Can You Add Your Spouse To Your FEHB Plan In Retirement
You may already know that in order to carry your FEHB coverage into retirement, you need to be enrolled in a qualifying plan for the 5 years of service immediately preceding. But did you know that this provision doesn’t apply to your spouse?
If your spouse was previously covered under a plan provided by a private employer or marketplace, and now needs coverage under your FEHB plan, here are a few facts you need to know.
Add Your Spouse During Any Open Season
Whether still employed by the government or are currently a federal retiree, you can add your spouse to your FEHB coverage during any Open Season. FEHB Open Season will run from November 11 through December 9, 2024, with changes taking effect in 2025.
A copy of your marriage certificate will be required to prove that you’re legally married to your spouse. If you’ve been married for 12 months or more, you’ll also have to show you and your spouse are both listed on one of the following:
- The first page of your most recent tax return, or
- Proof of common residency and proof of combined finances.
Though the FEHB five-year rule doesn’t apply when adding your spouse, they must meet two requirements to continue FEHB in retirement. They must be eligible to receive a FERS survivor annuity when you pass away and they must be enrolled in FEHB before your death.
Adding A Spouse Outside Of Open Season
You’ll need to experience a Qualifying Life Event in order to add a spouse to your coverage outside of Open Season. This can include your spouse losing employer-provided healthcare coverage. Also, if you’re getting married or newly married, you can call the OPM anytime from 31 days before your marriage to 60 days after. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until the next Open Season to make the change.
You Must Elect A FERS Survivor Annuity, For Your Spouse To Be Eligible For FEHB
Under FERS, you must elect either a 50% or 25% survivor annuity in order for your spouse to be eligible for FEHB coverage in retirement. The reduction of your base annuity is 10% for the 50% survivor benefit and 5% for the 25% survivor benefit. If you choose a partial annuity, your spouse must give their written consent.
For complete information, download the OPM’s Eligibility Fact Sheet.
