Q. My husband has 28 years and I have 27 years under FERS as civilians with the Defense Department (Air Force). My husband has been carrying Federal Employees Health Benefits insurance for our family for the past nine years. If he decides to retire early or prior to me, will he have to select an annuity for me so I would have health insurance coverage if he was to pass? I wouldn’t want to have to continue to work and carry insurance for five years prior to retiring if this is the case.
A. He wouldn’t have to elect a survivor annuity for you. As long as you were covered under the self and family option, you could continue your coverage by having the premiums taken out of your pay if still employed, or your annuity.
