Q. Can you suspend FEHB after retirement if you are eligible for Tricare? Can you elect to go back on FEHB if desired? How would you do this?
A. Yes, you can suspend your FEHB coverage in favor of Tricare. To do that, call OPM’s Retirement Information Office at 1-888-767-6738 to obtain a suspension form. If you wanted to re-enroll in the FEHB program for any reason, you could do that during any open season. However, if you were involuntarily disenrolled, you could immediately re-enroll.
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Can you please tell me how and when can I unsuspend my FEHB coverage?
Annuitants or former spouses can suspend their FEHB coverage to use TRICARE or CHAMPVA. Annuitants can call OPM’s Retirement Information Office at 1-888-767-6738 to obtain a suspension form. Callers within the local Washington, DC calling area must call 202-606-0500. Former spouses can get the form from the employing office or retirement system maintaining their enrollment. Eligible individuals must submit a completed suspension form and provide all necessary documentation to show eligibility for TRICARE or CHAMPVA during the period beginning 31 days before and ending 31 days after the date they designate as using TRICARE or CHAMPVA instead of FEHB coverage.
I apologize for misreading your question. Here’s the anser yu were looking for:
Assuming that you are a retiree who suspended your coverage because you enrolled in TRICARE or CHAMPVA, you can reenroll in the FEHB program during any Open Season. If you are involuntarily disenrolled in either TRICARE of CHAMPVA you are eligible to reenroll in the FEHB immediately. Call OPM’s Retirement Information Office at 1-888-767-6738 to reinstate your FEHB coverage. Callers within the local Washington, DC calling area must call 02-606-0500. Note: If you are a Medicare-eligible retiree who enrolled in a Medicare=-sponsored prepaid health plan, you can reinstate your FEHB coverage during any Open Season. However, if yu plan stops participating, you can immediate;y reenroll in the FEHB program.