Q. I started federal service fresh out of high school in the Navy. After the Navy, I worked in industry as a contractor for a long time. Most recently, I have accepted a position working as a Navy civilian and have bought back my active-duty time. I would like to carry Federal Employees Health Benefits into retirement. Do I need five years in my present position covered by FEHB, or am I qualified by virtue of having been covered by government medical for more than five years during my two separate periods of government service?
A. You have to have five years of actual coverage in the FEHB program.
