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As a Federal employee, you are eligible to elect Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program coverage unless your position is excluded by law or regulation. If eligible, you can enroll within 60 days from the date of becoming eligible.
If you did not enroll during the 60-day period after your employment date, you may also enroll during the annual Federal Benefits Open Season (mid-November through mid-December) or upon experiencing an FEHB-specific Qualifying Life Event.
If you are a temporary employee (your appointment is limited to one year or less), you will be eligible to enroll when you have completed one year of current continuous employment, excluding any break in service of 5 days or less. You must pay both the employee and the Government shares of the premium.
Learn more about FEHB programs by visiting the OPM website and viewing the New/Prospective Employee’s Guide-Me page.
Dental and vision benefits are available to eligible Federal employees and their eligible family members on an enrollee-pay-all basis through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). Eligible employees can choose from among four nationwide and three regional dental plans and three nationwide vision plans. Nationwide plans also offer international coverage.
This program allows dental insurance and vision insurance to be purchased on a group basis, which means competitive premiums and no pre-existing condition limitations. Premiums for enrolled Federal and Postal employees are withheld from salary on a pre-tax basis. New employees can enroll within the 60 days after becoming eligible. Enrollment can also be made during the annual Federal Benefits Open Season (mid-November through mid-December). Visit www.benefeds.com for additional information.
Established in 1954, the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program is the largest group life insurance program in the world, covering over 4 million Federal employees and retirees, as well as many of their family members. Most employees are eligible for Federal Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) coverage. FEGLI provides group term life insurance. As such, it does not build up any cash value or paid-up value.
In most cases, if you are a new Federal employee, you are automatically covered by Basic life insurance and your payroll office deducts premiums from your paycheck unless you waive the coverage. The cost of Basic insurance is shared between you and the Government. You pay 2/3 of the total cost and the Government pays 1/3. Your age does not affect the cost of Basic insurance.
In addition to Basic insurance, there are three forms of Optional insurance you can elect; however, you must have Basic insurance in order to elect any of the options. Unlike Basic, enrollment in Optional insurance is not automatic -- you must take action to elect the options. You pay the full cost of Optional insurance, and the cost is dependent on your age.
You have 60 days from your appointment date to elect Optional insurance. Afterwards, you may only enroll by experiencing a life event, participating in a FEGLI Open Season (rare), or by providing satisfactory medical evidence of insurability.
Understanding Your Benefits