Appendix C
Qualifying Life Events (QLEs) that May Permit a Change in Your FEHB Enrollment
Premium Conversion allows employees who are eligible for FEHB the opportunity to pay for
their share of FEHB premiums with pre-tax dollars. Premium conversion plans are governed by
the Internal Revenue Code, and IRS rules govern when a participant may change his or her
enrollment outside of the annual Open Season. When an employee experiences a qualifying life
event, changes to the employee's FEHB enrollment may be permitted. Individuals who don't
participate in Premium Conversion (retirees and employees who waived participation) may
cancel their enrollment or change to Self Only at any time.
Below is a brief list of the more common QLEs. Be aware that time limits apply for requesting
changes. A complete listing of QLEs can be found at www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf2809.pdf
[848 KB].
For more details about these and other QLEs, contact the Human Resources Office of your
employing agency.
| |
From Not Enrolled to Enrolled |
From Self Only to Self and Family |
From One Plan or Option to Another |
Cancel or Change
to Self Only |
| Change in family status that
results in increase or decrease in
number of eligible family
members. |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Any change in employee's
employment status that could
result in entitlement to coverage. |
Yes |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
Not Applicable |
| Employee restored to civilian
position after serving in
uniformed services |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Employee (or covered family
member) enrolled in an FEHB
health maintenance organization
(HMO) moves or becomes
employed outside the geographic
area from which the FEHB carrier
accepts enrollment or, if already
outside the area, moves further
from this area. |
Not Applicable |
Yes |
Yes |
Not Applicable |
| Employee or eligible family
member loses coverage
under FEHB or another group
insurance plan. |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Enrolled employee or eligible
family member gains coverage
under FEHB or another group
insurance plan. |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |