Suspending My FEHB
What Happens If I drop of suspend my FEHB – Can I Ever Get it Back?
That’s a good question and one that is extremely valuable in planning for a comfortable and secure retirement. When you get the information needed to make informed decisions you can ensure that you will retire well.
If you drop or suspend your FEHB under certain circumstances you can re-enroll? It is always a good idea to talk to your human resources office before you consider taking action to drop or suspend your FEHB.
It should be noted that you cannot enroll in FEHB after you retire if you were not enrolled in the plan at retirement and met the FEHB qualifying criteria. A situation when suspending or dropping your FEHB may be appropriate, is when an employee marries or is married to another federal employee with FEHB coverage. Both spouses having FEHB does not constitute double coverage, as you cannot be covered under two FEHB plans simultaneously. However, each person can decide to carry self only or a family plan can be considered. Whatever the choice, it is always a good idea to weigh the financial burden of the choice made and talking with your chosen financial planner may help with your analysis.
Regardless of your CSRS or FERS eligibility, if you are considering dropping or suspending your FEHB coverage you need to give a very good amount of time and energy to understanding what the impacts may be to you and your family. Although the cost of the FEHB premium changes annually, unlike FEGLI which gets terribly expensive as a person ages, FEHB remains cost competitive in the market with the average employee paying only about 25% of the cost. Having information and discussing options with a professional who is an expert in your benefits and your human resources office will help you make the best decision to retire well.
P. S. Always Remember to Share What You Know.
