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

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This page can be found on the web at the following url:
http://www.opm.gov/insure/new_employ/index.asp?AnswerId=3

Insurance Programs

New / Prospective Employees

As a Federal employee, you may be able to enroll in health, dental, vision and life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and apply for long term care insurance. You can find information about each program by clicking on one of the links below. Each section includes common questions to help guide you to the information you need.

GUIDE ME...

Health

How much do I pay for coverage?

Answer:

Generally, as a Federal employee, you share the cost of your health benefits premium with the Government. Please check our Premiums page for more information . You can also find premiums in your health plan brochure and the Guide to Federal Benefits.  In addition to the health plan's premium, you may have to pay deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance.

The FEHB Handbook has additional information on how the Government's share is calculated. For most employees, the Government contribution equals the lesser of:

a)  72 percent of the overall weighted average; or

b) 75 percent of the total premium for the plan you select.

The amount you pay is the balance.  That is, the difference between the total premium and the government contribution for your health plan.  If you are enrolled in a health plan that has premiums above the average, the premium balance for you to pay will be higher. 

 

Please note temporary employees do not receive a Government contribution toward the cost of their health insurance.