Changes made during the season will take effect on the first day of the first pay period beginning on or after April 23, 2000. OPM began phasing in other new insurance options in November. It eliminated caps on the basic term insurance and Option B additional insurance you can purchase. Additional changes on tap for 1999 allow you to choose unreduced Option B coverage when you retire or to retain Option B coverage if you separate from the civil service or are in a nonpay status that runs out. The government contributes only to employees' basic term insurance premiums.
Employees pay the full premiums for options, which are offered only along with basic term coverage.
Because the program is complex, however, defense personnel officials advise employees to get help from local civilian personnel benefits counselors.