Coverage
INTRODUCTION
FEGLI coverage is group term life insurance coverage that is payable regardless of the cause of death, no matter how/where you die. If you are enrolled, it covers you 24/7, whether you are at work or not. FEGLI also includes Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage for employees, which, if payable (there are some exclusions), is paid in addition to Basic and Optional coverage.
BASIC INSURANCE: AUTOMATIC COVERAGE
Acquiring Basic Insurance
Basic insurance is automatic. As a Federal employee, you get Basic insurance when you are appointed or transferred to a FEGLI eligible position, unless you waive coverage (see "Employees Excluded from Coverage").
Effective Date of Basic Insurance
New Employees and Newly Eligible Employees
Coverage is effective on the first day you are in pay and duty status (unless you have a waiver of coverage from previous employment that still remains in effect); the effective date is not tied in to the start of a pay period. Exception: If you serve in cooperation with a non-Federal agency, and you are paid in whole or in part from non-Federal funds, OPM sets the effective date for your Basic insurance; this date must be part of an agreement between OPM and the non-Federal agency.
Transferred Employees
Coverage is effective on the first day you are in pay and duty status in the new position (unless you have a previous waiver that still remains in effect); the effective date is not tied in to the start of a pay period.
Transferring to a new position does not allow you to elect new coverage.
Employees Who Return to Pay and Duty Status after More Than 12 Months in Nonpay Status
The coverage you lost after 12 months in nonpay status is automatically restored on the day you return to pay and duty status. You must meet both the pay and the duty status requirements. For example, donated leave is pay only and will not restore your FEGLI coverage. Exception: Your coverage will not be restored if you return to a position that is excluded from FEGLI coverage by law or regulation.
Note: Returning to pay and duty status after more than 12 months in nonpay status does not allow you to elect new coverage.
OPTIONAL INSURANCE: INITIAL ELECTION
Insurance Not Automatic
Unlike Basic insurance, Optional insurance is not automatic, you must elect it.
Who Can Elect Optional Insurance?
If you have Basic insurance you may elect Optional insurance, as long as he/she does not have a previous waiver of Optional insurance that is still in effect.
You cannot elect Optional insurance if you do not have (or elect at the same time) Basic insurance.
How Long Does an Employee Have to Make an Election?
You must make the election within the first 31 days of becoming eligible for coverage, unless a previous election from earlier for optional insurance employment remains in effect. You can change your election anytime within this 31-day period, but the last election you submit within this time period governs.
How Does an Employee Make an Election?
To elect Optional insurance, you must complete the Life Insurance Election (SF 2817) stating which type(s) of Optional insurance you want. You elect coverage on the form by signing for the coverage that you want. Some agencies now have the capability to allow electronic elections. Any type of coverage or multiple not elected is considered waived.
If you do not make an election within 31 days of becoming eligible, you are considered to have waived all Optional insurance.
Belated Election
If you do not elect Optional insurance within the 31-day time frame, your employing office can accept a belated election if you request it and your employing office determines, within six months after you first became eligible, that you did not make the election on time because of reasons beyond your control.
If these conditions are met, your employing office will notify you. You then have another 31-day period from the date of the notification in which to make the election.
If your employing office accepts a belated election, it must record on the Life Insurance Election (SF 2817) that it determined you were unable to make the election on time for reasons beyond your control and give the date you were notified of the determination.
If six months or more have passed since you became eligible, your employing office does not have the authority to accept a belated election.
Effective Date of Optional Insurance
Timely Elections
Optional insurance is effective the day your employing office receives your election, if you are in pay and duty status that day. If you are not in pay and duty status on the day your employing office receives your election, Optional insurance becomes effective the first day you return to pay and duty status. The effective date is not tied in to the start of a pay period although you will have to pay premiums for the entire pay period in which your coverage becomes effective.
Belated Elections
A belated election of Optional insurance is effective retroactive to the start of the first pay period that follows the one in which you first became eligible, if you were in pay and duty status on that date. If you were not in pay and duty status on that date, Optional insurance becomes effective the first day you returned to pay and duty status after that date. You must pay the back premiums.
WAIVER/CANCELLATION (REDUCTION) OF INSURANCE
Waiving Basic Insurance as a New Employee
If you are a new employee and do not want Basic insurance, you must waive the insurance by completing the Life Insurance Election (SF 2817) and filing it with your employing office. If you do not complete the SF 2817 waiving coverage, you will automatically get Basic insurance.
If you waive Basic insurance before the end of your first pay period, no withholdings will be made from your first paycheck.
When you waive Basic insurance, you automatically waive Optional insurance.
If you waive coverage before the end of your first pay period and then decide you want it, you may complete a new SF 2817, as long as it is still within your 31-day time frame for initially electing coverage. Your employing office will void your previous waiver and note on that waiver that it is superseded by the new election. The last SF 2817 that you submit to your employing office within that first 31-day period of eligibility is the election that governs.
If you change your mind about waiving Basic insurance after the 31-day initial election period is over (see "Canceling a Waiver and Electing Coverage").
Waiving Optional Insurance as a New Employee
If you are a new employee and do not want any Optional insurance, you do not need to do anything. By not electing Optional insurance, you will not have it. You will only have Basic insurance. If you wish, you may complete the Life Insurance Election (SF 2817) signing for Basic insurance only, although that is not required. The absence of a positive election means you have waived Optional insurance.
If you want only some Optional insurance, complete the SF 2817 signing only for the coverage you want. Any coverage not elected is considered waived.
If you do not elect a particular type of Optional insurance, you are considered to have waived it. If you elect fewer than 5 multiples of Option B or Option C coverage, you are considered to have waived the multiples not elected.
Example
Otis is a new employee, and he elects Basic, Option A and two multiples of Option B coverage. By doing so, he is waiving the remaining three multiples of Option B coverage and all multiples of Option C coverage.
Canceling Basic Insurance
Unless you have assigned your insurance, you may cancel your Basic insurance at any time by completing the Life Insurance Election (SF 2817) and filing it with your employing office. When you cancel Basic insurance, you automatically cancel all Optional insurance.
Note: If you are an annuitant or a compensationer who has separated or completed 12 months in nonpay status, you do not use the SF 2817 to cancel coverage. If you want to cancel coverage, you must send a letter with your signature to:
Office of Personnel Management
Retirement Operations Center
P.O. Box 45
Boyers, PA 16017-0045.
Any cancellation or reduction of life insurance must be in writing and have an original signature by the insured retiree. Be sure to include your retirement claim number (CSA number) or social security number and specify what action you want taken. Please note you cannot increase your coverage after retirement, or reinstate any coverage that you cancel.
Unless assigned, if you elected 50 Percent or No Reduction for your Basic life insurance, you may cancel this additional coverage at any time. You may only change to the 75 Percent Reduction.
The cancellation is effective, and all insurance stops, at the end of the pay period in which you properly file the waiver. For retirees, a month is considered a pay period. You continue to have the coverage through the pay period in which you file the waiver and must pay premiums for that pay period. You will not receive a refund for premiums withheld prior to the effective date of cancellation.
Canceling (Reducing) Optional Insurance
You may cancel any or all types of Optional insurance at any time by completing the Life Insurance Election (SF 2817) and signing on the line for whatever coverage you want to keep. Reducing the number of multiples of Option B or Option C is a cancellation of those multiples. Exception: If you have assigned your insurance (see "assignment"), you cannot cancel your Option A coverage and you cannot cancel your Option B coverage or reduce the number of multiples you have.
Note: If you are an annuitant or a compensationer who has separated or completed 12 months in nonpay status, you do not use the SF 2817 to cancel coverage. If you want to cancel coverage, you must send a letter with your signature to:
Office of Personnel Management
Retirement Operations Center
P.O. Box 45
Boyers, PA 16017-0045.
Any cancellation or reduction of life insurance must be in writing and have an original signature by the insured retiree. Be sure to include your retirement claim number (CSA number) or social security number and specify what action you want taken. Please note you cannot increase your coverage after retirement, or reinstate any coverage that you cancel.
If you have Option A-Standard insurance, you may cancel it at any time. You may reduce (or cancel) the amount of your Option B-Additional Optional and Option C- Family insurance at any time.
Canceling Optional insurance has no effect on Basic insurance.
Your cancellation is effective, and Optional insurance stops, at the end of the pay period in which you properly file the waiver with your employing office. You continue to have the coverage through the pay period in which you file the waiver and must pay premiums for that pay period. You will not receive a refund for premiums withheld prior to the effective date of cancellation. Your new, reduced, level of coverage is effective the first day of the pay period following the one in which you file your waiver.
Exception: If you cancel Option C because you no longer have any eligible family members, the effective date is retroactive to the end of the pay period in which there stopped being any eligible family members; your employing office must refund your Option C premiums retroactive to that effective date. You may need to provide documentation to your employing office, such as a divorce decree or birth certificate, to show when you stopped having an eligible family member.
Example 1
Olivia has Basic, Option A, and three multiples of Option B coverage. She wants to cancel her Option A coverage and reduce her Option B coverage to 1 multiple. On her SF 2817 she elects Basic and one multiple of Option B; she turns the form in to her personnel office 9/7/07. This action cancels her Option A coverage and two multiples of her Option B coverage. Olivia's old level of coverage continues through the pay period ending 9/16/07, and she must pay premiums through that pay period. Her new level of coverage is effective 9/17/07, and her pay for that pay period will reflect the reduced level of coverage.
Example 2
Peter is an annuitant with Basic insurance, four multiples of Option B, and one multiple of Option C. Peter decides he wants to cancel three of his Option B multiples. He sends a letter to OPM's Retirement Operations Center, and they receive it 7/12/07. Pay periods for annuitants are months. Peter's old coverage continues through the end of July. His new lower level of coverage is effective 8/1/06, and the premiums will be reflected in his 9/1/07 annuity payment, which is payment of his annuity for the month of August.
Example 3
Pam is divorced and has Basic insurance, five multiples of Option B, and 5 multiples of Option C. Her youngest child turned 22 on 3/29/02, but she forgot to cancel her Option C coverage. On 10/21/07 Pam notified her personnel office that she no longer had any eligible family members and wanted to cancel her Option C coverage. Her cancellation will be made retroactive to 4/6/02, the end of the last pay period in which she had an eligible family member. The new coverage (Basic insurance plus five multiples of Option B) will be effective 4/7/02, and Pam's agency will refund the Option C premiums retroactive to that date.
How Long Does a Waiver Last?
Your waiver lasts until either:
- You cancel the waiver and elect coverage; or
- You separate from service and remain separated for at least 180 days.
Exception: Effective July 24, 1974, if you are employed by the U.S. Postal Service in a covered position, any waiver of Basic insurance is automatically cancelled, even it you have not been separated from your previous position for at least 180 days. You will automatically get Basic insurance, unless you waive it again. Any waiver of Optional insurance remains in effect, unless you have been separated from your previous position for at least 180 days.
CANCELING A WAIVER AND ELECTING COVERAGE
How to Cancel a Waiver
Only employees may cancel a waiver and elect insurance. If you are insured as an annuitant or compensationer, you cannot cancel your waiver.
Exceptions:
- If you are a reemployed annuitant, you may cancel a waiver and elect coverage.
- If you are a compensationer within the first 12 months of nonpay status, you may cancel a waiver and elect coverage. However, except for an Option C life event election (if you already have Basic insurance), you must be back in pay and duty status at your agency before any newly elected coverage can become effective.
Here is a chart showing the different ways an employee may cancel a waiver:
| Type of Coverage |
Open Season |
Providing Satisfactory Medical Information |
Life Event |
| Basic |
as announced by OPM |
yes |
No |
| Option A |
" |
yes |
No |
| Option B |
" |
yes |
Yes |
| Option C |
" |
no |
Yes |
Basic Insurance
Employees may cancel a waiver of Basic insurance:
- By providing satisfactory medical information to prove insurability; or
- During an open season.
Exception: Effective October 30, 2000, under Public Law 106-398 Department of Defense employees who are designated emergency essential employees under section 1580 of title 10 may cancel a waiver of Basic insurance within 60 days of being so designated, without getting a physical exam. These employees cannot elect Optional insurance under this provision.
Option A
Employees may cancel a waiver of Option A:
- By providing satisfactory medical information to prove insurability; or
- During an open season.
Option B
Employees may cancel a waiver of Option B:
- By providing satisfactory medical information to prove insurability;
- By submitting an election within 60 days after experiencing a qualifying life event; or
- During an open season.
Option C
Employees may cancel a waiver of Option C:
- By submitting an election within 60 days after experiencing a qualifying life event; or
- During an open season.
PROVIDING SATISFACTORY MEDICAL INFORMATION
Elections Allowed
Employees may cancel a waiver of Basic insurance, Option A, and Option B by providing satisfactory medical information to prove insurability. You cannot cancel a waiver of Option C this way.
Time Limit
You must wait at least one year after the effective date of your last waiver of coverage before you can cancel the waiver by providing satisfactory medical information.
Note: The one-year requirement does not apply if your previous Option B election was limited to fewer than five multiples due to a life event. (See "How Many Multiples of Option B Can an Employee Elect Due to a Life Event?")
Example
Quincy has been employed for several years and has had Basic insurance only. On 4/29/06 Quincy got married. He wanted to elect five multiples of Option B, but he could elect only one multiple due to his life event. Quincy completed his SF 2817 on 5/11/06 and elected one multiple, thereby waiving the remaining multiples. Quincy can provide satisfactory medical information and elect the additional multiples without waiting a year, since the number of multiples he could elect was limited by the restrictions on life event elections (and he already met the one-year waiting period before he made his life event election).
Process
The form to use to request insurance by providing satisfactory medical information is Request for Insurance (SF 2822). This form is a combination:
- Request to cancel a waiver
- Medical certificate and
- Authorization for insurance
You must complete and sign Part C of the SF 2822 and have your agency complete Part A. Your agency needs to complete their part before you go to your physician (or other healthcare provider). You then take the form to your physician (or other healthcare provider); he/she will examine you, complete Part B, and send the form to the Office of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (OFEGLI). You are responsible for any fee charged for the medical examination and certification.
OFEGLI must receive the form within 60 days of the date of the medical examination. OFEGLI will review the SF 2822 and return it to your employing office either approving or denying coverage. It is important that your agency provide a fax or email address on the SF 2822 to expedite the response from OFEGLI. Your employing office will notify you of OFEGLI's decision and file the returned SF 2822 in your Official Personnel Folder (or its equivalent).
It is important that your employing office notify you of OFEGLI's decision promptly. You have 31 days from the date of OFEGLI's approval to cancel your waiver of Option A and/or Option B, regardless of when your employing office notifies you of OFEGLI's decision. In addition, if you know what coverage you want, you can complete and turn in the SF 2817 to your employing office when you have them complete the SF 2822.
You cannot elect Option C or increase your Option C multiples by providing medical information. However, even if you previously elected Option C - Family and are changing other Optional coverage, you must sign for Option C again in order to keep it. If you do not sign for it, you have waived/cancelled it.
Example
Let's assume you already have Basic and three multiples of Option C and you want Option A. You complete the SF 2822 and provide medical information, and OFEGLI approves your request. Then you complete the SF 2817. You must sign for Basic, Option A, and ALSO three multiples of Option C even though you're not newly electing Option C. If you don't sign for your current Option C coverage again, you have waived/cancelled it.
If it has been more than two weeks since your doctor sent the SF 2822 to OFEGLI, you or your employing office may follow up with OFEGLI by calling 1-800-633-4542.
Effective Date of Insurance
If you are canceling your waiver of Basic insurance and OFEGLI approves coverage, Basic insurance becomes effective on your first day in pay and duty status on or after the date of OFEGLI's approval, as shown on the Request for Insurance (SF 2822). Withholdings begin with that pay period. You do not need to complete another form if Basic insurance is all that you want.
If you want to cancel your waiver of Option A and/or Option B coverage and OFEGLI approves coverage, you must submit the Life Insurance Election (SF 2817) to your employing office no later than 31 days following the date of OFEGLI's approval, regardless of when your employing office informs you of OFEGLI's approval. You can submit the election earlier, in conjunction with your SF 2822. You may elect Option A and up to five multiples of Option B. Your Optional insurance is effective the first day you meet these two conditions, but no earlier than the date of OFEGLI's approval:
- Your employing office has received your SF 2817 electing coverage; and
- You are in pay and duty status
If you are not in pay and duty status within 31 days after the date of OFEGLI's approval, the approval expires and you cannot elect more coverage. You will then have to wait a year and start the process over again.
Note: Although you cannot elect Option C by providing satisfactory medical information, if you already have this coverage and want to keep it, you must sign for it on the SF 2817 when you make your election of Option A and/or Option B following OFEGLI's approval. If you do not sign for your current Option C coverage, you will cancel it.
Example 1
Sharon waived all coverage when she was first employed. Three years later she completes the SF 2822 and gets a physical exam. OFEGLI approves Sharon's request for insurance on 8/24/06 and notifies her personnel office that day. Sharon's Basic insurance is effective 8/25/06.
On 9/8/06 Sharon submits the SF 2817 electing Basic insurance and two multiples of Option B. Sharon's Optional insurance is effective 9/8/06. That date is also the effective date of her waiver of Option A and the three remaining multiples of Option B. If Sharon later decides she wants to increase her Option B coverage or add Option A, she must wait until 9/8/07 before submitting another SF 2822.
Example 2
Roger has Basic insurance and five multiples of Option C. He wants to add Option B coverage. Roger gets a physical exam, and OFEGLI approves his request for insurance on 11/2/06. On 11/8/06 Roger completes an SF 2817 electing Basic insurance and three multiples of Option B; he does not sign for Option C.
Roger's Option B coverage is effective 11/8/06; his pay for the pay period ending 11/11/06 will include premiums for Basic, Option B, and Option C. However, by not signing for Option C on his SF 2817, he has cancelled the coverage. Roger's Option C continued through the pay period ending 11/11/06. The pay period beginning 11/12/06 will have his new level of coverage: Basic insurance and three multiples of Option B.
Example 3
Rosa has Basic insurance only and wants to add Option A and Option B. She completes an SF 2822 and is examined by her physician. One week later Rosa is in an automobile accident and is on sick leave for the next two months. OFEGLI approves Rosa's request for insurance the week after her accident. However, since Rosa does not return to pay and duty status for more than 31 days after OFEGLI's approval, the approval expires, and Rosa cannot make an election based on her examination. If she still wishes to add Option A and Option B, she will have to start over.
If Coverage Is Denied
If OFEGLI denies coverage, you cannot appeal the decision to OPM or the Merit Systems Protection Board. For learning more about the denial, you or your physician can write OFEGLI at P.O. Box 6512, Utica, NY 13504-6512.
LIFE EVENTS
What Are Life Events under FEGLI?
FEGLI life events are:
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Death of a spouse and
- Acquiring an eligible child
If an employee has a life event of birth or adoption of an eligible child, he/she may elect or increase Option B and/or Option C coverage. If an employee has a life event of divorce or death of a spouse, he/she may elect or increase Option B and/or Option C coverage if the employee has eligible children.
Notes:
- An employee cannot exceed the maximum number of Option B and Option C multiples (five multiples for each type of coverage)
- If an employee's life event is acquiring a child over age 22, the child must meet the requirements of being incapable of self-support
- If an employee's only life event is acquiring a foster child, the employee cannot make an Option B election
An employee cannot cancel a waiver of (elect) Basic insurance or Option A due to a life event.
How Many Multiples of Option B Can an Employee Elect Due to a Life Event?
The number of multiples of Option B that an employee may elect (up to a total of five) is:
- For marriage, the number of additional family members (spouse and eligible children) acquired with your marriage
- For acquisition of children, the number of eligible children acquired with the life event (Exception: You cannot elect or increase Option B because of acquiring a foster child)
- For divorce or death of your spouse, the total number of eligible children you have
Example 1
Sebastian entered on duty in 1995 and elected Basic insurance and one multiple of Option B. He got married in 1998 and his wife had a baby in 2001, but he did not make any elections due to those life events. In June 2006 Sebastian's wife had another baby, and Sebastian wanted to elect three more multiples of Option B. However, he can elect only one multiple of Option B with the June 2006 life event (giving him a total of two multiples), since he only acquired one child with that life event. (Sebastian can provide medical information and request additional insurance that way.)
Example 2
Sabrina has Basic insurance only. On 10/1/06 she married her husband, who has a five-year-old child who lives with them. Since the child meets the "live-with" requirement for a stepchild, Sabrina may elect two multiples of Option B with the life event.
Example 3
Trevor has Basic insurance only. On 10/1/06 he married a woman with a 5-year-old child; the child does not live with Trevor and his new wife. Since the child does not meet the "live-with" requirement for a stepchild, Trevor may elect only 1 multiple of Option B with the life event.
How Many Multiples of Option C Can an Employee Elect Due to a Life Event?
An employee may elect any number of multiples (up to a total of five) of Option C due to a life event. Unlike Option B, the number of Option C multiples you may elect is not tied to the number of eligible family members.
How Long Does an Employee Have to Make the Election?
The time limit for making a life event election is 60 days after the date of the qualifying event. You must file the election with your employing office using the Life Insurance Election (SF 2817), along with proof of the event.
You can either file the election before the event, to be followed up with the necessary proof within 60 days after the event has taken place, or you can file the election and provide the necessary proof no later than 60 days after the date of the event.
Proof of an event may include a marriage certificate, birth or adoption records, divorce decree, or death certificate; your employing office determines what is acceptable proof of the life event. For Option C elections when a foster child is acquired, the "proof" is the foster child certification, and the 60-day time limit starts on the day you sign the certification.
Effective Date of Option B Elected with a Life Event
There are pay and duty status requirements before Option B can become effective.
Option B and Option C elected with the same life event may have different effective dates.
If You Turn in Your SF 2817 before the Event
If you submit the SF 2817 before the event, the effective date for Option B is the date of event, if you are in pay and duty status on that day. If you are not in pay and duty status that day, Option B becomes effective the first day you return to pay and duty status, after the date of the event.
If You Turn in Your SF 2817 on or after the Date of the Event
If you submit the SF 2817 on or within 60 days after the date of the event, the effective date is the date your personnel office receives the form, if you are in pay and duty status that day. If you are not in pay and duty status that day, Option B becomes effective the first day you return to pay and duty status.
Example 1
Tiffany had Basic insurance only. She had a baby on 7/20/06 and went on maternity leave until 10/31/06. On 8/31/06, while she was on leave, she completed an SF 2817 electing one multiple of Option B and turned it in to her personnel office. She completed the SF 2817 within the 60-day time frame, so it is a valid election. However, the coverage could not become effective until she returned to pay and duty status on 10/31/06.
Example 2
Ulysses had Basic insurance and one multiple of Option B. He got married on 6/24/06. He submitted his SF 2817 electing another multiple of Option B on 6/22/06. Following his wedding on 6/24, Ulysses took annual leave and went on a two-week honeymoon. He returned to the office 7/10/06. His new Option B coverage became effective 7/10/06, the day he returned to pay and duty status.
Effective Date of Option C Elected with a Life Event
There are no pay and duty status requirements for Option C to become effective when elected due to a life event.
Option B and Option C elected with the same life event may have different effective dates.
If You Turn in Your SF 2817 before the Event
If you submit your SF 2817 before the event, Option C is effective on the date of the event, regardless of whether you are in pay and duty status.
Example
When Ulysses (see example above) submitted his SF 2817 on 6/22, in addition to electing one multiple of Option B, he elected five multiples of Option C. Although his Option B coverage could not become effective until he returned to pay and duty status on 7/10, his Option C coverage became effective on 6/24/06, the date of the marriage.
If You Turn in Your SF 2817 on or after the Date of the Event
If you submit your SF 2817 on or within 60 days after the date of the event, Option C is effective on the day the employing office receives your completed election, regardless of whether you are in pay and duty status.
Example
When Tiffany (see example above) submitted her SF 2817 on 8/31, in addition to electing one multiple of Option B, she elected three multiples of Option C. Although her Option B coverage could not become effective until she returned to pay and duty status on 10/31, her Option C coverage became effective on 8/31/06, the date she turned in her SF 2817.
If Your Life Event Is Acquiring a Foster Child
If you are making an Option C election because you have acquired a foster child, the coverage is effective on the later of:
Extensions to the Time Limit for Making a Life Event Election
The 60-day time limit for making a life event election can be extended only in the following situation:
- If you are not serving in a covered position on the date of the event, you may make a life event election within 31 days of becoming employed in a covered position.
Example
Ursula had Basic insurance and three multiples of Option B when she resigned on 7/21/06. On 9/2/06 Ursula got married. She returned to Federal service 10/16/06. Since her break in service was less than 180 days, Ursula got back the same coverage she had before she separated. However, because she had a life event during her separation, Ursula may elect Option C and another multiple of Option B within 31 days of her return to service.
If you separate from service before the end of the 60-day time period, you may make a life event election within 31 days of returning to service in a covered position.
Example
Vic was married with two teenage children and had Basic insurance only. His divorce was final 5/17/06, and he separated from service 6/9/06 without making any life event election. Vic returned to service 11/13/06. Since his break in service was less than 180 days, Vic got back the same coverage he had before he separated. However, because he separated before the end of the 60-day period for making a life event election, Vic may elect Option C and two multiples of Option B within 31 days of his return to service.
If you do not have Basic insurance on the date of the event, and you are still within the one-year waiver period during which you are not eligible to elect coverage, you may elect Option C within 31 days of the end of that one-year period if OFEGLI approves your request to cancel your waiver of Basic insurance.
Example
Valerie waived all FEGLI coverage when she entered on duty 5/15/06. In October 2006 she got married. Because she does not have Basic insurance, she cannot make an Option C life event election; and she cannot elect Basic insurance because of a life event. Valerie is still within the one-year period during which she is not eligible to cancel her waiver of Basic insurance. Her one-year period ends 5/15/07. Valerie can provide medical information and can request Basic insurance (and Options A and B, if she wants them) as soon as the one-year period is up 5/15/07. Valerie cannot elect Option C by providing medical information. However, if OFEGLI approves her request for insurance, Valerie will get Basic insurance. She may then make an Option C life event election as long as it is within 31 days of the date she became eligible to cancel her waiver of Basic insurance. Since the first date she was eligible to cancel her waiver of Basic insurance was 5/15/07, Valerie has until 6/15/07 to make her Option C election. If she does not make the election by that date, she will have to wait until the next open season or until she has another life event.
There are no other extensions to the 60-day time limit for making life event elections.
OPEN SEASONS
Schedule
There are no regularly scheduled open seasons for life insurance. Open seasons are infrequent, and are held only when specifically scheduled by OPM. They are NOT held annually, as is the case with the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS) and the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program.
Elections Allowed
When OPM schedules an open season for life insurance, we will announce the types of changes and elections that will be allowed.
Effective Date of Open Season Elections
OPM sets the effective dates for open season elections. We will announce the effective dates at the same time we announce the open season.
Pay and Duty Status Requirements
Unless specifically announced otherwise, full-time employees must be in pay and duty status for at least 32 hours in the pay period right before the scheduled effective date of open season elections. Open season announcements will contain more details about the pay and duty status requirements.
If you are a part-time employee, you must be in pay and duty status for one-half the regularly scheduled tour of duty shown on your current Notification of Personnel Action (SF 50) for newly elected coverage to become effective.
If you have no regularly scheduled tour of duty or are employed on an intermittent basis, you must be in pay and duty status for one-half the hours customarily worked before newly elected coverage can become effective. Your employing office can determine the number of hours you customarily work by averaging the number of hours you worked in the most recent calendar year quarter prior to the start of the open season.
If you do not meet the pay and duty status requirements in the pay period before the scheduled effective date, your new coverage will be delayed until you do meet these requirements. As soon as you meet the pay and duty status requirements, your new coverage will go into effect at the start of the next pay period.
Example
Wayne was a full-time employee with Basic insurance and one multiple of Option B. During the 2004 open season he elected Basic insurance, five multiples of Option B, and five multiples of Option C. Elections from the 2004 open season became effective the first pay period beginning on or after 9/1/05; for Wayne's agency, that was 9/4/05. However, Wayne went on vacation 8/20/05 and didn't return to work until 9/6/05. Since he wasn't in pay and duty status for 32 hours during the pay period before the "regular" effective date, Wayne's new coverage couldn't become effective at that time. The pay period ending 9/17/05 was the one in which Wayne met the pay and duty status requirements. His new coverage therefore became effective 9/18/05.
Belated Open Season Elections
Your employing office can accept a belated open season election if both the following conditions are met:
- It is no later than six months after the open season ended; and
- Your employing office determines that you were unable to make the election on time because of reasons beyond your control
If both of these conditions are met, you must submit your open season election form within 31 days after being notified of your agency's determination.
Belated open season elections are effective the same date as if you had made the election on time. If you do not meet the pay and duty status requirements for that effective date, your new coverage will become effective the first pay period after that date that follows a pay period in which you do meet these requirements. If the effective date of your belated open season election is retroactive, you must pay premiums back to that date.
Example
Taylor made a belated open season election for Basic Insurance on January 1. At the time he made his election he was on paid annual leave for 2 weeks. Taylor returned to work on January 15. His open season election will not be effective until the first pay after January 15.
Any coverage that you do not elect during the 31-day time frame is considered to be waived again.
Your agency cannot accept a belated open season election more than six months after the open season has ended.
BREAKS IN SERVICE
Effect of a Break in Service
Fewer than 180 Days
A break in service of fewer than 180 days has no effect on a waiver of FEGLI coverage.
If you are reinstated after a break in service of fewer than 180 days, you will automatically get back any FEGLI coverage you had at the time you separated. Any waiver remains in effect. If you wish to elect more coverage, you can do so by providing satisfactory medical information or by experiencing a life event.
180 Days or More
If you are reinstated after a break in service of 180 days or more, your agency will automatically enroll you in Basic and the same Optional insurance that you had in your prior position. You will have this coverage the first day you are in pay and duty status. Any previous waiver of insurance is automatically cancelled. Unless you file a new waiver, Basic insurance becomes effective your first day in pay and duty status in a position in which you are eligible for coverage.
You may elect Optional insurance (if you don't already have the maximum) within 31 days of returning to service, regardless of the coverage you had during previous employment. If you do not make a new election, you will automatically get back whatever Optional insurance you had immediately before your separation. Any coverage that you had previously waived will be waived again.
EMPLOYING OFFICE RESPONSIBILITIES
Counseling for New Employees
During the orientation for new employees, your employing office should explain the life insurance program to you and provide you with a copy of the Life Insurance Election (SF 2817), and the FEGLI Program Booklet (FE 76-21 or FE 76-20 for Postal Employees), or the link so you can view on-line. If your agency uses an electronic system, this information should be provided in a timely manner. You can use the system to make your election. Electronic systems are administered by the agency not OPM.
If You Have Prior Federal Service
If you have previously worked for the Federal or District of Columbia Governments, it is important that your employing office determine whether you have an un-cancelled waiver of life insurance coverage (see "Effect of a Break in Service") or assignment of insurance in effect.
Initial Decision and Incontestability
Initial Decision
Your employing office has the initial responsibility for determining whether you are eligible to elect or increase life insurance. This determination is an initial decision when your employing office gives it to you in writing and informs you of the right to an independent level of review (reconsideration) by the appropriate agency office.
Exception: The Office of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (OFEGLI) determines your eligibility to cancel a waiver based on medical evidence of insurability and your eligibility for Living Benefits. There is no reconsideration right for these decisions.
Reconsideration Right
You have the right to ask your employing office to reconsider its initial decision denying life insurance coverage or the opportunity to change coverage. The reconsideration process applies only to enrollment issues. Your employing office cannot make decisions about payment of claims (the Office of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance makes these decisions).
The reconsideration review determines if your employing office acted properly and in accordance with the law and regulations in its initial decision. Initial decisions that comply with law and regulations cannot be overturned by reconsideration.
Example
Cathy, who had waived Optional life insurance coverage, separates from service and is reemployed less than 180 days later. Upon her reemployment, she attempts to elect Option B. Her employing office denies the election. This initial decision cannot be overruled by reconsideration, because by regulation previous waivers remain in effect when an employee goes from one agency to another with a break in service of less than 180 days.
How to Request Reconsideration
If you wish to request a reconsideration of an initial decision, you must make your request in writing. The request must include:
- Your full name and address
- Your date of birth
- The reason(s) for the request
- A copy of the written initial decision
Time Limit
You must make the request for reconsideration within 30 calendar days from the date of the initial decision.
This time limit can be extended when you show that you were not notified of the time limit and were not otherwise aware of it or that you were unable, due to reasons beyond your control, to make the request within the time limit.
Who Does the Reconsideration?
Agencies are responsible for performing reconsiderations. A reconsideration must take place at or above the level at which the initial decision was made.
Final Decision
After reconsideration, your employing office must issue a final decision. This decision must be in writing and must fully state the findings.
Effective Date
When your employing office decides that you should have been allowed to enroll or change enrollment, it accepts a Life Insurance Election form (SF 2817) from you making the change. You have 31 days to make the election.
Generally, changes made upon reconsideration are made prospectively. In some cases, the law or regulations provide for retroactive effective dates. In these cases, there is no need for your employing office to decide whether a retroactive effective date is appropriate.
In certain cases, your employing office may consider your request that the change be made retroactive to an earlier date, generally the date it would have been effective if you had been able to make a timely election.
NONPAY STATUS
Continued Coverage
You are entitled to continue life insurance for up to12 months while you are in nonpay status. The 12-month period starts when you are in nonpay status for an entire pay period. No premium payments are required - either from you or from your agency - when you are in nonpay status for an entire pay period.
Exceptions:
- If you are receiving Workers' Compensation, OWCP withholds the premiums from your compensation
- If you accept another position while you are in nonpay status, you do have to pay premiums. The agency that is actually paying you a salary withholds the premiums from your salary. If the new position is a temporary (not-to-exceed one year) FEGLI ineligible position, the withholding is based on whichever position has the higher salary; otherwise, the withholding is based on the combined salaries
- If you are in one of the special nonpay situations described below, you may have to pay premiums, depending on the election you make
Your life insurance coverage terminates at the end of the 12-month period, with a 31-day extension of coverage and a right to convert to an individual policy.
If your 12-month period of continued coverage while in nonpay status is interrupted by a period of less than four months in pay status, your 12-month eligibility period continues when you return to nonpay status. If you return to pay status for four (or more) consecutive months, and then return to nonpay status, you begin a new 12-month eligibility period. To meet the 4 consecutive months requirement, you must be in pay status for at least part of each pay period during four consecutive months. It is important to remember that FEGLI premiums for the whole pay period are withheld if you are in pay status for any part of the pay period.
Exceptions:
- If your coverage terminates because you have completed 12 months in nonpay status, you must return to pay and duty status in a FEGLI eligible position to get the coverage back. Once coverage has terminated, simply returning to pay status - such as by using donated leave or any other kind of leave- is not enough to reinstate your FEGLI coverage
- If you return to pay and duty status in a FEGLI eligible position after your coverage has terminated due to being in nonpay status for more than 12 months, your coverage is reinstated. However, if you do not remain in pay status for at least four months, your coverage is again terminated when you return to nonpay status. You cannot get a new 12-month eligibility period unless you return to pay status and remain in pay status for at least four months
- Being in nonpay status is not a break in service, since you are still on your agency's rolls. You therefore do not get a new election opportunity when you return to pay and duty status. You cannot elect new coverage unless you follow the procedures in Canceling a Waiver and Electing Coverage
Example 1
Wendy went into nonpay status 4/11/06 and returned to pay status 6/26/06 by using donated leave. She went back into nonpay status 8/31/06. Since 4/11/06 was in the middle of a pay period, Wendy's 12-month period of continued coverage began 4/16/06, her first full pay period in nonpay status. She returned to pay status 6/26/06, which was the first work day in the pay period. She therefore used 70 days (five full pay periods) of her 12-month period of continued coverage before returning to pay status on 6/26/06. Since Wendy was not in pay status for four months when she went back into nonpay status on 8/31/06, she did not start a new 12-month period of continued coverage. When she went back into nonpay status on 8/31/06, Wendy's original 12-month period picked up where it left off; she has 295 days remaining. Since 8/31/06 was in the middle of a pay period, the remainder of Wendy's 12-month period starts counting again on 9/3/06, her first full pay period back in nonpay status. FEGLI coverage will terminate at the end of the day on 6/24/07, if she doesn't return to pay status before then.
Example 2
Xavier went into nonpay status 4/11/06 and returned to pay and duty status 6/26/06. He went back into nonpay status 12/5/06. Since 4/11/06 was in the middle of a pay period, Xavier's 12-month period of continued coverage began 4/16/06, his first full pay period in nonpay status. He returned to pay status 6/26/06, which was the first work day in the pay period. He therefore used 70 days (five full pay periods) of his 12-month period of continued coverage before returning to pay status on 6/26/06. Since Xavier was in pay status for more than four months when he went back into nonpay status on 12/5/06, he is entitled to start a new 12-month period of continued coverage. His FEGLI coverage will not terminate until the end of the day on 12/4/07.
Example 3
Xenia went into nonpay status 4/11/06 and returned to pay and duty status 7/17/07. She went back into nonpay status 10/12/07. Since 4/11/06 was in the middle of a pay period, Xenia's 12-month period of continued coverage began 4/16/06, her first full pay period in nonpay status. Since Xenia was in nonpay status for more than 12 months, her FEGLI coverage terminated at the end of the day on 4/15/07. Xenia got her coverage reinstated when she returned to pay and duty status on 7/17/07; however, she did not remain in pay status for at least four months. Therefore Xenia's coverage terminated again when she returned to nonpay status 10/12/07.
Example 4
Yancey went into nonpay status 4/11/06. On 7/17/07 Yancey received donated leave and returned to pay status. Since 4/11/06 was in the middle of a pay period, Yancey's 12-month period of continued coverage began 4/16/06, his first full pay period in nonpay status. Since Yancey was in nonpay status for more than 12 months, his FEGLI coverage terminated at the end of the day on 4/15/07. The donated leave Yancey received on 7/17/07 returned him to pay status; however, since he did not return to duty status, his FEGLI coverage was not reinstated.
Example 5
Yvette was a permanent employee with FEGLI who transferred to a temporary position with no break in service, so she was able to continue her FEGLI coverage. She went into nonpay status 4/11/06 and returned to pay and duty status 7/17/07. Since 4/11/06 was in the middle of a pay period, Yvette's 12-month period of continued coverage began 4/16/06, her first full pay period in nonpay status. Since Yvette was in nonpay status for more than 12 months, her FEGLI coverage terminated at the end of the day on 4/15/07. Although Yvette returned to pay and duty status on 7/17/07, she did not return to a FEGLI eligible position. Therefore her FEGLI coverage was not reinstated.
In the examples above, the agency will complete a SF 2821 and an SF 2819 whenever FEGLI coverage ends.
Temporary Appointments
If you are entitled to 12 months of insurance while in nonpay status and accept a temporary appointment to a position in which you would normally be excluded from insurance, your insurance continues for the remainder of the 12-month period. Your BIA is based on your higher salaried position. Withholdings are made from your pay in the temporary position.
When you have completed 12 months of nonpay status from the position that entitled you to life insurance coverage, your FEGLI coverage terminates, even if, by mistake, premiums continued to be withheld from your pay in the temporary position. You will get the 31-day extension of coverage and right to convert. You cannot continue FEGLI in the temporary position.
Example
Zeke was a permanent full-time employee with a salary of $58,412. He went into nonpay status 2/16/06. Since 2/16 was in the middle of a pay period, Zeke's 12-month period of continued coverage began 2/19/06. His FEGLI continued at no cost to him. On 7/24/06 Zeke began a temporary position with another agency; the salary in the temporary position was $38,770. His FEGLI continued, with his BIA (and any Option B coverage) based on the higher salary from his full-time permanent position. However, the coverage was no longer free; the premiums were withheld from his salary in the temporary position; that agency pays the Government contribution for Basic insurance. When Zeke completes 12 months in nonpay status at the end of the day on 2/18/07 from the position that gave him FEGLI eligibility, his FEGLI coverage will terminate. He cannot continue FEGLI in the temporary position.
Special Nonpay Situations
Employees in one of the following special nonpay situations may elect to continue their FEGLI coverage for the duration of their appointment. If you make such an election, your coverage will continue, even if you remain in nonpay status for more than 12 months. You must pay the premiums applicable to your special nonpay situation from the beginning of your nonpay status. You do not get 12 months of free coverage.
If you are in one of the special nonpay situations listed below, and you do not elect to continue your coverage, you will get 12 months of free coverage. Your coverage will terminate at the end of the 12-month period, the same as for any other employee in nonpay status.
Appointments to Employee Organizations
If you go into nonpay status to serve as a full-time officer or employee of an employee organization, within 60 days of the start of the nonpay status you may elect to continue life insurance for the duration of your appointment.
You must pay to your employing agency of record the full cost of Basic and Optional insurance. There is no Government contribution. You must pay your premiums to your employing agency before, during, or within three months after the end of each pay period in a manner designated by your employing agency.
Failure to pay your premiums within this time frame will result in termination of your coverage, subject to the 31-day extension of coverage and conversion privilege. Coverage cannot be reinstated until you return to pay and duty status in a FEGLI eligible position in Federal service. Exception: Your coverage will be restored retroactively if your Federal employing agency finds that you were unable to make the premium payments for reasons beyond your control and you make the payments at the first opportunity.
Appointments to State Governments, Local Governments, Indian Tribal Organizations, or Institutions of Higher Education
If you go into nonpay status while assigned to a State or local government, Indian tribal organization, or institution of higher education, you may elect to continue your life insurance for the length of your assignment.
You must pay your premiums to your employing agency of record before, during, or within three months after the end of each pay period. Your Federal employing agency must continue to pay the Government contribution for Basic insurance as long as you make your payments.
Failure to pay your premiums within this time frame will result in termination of your coverage, subject to the 31-day extension of coverage and conversion privilege. Coverage cannot be reinstated until you return to pay and duty status in a FEGLI eligible position in Federal service. Exception: Your coverage will be restored retroactively if your Federal employing agency finds that you were unable to make the premium payments for reasons beyond your control and you make the payments at the first opportunity.
Transfers to International Organizations
If you are transferred to an international organization as provided in 5 U.S.C. 3582, you may elect to continue life insurance coverage for the duration of your appointment.
You must pay your premiums to your Federal employing agency before, during, or within three months after the end of each pay period. Your employing agency must continue to pay the Government contribution for Basic insurance as long as you make your payments.
Failure to pay your premiums within this time frame will result in termination of your coverage, subject to the 31-day extension of coverage and conversion privilege. Coverage cannot be reinstated until you return to pay and duty status in a FEGLI eligible position in Federal service. Exception: Your coverage will be restored retroactively if your Federal employing agency finds that you were unable to make the premium payments for reasons beyond your control and you make the payments at the first opportunity.
Regulations governing transfers to international organizations are in 5 C.F.R. Part 352.
INCONTESTABILITY
Incontestability is allowing erroneous coverage (coverage that was obtained in error) to remain in effect under certain conditions. Those conditions are:
- Erroneous coverage was in effect for at least 2 years before the error is discovered, and
- You must have paid the applicable premiums for the erroneous coverage while it was in effect
Both conditions must be met for Incontestability to apply.
For retirees, FEGLI coverage that is acquired during initial processing at the time of retirement/compensation can be used to meet the requirements for Incontestability.
Since retirees cannot elect FEGLI coverage, coverage acquired erroneously after retirement/compensation cannot be used to meet the requirements for Incontestability. If you don't want the erroneous coverage, you can cancel it. However, the cancellation is prospective. There is no refund of premiums.
Example 1
Dean, who had previously waived coverage, transfers from one agency to another without a break in service and is allowed to elect insurance at the new agency. This is an agency error. However, if more than two years pass before the error is discovered, and if Dean paid the applicable premiums during that time, his erroneous election must be allowed to stand.
Example 2
Diane, who had Basic only for her entire Federal career retired December 31, 2006. The OPM Retirement Office incorrectly gave her Basic and Option A when her retirement case was processed. This is an agency error. However, if more than two years pass before the error is discovered, and if Diane paid the applicable premiums during that time, the erroneous coverage must be allowed to stand.
Once your employing office or retirement system determines that your enrollment should be allowed to stand, it must prepare a note to the file explaining the details of the error, the date it occurred, the date it was discovered, and the fact that your enrollment is now valid due to Incontestability.
Enrollments that are allowed to stand due to Incontestability become valid enrollments. If you were enrolled in the FEGLI Program for at least the five years immediately prior to retirement (or for all opportunities to be enrolled), even if part or all of the enrollment was in error but was allowed to stand, you are entitled to carry the enrollment into retirement.
Upon your retirement, your employing office must forward the note explaining the details of the validated enrollment along with the Life Insurance Election form (SF 2817) to the retirement system. If there is no SF 2817, the employing office must provide an explanatory note to the file to be forwarded to the retirement system. The employing office should also provide a note in the "remarks" section of the Agency Certification of Insurance Status (SF 2821) explaining that Incontestability was used to ratify an erroneous enrollment.
OPM issued BAL 99-214 on August 24, 1999 with revised Incontestability information that provides many more examples.
CORRECTION OF ERRORS
Employing Office
Your employing office can correct administrative errors regarding coverage or changes in coverage at any time. When retroactive corrections are made, your employing office must determine whether the proper amount of life insurance deductions were made from your pay. It must submit any uncollected deductions and any applicable Government contributions to the Office of Personnel Management for deposit in the Employees' Life Insurance Fund.
See "Errors Involving Current Employees - Underdeductions" for information on collection and waiver of deductions.
OPM
The Office of Personnel Management can order correction of an administrative error after reviewing evidence that it would be against equity and good conscience not to do so. A request for review should be sent to OPM, FSA, Life and Long Term Care Insurances Group, RM 2H24, 1900 E Street, NW, Washington D.C. 20415.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
1981 Automatic Cancellation of Optional Insurance and Cancellation of Waiver
Cancellation of Optional Insurance
Prior to April 1, 1981, the only Optional insurance available was what is now Option A.
If you elected Optional insurance on or before February 28, 1981, the coverage was automatically cancelled effective at the end of the pay period which included March 31, 1981. Exception: If you were not in pay and duty status during the first pay period which began on or after April 1, 1981, the election was automatically cancelled on the first day after the end of the next pay period in which you were in pay and duty status.
If you wanted to continue Option A, you had to elect it during the March 1981 open season.
Cancellation of Waiver
If you waived Basic and/or Optional insurance on or before February 28, 1981, the waiver was automatically cancelled effective on the first day you were in pay and duty status on or after April 1, 1981.
Basic insurance coverage was effective automatically on the date of the waiver's cancellation, unless you filed a new waiver of Basic insurance before the end of the pay period during which the coverage became effective.
Exception: Your waiver of Basic insurance remained in effect if you:
- Waived Basic and/or Optional insurance after February 28, 1981; and
- Separated; and
- Returned to Federal service before December 9, 1983
You were permitted to elect Basic insurance and any form of Optional insurance by submitting an election to your employing office before March 7, 1984.
If you filed an election of Option A during the March 1981 open season, Option A was effective on the date of the waiver's cancellation. If you did not file an election with your employing office during the March 1981 open season, you are considered to have waived Option A on March 31, 1981.
Breaks in Service
Until December 8, 1983 a break in service did not cancel a waiver, regardless of how long the break was. All waivers remained in effect when a separated employee returned to service.
Cancellation of Option C When There Are No Eligible Family Members
Initially a cancellation of Option C when there were no longer any eligible family members was prospective, the same as any other cancellation. Effective November 17, 1986, these Option C cancellations are made retroactive to the first pay period in which there were no eligible family members, and the insured individual gets a refund of premiums back to that date.
Providing Medical Information
Until July 14, 1986, employees age 50 and older could not cancel a waiver by providing satisfactory medical information. Only employees under age 50 could cancel a waiver this way.
Life Events
When Option B and Option C came into being in 1981, the only life events were marriage and acquiring an eligible child. Divorce and death of a spouse were added as life events effective September 29, 1993.
Initially only employees under age 36 could make an Option B election due to a life event. The age restriction was removed effective April 5, 1989.
Employees with Option C coverage who had a life event between October 30, 1998, and April 23, 1999, had until June 23, 1999, to make an election to increase the number of multiples. The new coverage was effective April 24, 1999.
Open Season History
These are all of the FEGLI open seasons since the beginning of the Program:
| Dates |
Elections Permitted |
Positive Reenrollment Required? |
Effective Date |
Pay and Duty Status Requirement |
| February 14-April 14, 1968 |
All (Options B and C didn't exist) |
Yes. All previous Basic waivers cancelled 1st day of 1st pay period on/after 2/14/68. You had from 2/14/68-4/14/68 to elect or decline Optional insurance. |
Day after previous waiver was cancelled (unless you filed new Basic waiver). Optional insurance was effective day of receipt in employing office. |
No |
| March 1-31, 1970 |
All (Options B and C didn't exist) |
No |
April 1, 1970 |
Yes |
| March 1-31, 1981 |
All |
Yes. If you did not file an election, you automatically had Basic only. |
April 1, 1981 |
Yes |
| June 1-July 1, 1985 |
All |
No |
1st day of 1st pay period beginning on or after August 1, 1985 |
Yes |
| March 29-April 30, 1993 |
All |
No |
1st day of 1st pay period beginning on or after May 30, 1993 |
Yes |
| May 22-July 21, 1995 |
Basic only |
No |
1st day of 1st pay period beginning on or after date employing office received SF 2817 |
No |
| April 24-June 30, 1999 |
All |
No |
1st day of 1st pay period beginning on or after April 23, 2000 |
Yes |
| September 1-September 30, 2004 |
All |
No |
1st day of 1st pay period beginning on or after September 1, 2005 |
Yes |
Incontestability and Administrative Errors
If an administrative error was made before January 1, 1995, your employing office does not have the authority to issue a reconsideration decision (unless the error was an underdeduction or overdeduction of premiums - your employing office has the authority to correct these errors). Instead, you must request reconsideration from OPM, FSA, Life and Long Term Care Insurances Group, RM 2H24, 1900 E Street, NW, Washington D.C. 20415.