News Release

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director Kay Coles James today praised and thanked all Federal departments and agencies for responding "with one voice, in strong support of our troops. Departments and agencies with employees called to active duty responded with enthusiastic support of this program, agreeing to fully cover their employees' share of FEHB premiums while they are on active duty." (Attached is a list of each agency's policy.)

Earlier this year Director James had issued a memorandum to the heads of Federal agencies and departments encouraging them to pay the full premium - both the employee and government shares - of the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program for reservists and guardsmen who are activated into duty.

"Our first obligation as an employer is to make certain that those who perform active military duty are able to leave their employment temporarily with the knowledge that their affairs are in order and their rights protected," James said in the memorandum.

James thanked the agency heads who are providing this "well-deserved" benefit to their employees, paying their share of the FEHB premiums incurred when they are called to active military for more than 20 days. "Providing support for these individuals is an important issue," James remarked.

The United States Department of Defense has called up more than 168,000 reserve and National Guard troops to active duty, many of whom are Federal employees.

Attachment: Status of Department/Agency Payment of FEHB Premiums for Active Reservists

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OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.

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