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

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Insurance Services Programs

Federal Employees Health Benefits Program

Eligibility FAQ


   

Who is Eligible?

If you are employed in the Executive Branch of the Federal Government, are participating in the FEHB Program, and your pay is issued by an Executive Branch agency, you are eligible to have your FEHB premiums paid under the premium conversion plan.

Who May Become Eligible?

If you are enrolled in the FEHB Program but are employed outside the Executive Branch, or your pay is not issued by an agency of the Executive Branch, you may be eligible if your employer agrees to adopt our plan and offer participation in premium conversion.� All non-Executive branch agencies were contacted by OPM with instructions on how to become part of the plan.  

Who is Not Eligible?

The Judiciary Branch, U.S. Postal Service, and some smaller Executive Branch agencies with independent compensation-setting authority, have already implemented their own FEHB premium conversion plans; the employees of these entities will not participate in our premium conversion plan. At the present time, annuitants and compensationers whose FEHB premiums are deducted from annuities and benefits are not eligible to participate in premium conversion.� There are special rules for reemployed annuitants; see below.

 

Will this benefit also apply to retirees, survivors, and former spouses receiving civil service benefits?

No. Under section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code, pre-tax benefits are only available to current employees.  

Will Federal employees on LWOP to work for a union be eligible for premium conversion?

If the union agrees to adopt our plan, premium conversion may apply to Federal employees on LWOP to work for a union.  

Will Federal employees assigned to an international organization be eligible for premium conversion?

If the organization agrees to adopt our plan, premium conversion may apply to Federal employees on assignment to an international organization.