FEHB Expansion Finalized

OPM has issued final rules expanding eligibility for FEHB, along with a full employer contribution, for certain temporary, seasonal and intermittent employees currently ineligible. Those categories will become eligible if they are expected to work, or be on certain types of approved leave without pay such as parental leave, on average for 130 hours per month and are expected to work at least 90 days. Currently, those employees are either ineligible or are eligible under only limited circumstances—for example, temporary employees become eligible after a year of continuous employment but even then have to pay the full cost of the premiums. The rules in the October 17 Federal Register are effective in time for those newly eligible employees to elect coverage for the 2015 plan year. Employing offices are responsible for determining which employees meet the standards and for notifying them of their opportunity to enroll.