A SNAPSHOT of Insurance Benefits for New/Newly Eligible Federal Empl

As a new/newly eligible Federal employee, you may be able to enroll in health insurance, dental insurance, visio

spending accounts, life insurance, and/or apply for long term care insurance. Here’s some basic information abo

can find more comprehensive information at www.opm.gov/insure, in the Guide to Federal Benefits at www.opm

by contacting your agency’s human resources office. 

Program Program Description Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program www.opm.gov/insure/health

FEHB provides comprehensive health insurance. You can choose fr

maintenance organizations, consumer-driven plans and high deductibpremiums for your enrollment are shared by you and your Federal ag

Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) www.opm.gov/insure/DentalVision

FEDVIP provides comprehensive dental insurance and vision insuraseven dental plans and three vision plans. FEDVIP features nationwplans. You pay the entire premium. 

Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (known as FSAFEDS) www.fsafeds.com

FSAFEDS allows you to set aside money from your paycheck, beforeligible health care and/or child care/elder care expenses and then re

pre-tax money. Enrolling in FSAFEDS will lower the amount of incamount you allot to your FSAFEDS account(s) is not taxed. You ca20% to 40% on eligible products and services. 

Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI) www.opm.gov/insure/life

FEGLI provides group term life insurance. If you are in a FEGLI-el

automatically covered under Basic life insurance, unless you choose Generally, premiums for Basic insurance are shared by you and your elect Optional insurance for you, and/or your eligible family membefor that coverage. 

Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) www.ltcfeds.com

FLTCIP offers insurance that helps cover the costs of certain long tecare is the assistance you receive to perform activities of daily living because of a severe cognitive impairment. Your premium is based oapply as well as the benefit options you select. The FLTCIP is medimedical conditions, or combinations of conditions, will prevent some coverage. 
A SNAPSHOT of Insurance Benefits for New/Newly Eligible Federal Employees (

The table below highlights some basic similarities and differences in the programs. You can find more comprehensive informa

in the Guide to Federal Benefits at www.opm.gov/insure/08/guides or by contacting your agency’s human resources office. 

FEHB FEDVIP FSAFEDS FEGLI 

What does the acronym stand for? 

Federal Employees Health Benefits Federal Employees 

Dental and Vision Insurance Program 

Federal Flexible Spending Account Program 

Federal Employees’ Group LifInsurance Program 

If I’m eligible, how long do I have to enroll in or apply for the Program? 

You have 60 days from date of becoming eligible to enroll in any or all of these three 

programs. Once you enroll, you may not change your enrollment (e.g. cancel, change plans, etc,) until the next annual open season or until you experience a qualifying life event. 

You are automatically enrolled in Basic insurance and can wait anytime. You have 31 days from date of becoming eligibto enroll in Optional insuranceYou can apply at any time if yprovide satisfactory medical information on an SF 2822. 

How do I enroll as a new or newly eligible employee? 

Complete and submit a standard form (SF) 2809; some agencies may have electronic enrollment. 

Enroll at BENEFEDS.com or by 

calling 1-877-888-3337. 

Enroll at www.FSAFEDS.com

or by calling 1-877-372-3337. 

Complete and submit an SF 2817; some agencies may have electronic enrollment. 

When does my coverage as a new or newly eligible employee become effective? 

The first day of the first pay period that begins after your enrollment request is received and that follows a pay period during any part of which you are in pay status. 

The first day of the first pay period that begins after your enrollment request is received. 

The next day after you enroll. 

Basic: The day you enter on duin pay status. Optional: The first day you enon duty in pay status on or aftethe day your agency receives your election. 

Which of my family members are eligible? 

-Spouse, including a valid common law marriage (marriage means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife). -Unmarried dependent child under age 22, including adopted child, recognized natural child, stepchild/foster child (if livinwith employee/annuitant in regular parent-child relationship); and -Child age 22 or over incapable of self-support, if disabling condition happened before age 22. 

Do I Have To ReEnroll Each Year? No. Yes. No. When can I make changes to my coverage? 

During the annual open season (mid-November through mid-December) or if you experience a program-specific qualifying life event (QLEs differ for each program). 

Provide satisfactory medical information on an SF 2822 or experience a FEGLI-specific QLE. 

Can I Continue Coverage if I Leave Federal Service 

-31-day free extension of coverage; -Temporary Continuation of Coverage is available for separating employees for up to 18 months; and -Opportunity to convert to an individual policy 

No. No. -31-day free extension of 

coverage; and -Opportunity to convert to an individual policy 

Can I Continue Coverage Into Retirement? 

Yes, if you meet certain requirements. 

Yes. No. Yes, if you meet certain 

requirements.