Summary of Handbook Changes

November 25, 2015, Handbook Changes

As a result of Section 706 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 which amends section 8905 of title 5, United States Code, to add a Self Plus One enrollment type to the existing FEHB Program’s Self Only and Self and Family enrollment types, we have updated the Handbook to reflect the inclusion of Self Plus One.

July 13, 2013, Handbook Changes

Eligibility changes based on the June 26, 2013 Supreme Court decision overturning Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). As a result of this decision, same-sex spouses and the children of same-sex marriages are eligible family members under an FEHB enrollment.

July 23, 2009, Handbook Changes

Under the heading, Transferring Your Enrollment to OWCP, we have updated the time period of 6 months or longer to 90 days or longer in reference to when OWCP normally does not request an enrollment transfer unless it expects your compensation to continue.

August 22, 2003, Handbook Changes

The mailing address for submitting requests for waivers of the requirement for FHEB program participation for the five years prior to retirement has been changed to Office of Personnel Management, Retirement Benefits Branch, 1900 E Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20415-3532.

Our former Post Office Box 14172 is now closed and anyone sending mail there will get it returned to them.

January 7, 2003, Handbook Changes

We converted the handbook to a new format for improved readability, navigation, and ability to print the sections.

January 24, 2001 Handbook Changes

In Eligibility and Election, we added three categories under "Eligibility for Health Benefits" to make clear that Presidential appointees appointed to fill an unexpired term, temporary employees who receive provisional appointments as defined in 5 CFR 316.401 and 316.403, and acting postmasters are eligible for FEHB benefits. This information has always been in the FEHB Handbook; it is now in a more prominent location

December 18, 2000 Handbook Changes

We updated the FEHB Handbook in the following areas:

• We added a section in the Family Members chapter entitled "When a Court Order Requires You to Provide Coverage for Your Children." This reflects changes to the FEHB Program resulting from Public Law 106-394, the "Federal Employees Health Benefits Children's Equity Act of 2000," enacted October 30, 2000. Pub. L. 106-394 requires mandatory Self and Family coverage for FEHB-eligible employees who do not comply with a court or administrative order to provide health benefits for their children.
• We updated our policy on waivers of the participation requirements for employees retiring during an agency buyout period. You can find this information in the Annuitants and Compensationers chapter, under "Current Waiver Policy."
• We updated the list of medically underserved areas for 2001. The 2001 list is identical to the 2000 list, except we have removed North Dakota from the list for calendar year 2001. See "Payment of Benefits in Medically Underserved Areas" in the Health Plans chapter for a complete list.

November 28, 2000 Handbook Changes

In Eligibility and Election, we added three categories under "Eligibility for Health Benefits" to make clear that Presidential appointees appointed to fill an unexpired term, temporary employees who receive provisional appointments as defined in 5 CFR 316.401 and 316.403, and acting postmasters are eligible for FEHB benefits. This information has always been in the FEHB Handbook; it is now in a more prominent location

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