Estimates on Reservist Benefits Also Issued

Meanwhile, CBO released cost estimates on several other provisions of the DoD authorization bill under consideration. For example, it said a House provision to allow agencies to pay both the employee and employer share of Federal Employees Health Benefits program premiums for up to 24 months-rather than the current maximum of 18 months-for employees called to active duty for contingency operations would cost about $4 million in one year and $17 million over five years. The bill also would require DoD to pay at least some Reservists-potentially including some federal employees-the difference between their military and civilian pay while they are on active duty under an involuntary mobilization order. The pay supplemental would become effective after a Reservist had been activated for 12 continuous months, 18 months during a 60-month period or for any time within six months of full-time active-duty service. CBO estimated that the average annual reduction for Reservists serving on active duty is about $3,000, although it noted a survey showing 60 to 70 percent of mobilized Reservists either experience no difference in pay or increase their income.