DoD-Paid Premiums for Mobilized Reservists Authorized

Meanwhile, the Defense Department has authorized payment of the employee’s share of FEHB premiums for its employees called to active duty in support of a contingency operation; specifically, Kosovo, Bosnia, Iraq, and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Payments can be made retroactive to December 8, 1995. The maximum period of eligibility for these premium payments is 18 months for each period of active duty. To be eligible, an employee must be: a member of a Reserve component of the armed forces called to active duty in support of a contingency operation; enrolled and elect to retain FEHB coverage while on active duty; placed on leave without pay or separated from service to perform active duty service. The period of active duty must extend beyond 30 consecutive days.