Appendix F
Frequently Asked Questions for Federal Retirees
What do I need in order to suspend my FEHB enrollment because I am enrolled in a Medicare
Advantage Health plan?
You must request and complete a Health Benefits Cancellation/Suspension form, RI 79-9. You must
provide documentation of your enrollment in a Medicare Advantage health plan. An example of a
Medicare Advantage health plan is "Secure Horizons" or "Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage." A copy
of your Medicare card alone will not allow you to suspend your FEHB enrollment.
As a retiree, am I entitled to the FEHB pre-tax premiums (premium conversion)?
No, the IRS regulation allowing pre-tax premiums only applies to employees. However, if you are reemployed
in a position that conveys FEHB coverage, you can participate in premium conversion by
having your agency deduct your FEHB premiums on a pre-tax basis. This is normally automatic unless
you waive participation in the premium conversion program. If you are employed by a Federal agency
and in receipt of a survivor annuity, you should contact your employing personnel office, if you would
like to transfer your FEHB enrollment from your annuity to your employing agency and participate in
premium conversion.
I am eligible for Medicare. Can I change from one plan or option to another at any time?
Yes, you may change plans at any time beginning on the 30th day before becoming eligible for Medicare
to anytime thereafter. However, this is a one-time event. Medicare A & B eligibility is not an event that
permits you to suspend your enrollment in the FEHBP.
I am receiving a survivor annuity based on my deceased spouse's Federal service. I remarried after
age 55. Can I add my new spouse to my current FEHB plan?
No. While your annuity can continue if you remarry after age 55, or if you were married to the deceased
Federal retiree/employee for at least 30 years, you cannot cover your new spouse on the enrollment.
Only eligible family members of the deceased are entitled to benefits under the FEHB program.
What do I need to do in order to suspend my FEHB enrollment because I have Tricare, Tricare for
Life, Peace Corps or CHAMPVA?
You must request and complete a Health Benefits Cancellation/Suspension Confirmation form, RI 79-9. If
you are a Tricare/Tricare for Life enrollee, you must provide a copy of your Uniformed Services
Identification (ID) card and, if over age 65, a copy of your Medicare card showing Parts A and B along
with the completed Health Benefits Cancellation/Suspension Confirmation form. If you are a CHAMPVA
enrollee, you must provide a copy of your CHAMPVA Authorization card (A-card) along with the
completed Health Benefits Cancellation/Suspension form. If you are a Peace Corps volunteer, you must
provide evidence of your enrollment along with the completed Health Benefits Cancellation/Suspension
form.
Do I continue to use my old plan until I get my new ID card(s)?
No, after January 1st, your old plan will no longer pay benefits. You must use the new plan even if you
have not yet received your ID card(s). Contact your plan directly if you have any problems receiving
benefits.
As a former spouse, am I entitled to coverage under the FEHB Program?
A former spouse is not eligible to retain coverage as a dependent under the employee's or retiree's
family enrollment. You can, however, enroll under the Temporary Continuation of Coverage Act for 36 months. If you have a qualifying court order that awards you a portion of a Civil Service Retirement
System or Federal Employees Retirement System annuity or survivor annuity, you may be eligible to
enroll in the FEHBP under a Spouse Equity enrollment. You must, however, pay the full premium for
this coverage. That means both the enrollee and government share of the premium.