ObamaCare Changes to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program

These are some updates to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program coming on line because of ObamaCare. The only question I have is whether premiums will be going up as they seem to be doing for the rest of the nation?

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act (ACA). As a result of this legislation, Federal employees will soon see important improvements in their Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage, including expanded family member eligibility and enhanced benefits.

Because of the Affordable Care Act, beginning January 1, 2011:

Children will be eligible for coverage under their parent’s FEHB Program Self and Family enrollment until they turn age 26.

All FEHB Program plans will cover recommended preventive care services without additional out-of-pocket costs to enrollees.

All FEHB Program plans have eliminated any lifetime limits and annual limits on essential health benefits.

In addition:

All FEHB Program Plans will cover comprehensive smoking cessation benefits that include coverage for counseling, medications, multiple quit attempts with no annual or lifetime limitations and no enrollee cost sharing.

The attached fact sheet provides more information on changes to the FEHB Program and the Federal Flexible Spending Account (FSAFEDS) Program under the ACA. You can also visit www.opm.gov/insure for up-to-date information about all the Federal Benefits Programs.