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

FEHB Coverage for Former Spouses

Under the Civil Service Retirement Spouse Equity Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-615), as amended, certain former spouses of Federal employees, former employees, and annuitants may qualify to enroll in a health benefits plan under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program.

You are eligible to enroll under Spouse Equity provisions if:

• you are divorced from a Federal employee or annuitant during his/her employment or receipt of annuity;
• you were covered as a family member under an FEHB enrollment at least one day during the 18 months before your marriage ended (Note: This requirement is also met when both you and the Federal employee or annuitant have FEHB enrollments);
• you are entitled to a portion of the Federal employee's annuity or to a former spouse survivor annuity; and
• you have not remarried before age 55.

Former spouse enrollees must pay the full premium for the plan they select (that is, both the employee and Government shares of the premium).

Detailed guidance . . .

Frequently Asked Questions
The comprehensive set of questions and answers about coverage for former spouses.

FEHB Handbook Chapter
This chapter in the FEHB Handbook discusses coverage for former spouses in detail.

FEHB Guide for Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) and Former Spouse Enrollees (RI 70-5)[675 KB]
Comprehensive information on current plan availability, cost, and benefits for people who are eligible to enroll in the FEHB Program but do not receive a Government contribution.

Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) Program
Former spouses may also be eligible to temporarily continue their FEHB coverage under the Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) program. This page links to detailed guidance on the TCC program.

A Handbook for Attorneys on Court-ordered Retirement, Health Benefits and Life Insurance
For attorneys and others who are involved in the preparation of divorce and separation agreements that involve a current or former employee, including an annuitant of the Federal Government who is or was covered by CSRS or FERS. Includes statutes and regulations describing the conditions under which a former spouses's FEHB coverage may be continued after a divorce.

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