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Return to Article: The Five-Year Test

• 48152
  

  In your article you stated eligibility requires that "You have been continuously enrolled (or covered as a family member) in any FEHBP plan for the five years of service immediately before the date your annuity starts." Later, you state in your response to the first question that the spouse can join and be covered after retirement. These two seem to conflict with each other. Please explain. Thanks.

  Steven Krasner Posted April 8, 2008 6:09 PM
• 47550
  

  My husband and I are both federal employees. He carries the health insurance. I've been under it for more than 10 years. We are divorcing soon and I will have to enroll in my own health insurance. I'm am eligible for retirement in May 2012 (4 years). Does the fact that I was under his policy for more than 10 years still apply when I pick up my own insurance within the next 3 months?

  Phyllis Nye Posted March 31, 2008 8:36 AM
• 47401
  

  My wife and I are both Federal civilians and I am currently under her FEHB. She is retiring in two years and I plan on retiring fours years afterward. Should we switch so I carry her under my coverage to keep the pre-tax exclusion? On timing, should I bring her on first prior to her dropping her coverage to ensure no lapse - even for one day - during this last five years of her working career?

  Bob Goodwin Posted March 28, 2008 5:44 AM
• 47374
  

  I heard a rumor that if you wanted to keep your health insurance into retirement, you couldn't take your TSP in a lump sum. Is this true?

  Melissa Webb Posted March 27, 2008 1:53 PM
• 47022
  

  Is there any chance that this provision will get changed to not having to have the 5 year enrollment prior to retirement ?

  Mike Miller Posted March 22, 2008 12:31 PM
• 47015
  

  Please explain the "suspension rule". I am a retired US NAVY Officer who will retire from Gov't service in a few years. At that time I wish to suspend FEHB in favor of Medicare B. This gives me Ticare-for-life. I still would like to know about FEHB reinstatement for me and or surviving spouse. I thank you in advance.

  Robert E. Delgado Posted March 22, 2008 2:28 AM
• 47000
  

  "Medicare is always secondary"

  Not for retirees, in which case Medicare is always PRIMARY.

  WRONG AGAIN Posted March 21, 2008 2:53 PM
• 46991
  

  Medicare is always secondary, for those with questions on duration its 5 years before you retire not 5 years in your career

  dan ketter Posted March 21, 2008 1:31 PM
• 46982
  

  What percentage of my retirement annuity (crss) or amount must I select in order to provide for my nonfederal surviving spouse to continue receiving health benefits after my death?

  Marcelo Rodriguez Posted March 21, 2008 12:02 PM
• 46967
  

  Both my husband and I are over 65. We are both still working. I am a federal employee, he is not but covered under my plan for over 5 years. When I retire is Medicare going to be my primary and my FEHDP going to be my secondary?

  Francine Jackson Posted March 21, 2008 9:53 AM
• 46964
  

  Tammy,

  What are te best dates to retire for 2008 and 2009? I will have 30 years of Service March 22, 2008. I also have 1 year and 19 days of sick leave at the end of PP 5.

  Barbara B. Mobley Posted March 21, 2008 9:37 AM
• 46960
  

  Tammy, In answer number 2 above, are you saying that in order for my spouse to continue the health insurance after my death I must have elected some portion of survivor benefit for them? If so, what portion has to be elected and how much of a difference will that make in the amount that I receive monthly? Rhonda

  rhonda ingram-harper Posted March 21, 2008 8:57 AM
• 46951
  

  I worked for BRIOH from 1968 to 1976 and carried health insurance. I returned to Federal employment in April of 2005, however, I did not pick up the insurance until Open enrollment 2006. Does any of this count toward the five year rule?

  Linda A. Laslavic Posted March 21, 2008 7:49 AM
• 46950
  

  I am currently enrolled in Blue Cross/Blue shield plan. I have only self coverage. Do I have to have my spouse covered for five years before I retire for her to get the health plan or do I just have to sign her up at least one year before I retire. In other words, If I retire in Jan 2010, do I have to sign her up in the open season of 2009?

  Bobby Dean Posted March 21, 2008 7:23 AM
• 46942
  

  I retired on 1/4/2008 with family health insurance. My wife got a new job with very good health coverage last month. I know I can change from family to self only but if my wife looses her coverage next month can I go back to a family plan before the open season.

  michael barton Posted March 20, 2008 9:53 PM