In last week’s article, I wrote about changing the designation of insurance beneficiaries due to marriage. Today, I want to focus on the benefits available under the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program when your child is born.
Who are the children?
As defined by the Office of Personnel Management, the term “child” includes: children under the age of 26, including adopted children, biological children born out of wedlock, and stepchildren (including children of same-sex partners). ), and adopted children.
Generally, there are no requirements that your child be a student, live with you, or be financially dependent, but there is one exception. To be considered a foster child, the following conditions must be met:
• Be under 26 years of age.
• I am currently living with you.
• You will be our main source of financial support.
• Enjoy your parent-child relationship with you, not your biological parents.
Additionally, you must expect to raise your foster child to adulthood. Finally, you will need to sign a certificate certifying that your foster child meets all of these requirements.
When does the warranty end?
Your insurance won’t end unless you cancel it or leave the government. If you quit your job, you can get 31 days of his FEHB coverage for free. You can then extend that coverage for up to 18 months under a temporary coverage extension clause and pay the full premium plus 2 percent.
When does my child’s insurance end?
Parent-enrolled FEHB coverage ends at age 26, but children can enroll individually in the program for 36 months and pay their own premiums in full. If no other family members are eligible for coverage under your plan, you can switch to just yourself. If you have one other eligible family member, you can switch to Self Plus One. Additionally, if you are enrolled in the “Me and Family” option and you have at least three remaining family members (including yourself) covered by her, you can continue enrolling in that option.
You can change your coverage from 31 days before your child turns 26 to 60 days after he or she turns 26. If you are an employee, it is your responsibility to notify your agent if a family member is no longer eligible for coverage under your coverage. If you are a retired employee, you must notify OPM.
Note: If you are unmarried and have children who are unable to support themselves due to a mental or physical disability from before age 26, your coverage can continue without interruption.
Reg Jones, former Director of Retirement and Insurance Policy at the Office of Personnel Management and longtime contributor to FEDweek, is known throughout the federal employee community as an authority on pay and benefits.
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