Health Policy Changes Finalized

OPM has published final rules providing extended FEHB coverage, including authority for agencies to pay both the employer and enrollee share, for up to 24 months to federal employees called or ordered to active duty and who meet certain requirements, including serving in support of a contingency operation. The maximum period was increased from 18 months under a 2004 law. OPM also has published final rules requiring agencies to provide employees entering leave without pay status, or whose pay is insufficient to cover their FEHB premium payments, written notice of their opportunity to continue their FEHB coverage. Employees who want to continue their enrollment must sign a form agreeing to pay their premiums directly to their agency on a current basis, or to incur a debt to be withheld from their future salary.