Q: I am a 57-year-old employee in the federal court system with five years of qualified service. If for some reason the judge I work for should decide to leave or be unable to work, my position would officially end. If I cannot find another position with the court, would I be able to continue my FEHB health care coverage after my job ends?
A: You would be able to continue your FEHB coverage for up to 18 months under the Temporary Continuation of Coverage provision. You would be required to pay the whole premium, plus 2 percent to cover administrative expenses. If you left your retirement contributions in the fund, you would be able to apply for a deferred annuity at age 62. However, you would not be able to re-enroll in the FEHB program at that time. No one who retires on a deferred annuity can do that.
