OPM publishes final rules for dental, vision program

The regulations, published Tuesday in the Federal Register, made minor revisions to an interim version released in October 2007.

OPM began offering dental and vision insurance to federal employees, annuitants and their eligible family members in the 2006 open season. The benefits are not subsidized by the government, but federal employees can pay for them using pre-tax dollars.

The final regulations clarify that federal employees cannot be denied enrollment or benefits coverage in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program due to a pre-existing condition. But a carrier may determine that coverage does not extend to replacements for teeth missing before the effective date of enrollment in the program, OPM stated.

The final regulations also allow for cancellation of enrollment if participants or their spouses are called to active military service.

In addition, reemployed annuitants who separate from federal service must notify the FEDVIP administrator within 30 days to have their allotments withheld from their annuity payments, or face termination of coverage due to the nonpayment of premiums, according to the agency.

OPM is expected to announce next month premium and health plan changes for the 2008 open season, which will run from Nov. 10 to Dec. 8.