Q: I have an employee that enrolled in the FEHB plans effective Jan. 2, 2011, and has worked for the government for approximately 30 years. My agency is undergoing a VERA/VSIP announced in September. However, I found out that my agency did not request a preapproved waiver to include the health insurance. Can you tell me if this employee will be eligible to carry her health insurance into retirement?
A: In order for her to continue her FEHB coverage, your agency needed to attach a memorandum to her retirement application stating that she met the requirements for a pre-approved waiver by OPM. That certification had to include the number of the public law granting the agency’s buyout authority and the beginning and ending dates of the agency’s buyout period. If your agency didn’t do that, it will have to correct that error.
