New FLTCIP Benefit Offerings Effective in October

OPM has said that new benefit offerings in the FLTCIP long term care insurance program will be effective October 1, superseding for new enrollees the package that has been available since the program started in 2002. Until then, the traditional package and premium structure remains available to applicants. The changes result from revisions in the contract that added certain new benefit options, revised others and that will cause premium increases starting in January for enrollees who have automatic inflation coverage and who purchased it before age 70; premiums will not increase for enrollees under the “future purchase option” on inflation coverage. OPM said that the carrier is now sending out letters to current enrollees providing general information about the new contract and what they can expect. Starting in late October and spread over a few weeks, enrollees will be mailed personalized information on premium changes and options they can choose for lowering their benefits to avoid any premium increase if they wish. “No one’s coverage will change unless he or she voluntarily chooses to change it,” OPM said in a notice to agency benefits officers.