No Extension of FEDVIP, Says OPM

Some agencies apparently have been telling their employees, incorrectly, that there is an extension period for FEDVIP coverage for those who leave federal service and who are not eligible to continue that coverage, as typically happens to those who separate before retirement eligibility. OPM in a memo to agencies said that it has been hearing from disgruntled former federal employees who were told that there is a 31-day extension of coverage in that situation–similar to what applies in the FEHB and FEGLI programs during which enrollees can convert to individual policies–and who put in claims for care and were denied. "Individuals are receiving care after they’ve separated, thinking they still have dental/vision coverage. This is a very expensive mistake to make based on misinformation/misunderstanding," OPM said, urging agencies to make clear to their employees that there is no such extension.