FEHB premiums extended for reservists, guardsmen

  • Published
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  Department of Defense civilian employees called to active duty supporting a contingency operation may continue their Federal Employees' Health Benefits coverage, and have the agency pay their share of the premiums, for up to 24 months.

This applies only to reserve component civilian employees called or ordered to active duty supporting a contingency operation on or after Sept. 14, 2001.

The law extended coverage from 18 to 24 months, and provides that agency-paid premiums start the date an employee is placed on leave without pay or separated from civil service to perform active duty. Previously, coverage and agency payment of premiums began the date the employee entered active duty.

"The benefits and entitlement service team has automatically extended from 18 to 24 months the coverage and agency-paid premiums for Air Force-serviced employees currently on active duty whose FEHB coverage has not yet been terminated and who meet … eligibility requirements," said Janet Thomas of the Air Force Personnel Center's civilian benefits and entitlement service team here. "The beginning date was also adjusted."

To be eligible for the 24 months coverage and agency-paid premiums, employees must meet the following requirements:

-- Must be a civilian employee of the Department of Defense at the time called to perform active duty.

-- Must be called to active duty on or after Sept. 14, 2001.

-- Must be enrolled in FEHB and elect to continue the enrollment while on active duty.

-- Must be a U.S. reservist or guardsman.

-- Must be called or ordered to active duty (voluntarily or involuntarily) supporting a contingency operation as defined in 10 U.S.C. 101(a)(13).

-- Must be placed on leave without pay or separated from federal civilian service to perform active duty.

-- Must serve on active duty for a period of more than 30 consecutive days.

"Periods of time in a paid leave status during the 24-month period do not extend the 24-month period," Ms. Thomas said. "FEHB premiums withheld during these periods of paid leave will not be reimbursable."

Questions may be addressed to a BEST benefits counselor by calling (800) 616-3775. People can press ext. 2 for Air Force serviced civilian, then ext. 2 for BEST benefits and entitlements, and follow the prompts. Employees located in foreign areas can dial a toll-free direct-access number for the country they are in, then (800) 616-3775. Direct-access numbers are located online at www.business.att.com/bt/dial_guide.jsp.

For more information, people can go online to www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/dpc/best/docs/FEHB_24_Months.pdf. (Courtesy of AFPC News Service)