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Indian Tribes Reference Materials

NameDescription
The FEHB Guide for Tribal Employees The Guide includes summary information about the FEHB Program and gives details intended to educate and inform you about the choices available to you. The Guide lists the plans available in each state, premiums, selected benefits, health plan consumer satisfaction survey results, and links to other health plan quality indicators.
Tribal Quick Guide The Quick Guide provides answers to over 30 commonly asked questions about the FEHB Program.
Premiums You can find the monthly premiums, the total premiums, and the minimum amount your tribal employer must pay for each health plan. Be sure to check with your tribal employer as the rates listed reflect the maximum amount you will be required to pay. Some tribal employers may choose to pay a larger portion of your premiums (up to 100 percent).
Health Plan Brochures Health plan brochures provide a wealth of information including the listing of covered services, benefits, and premiums.
Compare Health Plans Enter your zip code and you can compare up to four plans on OPM's health plan comparison tool.
PlanSmartChoice PlanSmartChoice is another health plan comparison tool. It assists you in deciding which health plan best meets your personal needs and estimates your total health care cost before selecting a health plan.
Tribal Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Handbook The Handbook is a source of detailed guidance on the FEHB Program for tribal employers.
Handbook Highlights The Handbook Highlights is an overview of the Tribal FEHB Handbook for tribal employers.
Regulations See the regulations which govern the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
Legislation Legislation for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
Benefits Administration Letters (BAL) The BALs provide guidance on the FEHB Program.
Tribal/Federal Workgroup Minutes The Tribal/Federal Workgroup assists with technical and operational details related to FEHB and FEGLI implementation.
Consultation Documents Consultation documents for FEHB and FEGLI between OPM and Indian tribes, tribal organizations and urban Indian organization on FEHB and FEGLI implementation.
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Legislation On March 23, 2010, President Barack Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Section 10221 of the Affordable Care Act incorporated and enacted S. 1790, the Indian Health Care Improvement Reauthorization and Extension Act of 2009, resulting in the addition of § 409 to the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA). IHCIA § 409 (now codified at 25 U.S.C. § 1647b) allows eligible Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations to purchase Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) and Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) coverage, rights and benefits for their employees.

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Tribal FastFacts
NameDescription
The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program for Tribal Employees FEHB is a comprehensive health insurance program that offers you the choice of enrollment. You can choose from feefor-service (FFS) plans, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), consumer-driven health plans (CDHPs), and high deductible health plans (HDHPs). You can find more information on our Plan Types page.
Selecting a Health Plan During the Initial Enrollment Opportunity for Tribal Employees As an employee of an entitled Indian tribe, tribal organization, or urban Indian organization that has elected to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, you have the opportunity to make important decisions about your health insurance benefits. This fact sheet will help you select the plan that best meets your needs.
FEHB for New/Newly Eligible Tribal Employees As a new/newly eligible tribal employee, you may be able to enroll in health insurance through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. FEHB provides comprehensive health insurance. You can choose from fee-for-service plans, health maintenance organizations, consumer driven plans, and high deductible health plans. Generally, you and your tribal employer share premiums for your enrollment.

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Forms and Form Guidance
NameDescription
Enrollment Form (SF 2809) The Health Benefits Election Form (completed by the tribal employee).
Change Form (SF 2810) Notice of Change in Health Benefits Enrollment (completed by the tribal employer)
SF 2809 Guidance for Tribal Employees Guidance for tribal employees on how to complete the SF 2809 to enroll, change, or cancel their FEHB enrollment.
SF 2809 Guidance for Tribal Employers Guidance for tribal employers on their responsibilities for processing the SF 2809 for their tribal employees.
SF 2810 Guidance for Tribal Employers Guidance for tribal employers on how to complete the SF 2810 for actions that do not require a tribal employee’s signature. These actions include terminations, transfers, reinstatements, and name changes.

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