Categories: Fedweek

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.

FEDweek Newsletter
Veteran insight on your federal pay, benefits, career and retirement!
Share