Other Authorities Also Would Be Extended

The Senate’s DoD authorization bill also would extend by one year the buyout authority at the Energy Department, which otherwise also would expire September 30, 2003. CBO estimated that about 350 employees would get buyouts during the additional year. The bill further would extend into fiscal year 2007 an authority that allows DoD employees and certain DoE employees laid off in a reduction-in-force to continue to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program and only pay the regular employee’s share of the insurance premium; typically, employees wishing to continue FEHB benefits after separating without entitlement to an annuity have to pay both the employer and employee shares, plus an administrative charge. The respective departments would be responsible for paying the normal employer’s share of the premium. Under current law, the special provision at DoD and DoE expires in fiscal year 2004. CBO estimates that about 500 people a year would benefit from that provision.