DoD Seeks FEHB Payment Extension

In a new package of legislative proposals to Congress that would be government-wide, the Defense Department is asking to extend from 18 to 24 months the period that an employing agency may pay both the employee and agency share of Federal Employees Health Benefits program premiums for reservists who are called to active duty in support of a contingency operation. DoD noted that DoD is requiring some Reserve component members to serve longer than 18 months in support of the war on terrorism, requiring some federally employed reservists to switch to the military health care system for the periods beyond 18 months. Under the proposal, agencies would determine if they want to pay the entire premium share and for how long; the costs would have to be absorbed from funds already appropriated for civilian pay and benefits.