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

If you lose your FEHB coverage because you leave your Federal job, you are eligible for TCC unless your separation is involuntary due to gross misconduct. Otherwise, the reasons for your separation don't matter.

Your human resources office must notify you within 61 days after your regular FEHB enrollment terminates of your opportunity to enroll under TCC (temporary continuation of coverage). Generally, you have 60 days after getting the notice or 60 days after separation, whichever is later, to enroll under TCC.

It's a good idea to ask your agency to give you your TCC information on the day you separate. TCC enrollments — and premiums — always begin on the 32nd day after your regular coverage ends (which happens on the last day of the pay period in which you separate). The earlier you submit your enrollment form, the earlier your agency can process it, and the less likely it will be for you to receive a large bill for retroactive TCC coverage.

However, if you retire and you are eligible to continue your regular FEHB coverage as a retiree, you aren't eligible for TCC because your regular FEHB coverage doesn't stop. If you are retiring and you aren’t sure whether you are eligible to continue regular FEHB coverage as a retiree, ask your employing office.