Fedweek

The changes in the FECA program recommended by FMA have been raised in recent years during congressional hearings but Congress has shied away from touching the program, which is a hot-button issue for FECA beneficiaries and their families. FMA’s main interest in the reforms is that the costs of FECA payments are charged back to agency salary and expenses accounts, restricting the money available for managers to carry out their missions. That mechanism is supposed to put accountability into the system, but many feel it encourages agencies to oppose legitimate claims for compensation.