What FERS Health Benefits are Available in Retirement?

Federal employees who retire are eligible for health benefits coverage through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, provided they meet certain criteria. The FEHB Program offers a variety of health insurance options to choose from.

The government health plan is among the best in the nation because of the variety of options you have to choose fro each year and the fact that they subsidize your premiums by 72% for life!

Retirement Healthcare - What Can an FERS Employee Expect?

YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR HEALTHCARE IN RETIREMENT

Key Health Benefits Available in FERS Retirement

Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program: The FEHB Program provides comprehensive health insurance coverage for federal employees, retirees, and their eligible family members. Retirees can continue their FEHB coverage into retirement as long as they were enrolled in the program for the five years leading up to their retirement date, or if they were covered under another qualifying health plan.

Choice of Health Plans: The FEHB Program offers a wide range of health insurance plans, including fee-for-service plans, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and high-deductible health plans with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Retirees can choose the plan that best suits their healthcare needs and preferences.

PLANNING FOR HEALTHCARE IN FERS RETIREMENT

Continued Premium Payments: Retirees must continue to pay their share of the health insurance premium, just as they did while working. However, these premiums are generally lower than those in the private sector due to the group purchasing power of the federal employee pool.

Family Coverage: FEHB plans often offer family coverage options, allowing retirees to extend health benefits to their eligible family members, including spouses and dependent children.

Prescription Drug Coverage: Many FEHB plans provide prescription drug coverage, helping retirees manage their medication costs.

Dental and Vision Coverage: While dental and vision coverage is not included in the standard FEHB plans, some plans offer these options as part of their benefits package. Alternatively, retirees can choose separate dental and vision plans.

Flexible Enrollment: Retirees have the flexibility to change their FEHB plan during Open Season, which typically occurs annually. This allows retirees to adjust their coverage based on changing healthcare needs.

All federal employees were required to begin paying into Medicare in March of 1986. That means even if you are CSRS you should be covered. Medicare coverage begins at age 65. You can sign up beginning 3 months before your 65th birthday, the month of your 65th birthday and 3 months after your 65th birthday to enroll (7 months total). There are 4 components to Medicare - Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D. For a brief overview of these components please see our article: Medicare - A Simple Explanation of the Costs and Components

FERS & Medicare

MEDICARE: REQUIRED BY FERS SINCE 1986

FEHB can be kept for life. Medicare does not replace it — Medicare coordinates with it. Most retirees enroll in Medicare Part A and seriously consider Part B to reduce costs and maximize coverage.

Simple Takeaway

Medicare (A very short explanation):

• Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.

• Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers outpatient services, doctor's visits, preventive care, diagnostic tests, and durable medical equipment.

• Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): Offers comprehensive coverage through private insurance plans approved by Medicare, often including Parts A, B, and D benefits.

• Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Provides prescription drug coverage through private insurance plans.

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