Progress Report
OPM is excited to announce that Indian tribes, tribal organizations and urban Indian organizations may purchase FEHB coverage for their employees beginning in Spring of 2012. The earliest effective date of coverage for these employees is May 1, 2012. Tribes, tribal organizations and urban Indian organizations may also purchase FEHB coverage effective after this date.
OPM is partnering with the National Finance Center (NFC), who will serve as the service provider for this program. NFC serves as the payroll provider for the Temporary Continuation of Coverage program. We believe NFC's experience will be invaluable in assisting tribes, tribal organizations and urban Indian organizations with the FEHB Program. An administrative load of less than 1.75% of average FEHB premium will be charged for NFC's services.
OPM and NFC are also working with a Tribal Technical Work Group to finalize operational details related to the program. This Work Group is comprised of individuals from tribes, tribal organizations and urban Indian organizations of various sizes and geographic locations. There will be an initial meeting with this group on November 8th and we plan on meeting monthly.
OPM and NFC are committed to a strong partnership with Indian Country, as we continue to implement and operate this program. We appreciate your continued patience and support.
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. Tribes or tribal organizations carrying out programs under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) and urban Indian organizations carrying out programs under Title V of the IHCIA are entitled to purchase coverage for their employees, provided that the necessary employee deductions are made and contributions are paid.
This access to Federal insurance provides a new option for many tribes to purchase coverage for employees who might otherwise have difficulty accessing affordable insurance coverage in the private market. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) administers FEHB and FEGLI for Federal employees. OPM has entered into consultation with tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations to assist them with access to FEHB and FEGLI coverage.
The information on this website constitutes the preliminary information available regarding these programs. OPM is consulting with tribes, tribal organizations and urban Indian organizations regarding the specifics of these programs. We will continue to keep you updated via this website.