Dual Fed, FEHB VERA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you didnt hold the insurance for five years, I dont think you can do that

This.

I don't think just because you're on the policy, you can keep your insurance if you take a VERA. You have to be the policyholder for at least five years. To be sure, you will want to check with your benefits office. DCUM is a great resource, but for something important like this, you want to talk to an HR rep.

[Anonymous]

You all know your benefits! Here’s the hypothetical… the plan currently resides with DH. I take the VERA, then DH gets RIF’d or decides to leave and for some reason loses FEHB. I’m now retired. Can I then switch to FEHB since it’s a major life event even though I’m retired, I can pick up the health insurance?

Thank you, and thanks on the advice on pre-tax. I hadn’t thought of that!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you didnt hold the insurance for five years, I dont think you can do that

Being on a spouses FHEB counts for the five years if you are also a fed

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you didnt hold the insurance for five years, I dont think you can do that

Being on a spouses FHEB counts for the five years if you are also a fed

I think OP can do it. She was on FEHB for the five years. YOu don't have to be the policy holder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are dual feds. My DH has FEHB under his name and we’ve both been with the fed for 20+ years. If I take the VERA, is there a way to switch the FEHB to my name? If I make the switch during open season in Nov, and retire in Jan, would that work?

Has there been a new VERA offered? What agency are you at?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You all know your benefits! Here’s the hypothetical… the plan currently resides with DH. I take the VERA, then DH gets RIF’d or decides to leave and for some reason loses FEHB. I’m now retired. Can I then switch to FEHB since it’s a major life event even though I’m retired, I can pick up the health insurance?

Thank you, and thanks on the advice on pre-tax. I hadn’t thought of that!

Yes, because you were covered by FEHB, and your spouse losing FEHB is a qualifying life event that lets you enroll into FEHB. Although if your spouse has 20+ years, over 50, and truly gets RIF'd, they can retain FEHB under DSR (which is like involuntary early retirement).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I thought you had to be covered under the insurance for five years leading up to your retirement in order to be able to do that. Does being on your spouses retirement count?

That’s the case at my institution as well. Check if OPM FAQ include your situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you didnt hold the insurance for five years, I dont think you can do that

This.

I don't think just because you're on the policy, you can keep your insurance if you take a VERA. You have to be the policyholder for at least five years. To be sure, you will want to check with your benefits office. DCUM is a great resource, but for something important like this, you want to talk to an HR rep.

Incorrect. I have checked this as we are dual fed family. I was enrolled in FEHB under spouse plan.

And the requirement is enrollment not who carried policy. If you don’t know - don’t offer info.