Q. When I retired I was single. Now I’m getting married. Can I add my new spouse to my FEHB plan? If so, when can I do it?
A. You can change your FEHB enrollment from Self Only to Self Plus One beginning 31 days before you get married through 60 days after the event.
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Just a reminder, you must elect a Survivor Annuity (from your CSRS or FERS Pension) for your new spouse to retain FEHB in the event you pass away before her. You have 2 years from the date of marriage to elect the Survivor Annuity, and you must be married for at least 9 months to qualify your spouse for the Survivor Annuity.
Retirement is Qualifying Life Events. If I Retire in May, can I change my FEHB plan also in May?
Retirement isn’t one of the Qualifying Life Events that would allow you to change your FEHB plan.
Regarding getting married after retirement – I understand I can add my new wife to my medical insurance, but how? Where do I send the SF 2809 if I use that form? Do I try to do this through my former agency? Thanks
No, you don’t use the SF 2809. Instead use OPM Form 2809, available for download at https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/opm2809.pdf. Once you’ve filled it out, send it to OPM. The address is on the form.
Thanks!!!
You’re welcome.
I am 62 and plan on retiring in July. I will paying for my health insurance, self plus one. Do I bypass Medicare at age 65 until my wife turns 65 so she’ll remained covered?
Unless you are retiring on disability and that disability meets the standards set by the Social Security Administration, you won’t be eligible to enroll in Medicare until you are age 65. Regardless of when you are covered by Medicare, you shouldn’t drop your FEHB coverage, both for your own sake and hers.