House Backs FEHB Benefits Study

The House has passed a bill (HR-3751) to require a study of how vision, dental and hearing benefits provided through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program can be improved. The study, which the Office of Personnel Management would have to complete within six months of enactment, would have to review coverage currently available through the FEHB, how those benefits could be improved and what types of contracting arrangements might be possible, including contracts on a regional or national basis, and the estimated costs of the benefits, including whether the government should contribute toward such improved benefits or whether enrollees would have to bear the entire cost themselves. The measure now moves to the Senate.