OPM Describes Impact of Eligibility Change

OPM has put out guidance on the impact on other federal benefits for certain employees now eligible for FEHB coverage due to a policy change that took effect in November. Under that policy, temporary, seasonal and intermittent employees are eligible for FEHB coverage (with a standard employer contribution) 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. The new guidance specifies that those employees are eligible to pay premiums with pre-tax money under the premium conversion arrangement; that they are also now eligible for a health care flexible spending account and to enroll in the FLTCIP long-term care insurance program; but that they are not eligible to enroll in either the FEGLI life insurance program or the FEDVIP program.