SF 50 Notification of Personnel Action from your reemployed position. Look in Block 27. FEGLI. If that block shows "Ineligible" or code "A0", then you are not eligible to enroll. If that block shows coverage or shows that you waived coverage, you are eligible to enroll.

18. I'm in nonpay status?

Yes, employees in nonpay status can participate in the Open Season. But, any coverage you elect during the Open Season cannot be effective until you are back at work, receiving pay and meet the other effective date requirements.(Employees in nonpay status who are receiving compensation benefits should read question #16.)

19. Can someone with my power of attorney elect coverage for me?

No. Only you, the employee, may elect coverage. You must sign the FEGLI 2004 Open Season Election Form (FE–2004). A guardian, conservator, someone with your power of attorney or anyone else cannot sign the form for you.

20. Can my assignee elect coverage for me?

No. Assignees may not participate in the Open Season.

21. I assigned my life insurance coverage to someone using an Assignment, Federal
Employees Group Life Insurance (RI 76–10). What happens to the new coverage I
elect during the FEGLI 2004 Open Season?

Your existing assignment will cover any new coverage you elect (except for Option C – Family, which cannot be assigned).

22. What if I have to separate from my Federal job to go on active duty; can I
participate in the Open Season?

If you separate, your agency will treat your current life insurance coverage, if any, as if you were on leave without pay, for up to 12 months. This means that your current coverage will be free for 12 months. You will still be able to elect coverage during the Open Season, but again, the coverage won't be effective until the first pay period that starts on or after September 1, 2005, and immediately follows a pay period in which you were at your Federal job and not on leave for at least 32 hours (for full–time employees).

Electing Coverage

23. Who can make elections during this Open Season?

Employees (other than those in a position which does not allow life insurance coverage). Annuitants and compensationers cannot.

24. I'm happy with the coverage I have now. Do I have to do anything?

No. You only need to fill out a form if you are not enrolled and wish to enroll or if you are already enrolled and wish to change your coverage. If you are happy with what you have now, do nothing.

25. What are the advantages of electing coverage during the FEGLI 2004 Open Season?

During the Open Season you can increase your life insurance without the need to answer any medical questions, regardless of your current health status.

26. How do I elect coverage during this Open Season?

To make an Open Season election, you must complete and send the FEGLI 2004 Open Season Election Form (FE–2004) to your human resources office (HRO) during Open Season (September 1 through September 30, 2004).

26A. I received an FE–2004 FEGLI 2004 Open Season Election form before Open Season
started. If I submit it before Open Season starts will it still be valid?

To avoid any confusion, you may want to wait until the Open Season starts before submitting your FE– 2004 form. However, it will still be valid even if you submit it before Open Season starts, as long as your human resources office receives it on or before September 30, 2004.

27. Where can I get the FE–2004 FEGLI 2004 Open Season Election form?

You should have received one directly, in the FEGLI 2004 Open Season Enrollment Packet sent to all employees. You can also get the form from our web site by clicking here or you may be able to get a form from your human resources office.

27.A. Does it matter if the FE–2004 FEGLI 2004 Open Season Election form is the white
hard–copy version with the gold “50th anniversary” eagle logo or a form printed
from the website?

No, it does not matter. Both the white hard–copy with the logo and a white locally–printed version from the website are acceptable.

27.B. Can I fax or scan my FE–2004 FEGLI 2004 Open Season Election form to my
human resources office?

Yes. You may submit a .pdf, .jpeg or other scanned version, or a fax of the completed FE–2004 to your human resources office. It will be accepted as valid as long as you submit the signed original within 30 days after the agency received the other version AND that signed original is identical to the other version. The use of these alternative formats should truly be exceptions in special circumstances only.

28. Can I use the SF 2817 Life Insurance Election to make an Open Season election?

No. You may only use the FE–2004 FEGLI 2004 Open Season Election form to make an Open Season election.

29. Can I use the FE–2004 FEGLI 2004 Open Season Election form for other elections of
coverage?

No. You can use the FE–2004 only for Open Season Elections. If you are electing coverage for any other reason (for example, you just began your Federal job, or you get married and want to add coverage, or you get a physical exam), you must use the SF 2817, Life Insurance Election.

30. Can I cancel all of my current coverage using the FE–2004 FEGLI 2004 Open Season
Election form?

No. You must use the SF 2817 Life Insurance Election to cancel all of your coverage. You cannot cancel all coverage using the FE–2004 form.

31. Can I cancel only some of my current coverage using the FE–2004 form?

Yes. If you want the coverage to stop now, you should cancel it by using the SF 2817 Life Insurance Election. Sign only for the coverage you have now and wish to keep. The coverage you have now that you do not sign for will stop at the end of the last day of the pay period during which your agency receives your form.

If you want your coverage to stop when your Open Season election will be effective, then use the FE–2004 FEGLI 2004 Open Season Election form. Sign for the coverage you have now and wish to keep, and sign for the new coverage you want to elect. The coverage you have now, but you do not sign for, will stop at the same time the new coverage you elect begins. See details on effective dates.

32. How do I complete the FE–2004 FEGLI 2004 Open Season Election form?

Read Sections 1 and 2 on the form. Fill in your name and other identifying information in Section 3. Sign Section 4 for Basic insurance. Sign Section 5, where indicated, if you want to elect any or all Optional insurance. Be sure to sign for the coverage you already have and wish to keep and sign for any new coverage you wish to elect. If you do not sign for coverage you currently have, you cancel that coverage. It will stop on the same date your Open Season election is effective.

33. What happens if I do not sign on the FE–2004 FEGLI 2004 Open Season Election
form for coverage I have now and want to keep?

The coverage you do not sign for will be cancelled on the effective date of your Open Season election.

34. What can I elect during this Open Season?

You can elect Basic insurance and any or all Optional insurance:
Option A – Standard
Option B – Additional
Option C – Family

35. Do I have to answer any health questions or submit evidence of medical
insurability in order to make an Open Season election?

No.

35.A. Do I have to provide a marriage or birth certificate to elect or increase
Option C – Family coverage during the Open Season?

No, you do not have to submit any type of certificates to elect coverage during the Open Season.

Elections – Timing

36. What if my form is postmarked on or before September 30, 2004 but my Human
Resources Office (HRO) doesn't receive it until after September 30, 2004?

Generally, postmarks don't count. Your human resources office must receive your form on or before September 30, 2004. However, there is an exception, if you can show that you could not submit the form on time due to circumstances beyond your control. If you think this exception applies to you, you should ask your human resources office for a reconsideration.

37. I turned in an FE–2004 FEGLI 2004 Open Season Election form last week but now
want to change my mind. Can I submit another one?

You can always void the form, but you cannot always submit a new one. It depends on the date:

If it is on or before September 30, 2004 (the last day of the Open Season), you may turn in another FE–2004 election form. Be sure your agency receives your new form on or before September 30th. Ask your agency to void the first FE–2004 form.

If it is after September 30, 2004, you cannot submit a new FE–2004 form. You can notify your human resources office in writing that you want to reduce the amount of coverage elected during the Open Season or that you want to void the Open Season election completely. Your agency will document this action in your Official Personnel Folder (OPF) or its electronic equivalent.

38. What if I'm in the hospital for the entire time or otherwise can't submit the form on
time?

Then you need to talk to your human resources office. They can let you know if you can submit a belated election. But don't count on it. You should submit your FE–2004 election form to your human resources office so they receive it on or before September 30, 2004.

39. What is a belated election?

Within 6 months after the open season ends (meaning by March 31, 2005), an agency may determine that an employee was unable to make a timely election due to circumstances beyond his/her control. The employee has 31 days after being notified of the agency determination to make his/her Open Season election on an FE–2004 or its electronic equivalent, where applicable. So, for example, if on March 31, 2005, the agency determined that an employee was entitled to make a belated election, and notified that employee the same day, then the employee would have until May 1, 2005, to submit his/her Open Season election.

40. When are belated elections effective?

Belated elections are effective the same as elections made on time -- the first day of your first pay period that begins on or after September 1, 2005, and that immediately follows a pay period in which you meet the pay and duty status requirements.

41. I'll be on vacation for most/all of the Open Season. Can I wait to turn in my form?

The Open Season is the month of September. You don't need to be at work to participate. (But you do need to be at work one year later for it to be effective.) You can complete and mail the FE–2004 FEGLI 2004 Open Season Election form to your human resources office (HRO). You don't have to submit the form in person. Remember -- your HRO must receive your form on or before September 30, 2004.

42. I'm a reservist (or in the National Guard). What if I'm called up during the Open
Season and haven't turned in my election yet?

Of course, the best thing for you to do is complete an FE–2004 FEGLI 2004 Open Season Election Form before you leave. However, if that is not possible, you should contact your human resources office to ask for a belated election opportunity.

Please remember that your coverage won't be effective until your first pay period that starts on or after September 1, 2005, and that immediately follows a pay period in which you were at your Federal job and not on leave (meaning in a pay and duty status) for at least 32 hours (for full–time employees).

If you want coverage earlier, and you have time before your deployment, you may want to obtain satisfactory medical evidence of insurability. If the Office of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (OFEGLI) approves it, you will automatically be enrolled in Basic, and eligible to elect Option A ($10,000) and/or Option B (1 to 5 multiples of your salary). Click here for more details.

43. I'm a civilian employee deployed in a combat support role overseas. Can I
participate in the Open Season?

Yes, civilian employees who are deployed can participate in the FEGLI 2004 Open Season. The FE–2004 FEGLI Open Season Election Form should be submitted to your human resources office (HRO). You don't have to submit the form in person. Remember -- your HRO must receive your form on or before September 30, 2004.

If you want coverage earlier, you may want to obtain satisfactory medical evidence of insurability. If the Office of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (OFEGLI) approves it, you will be automatically enrolled in Basic, and eligible to elect Option A ($10,000) and/or Option B (1 to 5 multiples of your salary). Click here for more details.

Effective Dates

44. When will my new coverage become effective?

New coverage becomes effective on the first day of your first pay period that begins on or after September 1, 2005, and that immediately follows a pay period in which you meet the pay and duty status requirements.

45. What is pay and duty status?

This means that you were at work and not on any type of leave, such as annual leave, sick leave, donated leave or any other type of leave.

46. What are the pay and duty status requirements?

A full–time employee on a biweekly pay period must be in a pay and duty status for at least 32 hours during the pay period right before the one in which the coverage is to become effective.

A full–time employee on a monthly pay period must be in a pay and duty status for at least 64 hours during the pay period right before the one in which the coverage is to become effective.

A part–time employee must be in pay and duty status for one-half of the regularly–scheduled tour of duty shown on a current SF 50 Notification of Personnel Action.

An intermittent employee or employees without a regularly–scheduled tour of duty must be in pay and duty status for one–half of the hours customarily worked in a pay period.

Annual leave, sick leave, donated leave or any other type of leave is not pay and duty status.

47. I am an intermittent employee. How can I determine the number of hours I
customarily work?

Add up the number of hours that you worked in the calendar year quarter ending September 30, 2004 (meaning July 1 through September 30). Then divide by the number of pay periods during those three months. The answer is the number of hours you customarily work in a pay period.

48. When are belated elections effective?

Belated elections are effective the same as elections made on time -- the first day of your first pay period that begins on or after September 1, 2005, and that immediately follows a pay period in which you were in pay and duty status for the required amount of time.

49. What if I die or a family member dies before September 1, 2005, but after I turn in
my Open Season Election. Will my survivors receive benefits on the new coverage?

No. The Office of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (OFEGLI) can only pay benefits based on coverage that is in effect. If your Open Season election is not effective when you die or a family member dies, OFEGLI cannot pay those benefits.

50. Can you make an exception for me? This is the first time I've been able to elect
coverage in years. I'm sick and might die before 2005.

There are no exceptions. OFEGLI can only pay benefits based on coverage that is in effect.

51. What if I retire before my Open Season Election is effective?

Then you will never have the new coverage and cannot have it in retirement.

52. Can I carry my new coverage into retirement?

It depends. The FEGLI 2004 Open Season is not the first opportunity for electing coverage. Therefore, you must have the newly elected coverage for the five years of service immediately before retiring or starting to receive workers' compensation benefits in order to continue that coverage as an annuitant or compensationer. So that means the very earliest most employees can retire or start receiving compensation and carry new coverage from the FEGLI 2004 Open Season into retirement or compensation is September 3, 2010 (September 4, 2010, for Postal employees).

53. What if I start receiving benefits from the Department of Labor (Compensation)
before my new coverage is effective?

Then you will never have the new coverage as an employee and cannot have it as a compensationer. However, if you return to duty as an employee and meet the effective date requirements, your new coverage can go into effect. You should work closely with your human resources office if this scenario applies.

54. What if I transfer to another agency before my new coverage is effective?

Then your old agency must attach your Open Season election to your personnel folder or its equivalent. Your new agency must process your Open Season election at the appropriate time.

55. Why is there a delayed effective date?

The 1999 Open Season also had a delayed effective date and it worked very well. The idea behind it is to avoid adverse selection – to avoid people electing increased insurance coverage based on the knowledge that there is a high probability that the insurance will become payable within a year.

56. What if I want coverage to be effective before 2005?

Then you should not make an Open Season election using the FE–2004 election form. Remember, Open Season elections have a delayed effective date and are not effective until September 1, 2005, at the earliest.

If you do not want to wait, you can elect coverage without a delayed effective date by providing satisfactory medical information on a Request for Insurance (SF 2822). If the Office of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (OFEGLI) approves your request, you automatically get Basic insurance (your salary, rounded up to the next higher thousand dollars, plus $2,000). You will have 31 days to elect Option A ($10,000 coverage) or Option B (from 1 to 5 multiples of your salary) or both. You must use the SF 2817 Life Insurance Election to elect coverage based on a physical exam. Do not use the FE–2004 FEGLI 2004 Open Season Election form. You cannot elect Option C – Family by submitting medical information.

If you have a qualifying life event (marriage, birth or adoption of a child, death of your spouse or divorce), you can elect Option B and/or Option C insurance within 60 days of the life event. You must use the SF 2817 Life Insurance Election to elect coverage based on a life event. Do not use the FE–2004 FEGLI 2004 Open Season Election form. You cannot elect Basic or Option A – Standard because of a life event.

56.A. Where can I find SF 2817 Life Insurance Election and SF 2822 Request for Life
Insurance?

The SF 2822 is only available on–line http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/pubslist/index.asp. However, if you cannot print a copy your human resources office should be able to print one for you.

The SF 2817 can be obtained from your agency human resources office or from the FEGLI website http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/pubslist/index.asp. Clicking on the links above will open the FEGLI Publications and Forms page on the OPM website.

Newly Hired Employees and the Open Season

57. I began working for the Federal Government in September 2004, with no previous
Federal Employment. Is a new employee election different from an Open
Season Election?

Yes. Assuming you are eligible for life insurance coverage , you need to consider a few things. Coverage you elect as a new employee will be effective before coverage you elect as an Open Season election.

Your agency automatically enrolled you in Basic life insurance (your annual rate of basic pay, rounded up to the next higher thousand dollars, plus $2,000) on the first day you were at work and not on leave, unless you turned in a form (the SF 2817 Life Insurance Election) to waive Basic. You have 31 days from becoming eligible to elect any or all Optional insurance on the SF 2817 form.

58. When is the effective date of optional coverage I elect as a new employee?

Your election as a new employee is effective on the day you begin working in a pay status on or after the day your employing office receives your election form.

59. As a new employee, can I participate in the Open Season?

Yes. You can elect coverage during the Open Season on the FE–2004 Open Season Election form. However, Open Season elections have a delayed effective date and will not be effective until you meet the effective date requirements. Click here to read Frequently Asked Questions on effective dates.

Premiums

60. Will I have to start paying premiums for my Open Season coverage right away?

No. You don't start paying premiums for your new coverage until it goes into effect the first day of the first pay period that begins on or after September 1, 2005, and that immediately follows a pay period in which you meet the pay and duty status requirements.

61. What are the current FEGLI premiums for employees?

The FEGLI premiums for employees are available on the FEGLI Open Season website.

62. Why are the Option B premiums changing in January 2005?

The Option B premium increases for the new age bands (65–69), (70–74), (75–79) and (80 and over) are being phased in over a three year period. The 3rd and final phase will be January 2005. The 2004 and 2005 Option B premiums are on the FEGLI Open Season website. No other premium changes are planned at this time. However, premiums may change in the future.

63. When do my premiums change for moving to a new age group?

We assume you reach the next age group in your first pay period that starts after your birthday. For example, if you turn age 50 on September 4, you will begin paying the premiums for the 50–54 age group in your first pay period that starts after September 4.

64. What if my pay is not high enough to cover the premiums?

Then you will have two choices. You can choose to terminate some or all of your coverage or you can choose to pay your premiums directly. You can contact your human resources office for more detailed information.

Open Season Materials

65. Where can I read more about the 2004 FEGLI Open Season?

Click here to read the FEGLI 2004 Open Season Enrollment Packet materials. You can also ask your human resources office (HRO) for Open Season materials.

66. Where can I read more about the FEGLI Program in general?

Click here to read the FEGLI Program Booklet for Federal employees (or the Federal Program Booklet for Postal Employees) or ask your human resources office (HRO) for one.
You can also go to the FEGLI website. Clicking on this link will open the OPM website.

Continuation into Retirement

67. Can I carry my new coverage into retirement?

It depends. The FEGLI 2004 Open Season is not the first opportunity for electing coverage. Therefore, you must have the newly elected coverage for the five years of service immediately before retiring or starting to receive compensation benefits in order to continue that coverage as an annuitant or compensationer.

So that means the very earliest most employees can retire or start receiving compensation benefits and carry new coverage from FEGLI 2004 Open Season into retirement or compensation is September 4, 2010 (September 3, 2010, for Postal employees).

Some examples may help:

James currently has Basic and four multiples of Option B, which he elected when he was hired back in 2000. He elects one new multiple of Option B during FEGLI 2004. He signed an FE–2004 Open Season Election form for Basic and five multiples of Option B (the four he currently has plus the one he adds as new coverage). He retires in 2008. He can carry Basic and only four multiples of Option B into retirement. James cannot carry into retirement the one new multiple of Option B he elected during the Open Season because he did not have that multiple from his first opportunity (which was in 2000) nor for the five years of service immediately before his retirement.

Bradford currently has Basic, Option A and one multiple of Option C. He elects four new multiples of Option C during the FEGLI 2004 Open Season. He signed an FE–2004 Open Season Election form for Basic, Option A and five multiples of Option C (the one he currently has plus the four he adds as new coverage). He retires on December 31, 2010. Bradford can carry the Basic, Option A and five multiples of Option C into retirement. He met the pay and duty status requirements and has had the newly elected coverage since September 3, 2005. Bradford has had the coverage for the five years of service immediately before his retirement.

Jessica has had FEGLI Basic since she started working in 1985. She elects to increase her coverage and adds two multiples of Option B during the FEGLI Open Season. She signed an FE–2004 Open Season Election form for Basic, and two multiples of Option B. Her Open Season election became effective on September 17, 2005, since she did not meet the pay and duty status requirements until that date. She retires September 3, 2010. Jessica cannot carry the two multiples of Option B into retirement. She did not have the coverage since her first opportunity in 1985 nor for the 5 years of service immediately before her retirement. She would need to retire September 17, 2010, or later to carry the Option B coverage into retirement.

68. Is the FEGLI 2004 Open Season a first opportunity to elect coverage?

No, it is not the first opportunity to elect Basic, Option A, Option B or Option C.

69. I'd like to have more coverage, but I know that I won't be able to carry it into
retirement, since I plan to retire before 2010. Is there any reason why I
should still participate in the Open Season?

Yes. First of all, you may want to elect more coverage to protect you and your family until you do retire. Secondly, when you separate for retirement, you will be able to convert your coverage to a private policy. You won't have to have a physical exam in order to convert. The premiums are higher than group coverage, but depending on your age and physical health, you may not otherwise be able to purchase private insurance

The earliest your Open Season coverage can be effective is September 2005. Your new coverage MUST be effective before you can convert it to a private policy.

FEGLI Main Page

U.S. Office of Personnel Management 1900 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20415 | (202) 606-1800 | TTY (202) 606-2532