Federal Benefits FastFacts: Insurance Benefits for New/Newly Eligible Federal E

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.gov/insure/health/planinfo/guides/index.asp or 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 frmaintenance 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/dental/index.asphttp://www.opm.gov/insure/vision/index.asp

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 provides a way for you to save money on health care and

expenses. You set aside money from your salary BEFORE taxes are 

expenses and receive reimbursement. Enrolling in FSAFEDS lowerpay because the salary you set aside for FSAFEDS is not taxed. ThaFSAFEDS – you pay less tax. 

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

FEGLI provides group term life insurance. If you are in a FEGLI-elautomatically 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. 
Federal Benefits FastFacts: Insurance Benefits for New/Newly Eligible Federal Employ

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

Federal Benefits at www.opm.gov/insure/health/planinfo/guides/index.asp 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 Life Insurance 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 Binsurance and can waive it anytime

You have 31 days from date of becoming eligible to enroll in Optiinsurance. You can apply at any tiyou provide 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 duty in status. Optional: The first day you enter oduty in pay status on or after the da

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 living with employee in regular parent-child relationship); and -Child age 22 or over incapable of self-support, if disabling condition happened before age 22. 

Your spouse and dependents you claim 

on your Federal tax return.

Same as FEHB and FEDVIP 

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). 

During infrequent (not annual) opeseasons or provide satisfactory med

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

Can I keep 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

-Opportunity to convert to an individual policy 

Can I keep coverage when I retire? 

Yes, if you meet certain requirements. 

Yes. No. Yes, if you meet certain requireme