Start of Vision/Dental Benefits May Be Delayed

The Office of Personnel Management has raised the possibility that the startup of the vision and dental benefits package for federal employees, retirees and family members may be delayed. The program, which will be separate from the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, has been in the drafting stages for many months, with a previously stated launch goal of July 2006. In a notice to potential vendors, however, OPM invited them to comment on their preferences on dates that “would be more compatible with other federal employee benefit programs that operate on a calendar year cycle. Concerns about a mid-year start date include potential increased underwriting risk and/or low enrollment for the initial six month enrollment period . . . while we are prepared to address these concerns, if industry reaction indicates that a mid-year startup is not optimal, OPM will consider a startup date based on the beginning of the last pay period in 2006.” A more detailed outline of the potential benefits is due in the weeks ahead as OPM issues formal contract solicitations.