Q. I heard on television that, under the Affordable Care Act, children can stay on your medical plan until age 26, but spouses are not considered dependents. My wife is a few years younger than me and, when I retire next year, will she still be covered under Federal Employees Health Benefits?
A. All the Affordable Care Act does is extend the age at which the child can be covered under the self-and-family option. Spouses who are covered under the self-and-family option may not only continue that coverage but, if they are entitled to an annuity based on their own employment or receiving a survivor annuity, keep that coverage for as long as they live.
