Washington, D.C. -U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Kay Coles James recently sent a letter to all of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program carriers. In the letter (attached), James asks for flexibility and assistance for Federal employees directly involved in relief efforts for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Southern Asia.

James stated, "The FEHB carrier community has always been responsive to our special requests on matters of international and national significance, and I appreciate their cooperation and responsiveness."

In the letter James wrote, "Once again I ask your help. Many Federal enrollees or their family members are directly involved in assisting the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Southern Asia. I ask your assistance in meeting the prescription drug needs of these individuals."

Director James asked the carriers to help enrollees involved in relief efforts to meet medium-term drug supply needs by giving them a 90-day supply of medications covered under the FEHB Program. Usually prescription medications are dispersed on a monthly basis.

James had also sent a letter asking for similar support on March 6, 2003 on behalf of Federal enrollees and their family members, especially Reservist and National Guard members called to active duty in the war on terrorism. The FEHB carriers responded very positively and offered the flexibilities to make the program work.