Meanwhile, OPM delayed an announcement that had been expected this week on the general terms of the upcoming vision and dental benefits package for federal employees and retirees, and delayed the projected start of the program from July 2006 to December 2006. The program will be separate from the FEHB and funded only by enrollees but officials project that premiums will be held down by the potentially large purchasing pool. Congress authorized the program last year, responding to concerns that the offerings of FEHB programs in those areas are too limited. OPM recently indicated that the July startup goal might slip; the agency is still considering comments from the industry regarding the overall design of the program.