Section 12. Three Federal Programs complement FEHB benefits

Important information OPM wants to be sure you are aware of three Federal programs that complement the FEHB Program.

First, the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program, also known as FSAFEDS, lets you set aside pre-tax money from your salary to reimburse you for eligible dependent care and/or health care expenses. You pay less in taxes so you save money. The result can be a discount of 20% to more than 40% on services/products you routinely pay for out-of-pocket.

Second, the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) provides comprehensive dental and vision insurance at competitive group rates. There are several plans from which to choose. Under FEDVIP you may choose self only, self plus one, or self and family coverage for yourself and any eligible dependents.

Third, the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) can help cover long term care costs, which are not covered under the FEHB Program.


The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program FSAFEDS
What is an FSA? It is an account where you contribute money from your salary BEFORE taxes are withheld, then incur eligible expenses and get reimbursed. You pay less in taxes so you save money. Annuitants are not eligible to enroll.

There are three types of FSAs offered by FSAFEDS. Each type has a minimum annual election of $250 and a maximum annual election of $5,000.
  • Health Care FSA (HCFSA) Reimburses you for eligible health care expenses (such as copayments, deductibles, over-the-counter medications and products, vision and dental expenses, and much more) for you and your dependents which are not covered or reimbursed by FEHBP or FEDVIP coverage or other insurance.

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  • Limited Expense Health Care FSA (LEX HCFSA) Designed for employees enrolled in or covered by a High Deductible Health Plan with a Health Savings Account. Eligible expenses are limited to dental and vision care expenses for you and your dependents which are not covered or reimbursed by FEHBP or FEDVIP coverage or any other insurance.

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  • Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA) Reimburses you for eligible non-medical day care expenses for your child(ren) under age 13 and/or for any person you claim as a dependent on your Federal Income Tax return who is mentally or physically incapable of self-care. You (and your spouse if married) must be working, looking for work (income must be earned during the year), or attending school full-time to be eligible for a DCFSA.

If you are a new or newly eligible employee you have 60 days from your hire date to enroll in an HCFSA or LEX HCFSA and/or DCFSA, but you must enroll before October 1. If you are hired or become eligible on or after October 1 you must wait and enroll during the Federal Benefits Open Season held each fall.
Where can I get more information about FSAFEDS? Visit www.FSAFEDS.com or call an FSAFEDS Benefits Counselor toll-free at 1-877-FSAFEDS (1-877-372-3337), Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., Eastern Time. TTY: 1-800-952-0450.


The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program FEDVIP
Important Information The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) is a program, separate and different from the FEHB Program, established by the Federal Employee Dental and Vision Benefits Enhancement Act of 2004. This Program provides comprehensive dental and vision insurance at competitive group rates with no pre-existing condition limitations.

FEDVIP is available to eligible Federal and Postal Service employees, retirees, and their eligible family members on an enrollee-pay-all basis. Employee premiums are withheld from salary on a pre-tax basis.
Dental Insurance Dental plans provide a comprehensive range of services, including the following:
  • Class A (Basic) services, which include oral examinations, prophylaxis, diagnostic evaluations, sealants and x-rays.

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  • Class B (Intermediate) services, which include restorative procedures such as fillings, prefabricated stainless steel crowns, periodontal scaling, tooth extractions, and denture adjustments.

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  • Class C (Major) services, which include endodontic services such as root canals, periodontal services such as gingivectomy, major restorative services such as crowns, oral surgery, bridges and prosthodontic services such as complete dentures.

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  • Class D (Orthodontic) services with up to a 24-month waiting period.
Vision Insurance Vision plans provide comprehensive eye examinations and coverage for lenses, frames and contact lenses. Other benefits such as discounts on lasik surgery may also be available.
Additional Information You can find a comparison of the plans available and their premiums on the OPM website at www.opm.gov/insure/vision and www.opm.gov/insure/dental . These sites also provide links to each plan’s website, where you can view detailed information about benefits and preferred providers.www.opm.gov/insure/dental.
How do I enroll? You enroll on the Internet at www.BENEFEDS.com. For those without access to a computer, call 1-877-888-3337 (TTY number, 1-877-889-5680).


The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program FLTCIP
It's important protection The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) can help you pay for the potentially high cost of long term care services, which are not covered by FEHB plans. Long term care is help you receive to perform activities of daily living such as bathing or dressing your self or supervision you receive because of a severe cognitive impairment. To qualify for coverage under the FLTCIP, you must apply and pass a medical screening (called underwriting). Certain medical conditions, or combinations of conditions, will prevent some people from being approved for coverage. You must apply to know if you will be approved for enrollment. For more information, call 1-800-LTC-FEDS (1-800-582-3337) (TTY 1-800-843-3557) or visit www.ltcfeds.com.

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