What About My Healthcare Benefits?
This resource provides healthcare coverage steps to consider for terminated federal workers
For most federal workers, healthcare coverage received through the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) will continue for 31 days following their last day of employment. Dental and vision coverage will usually terminate on the last day of employment.
Federal employees should use these 31 days to make a decision about whether to keep your FEHB plan for up to 18 months through Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) or choose another option for health care coverage.
Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC)
Whether you resign or are terminated, federal workers are eligible for Temporary Continuation of Coverage (“TCC”), which is similar to COBRA. TCC enables you to continue your FEHB coverage for 18 months following your employment. You are not eligible if you are terminated for “gross misconduct.”
If you elect TCC, you will need to pay the full premium for the plan you select (your share + the Government’s share of the premium), plus a 2% administrative charge. You must sign up for TCC within 60 days of separation.
For more information:
- Rates for TCC: FEHB Premiums Page
- Coverage & How to Enroll: OPM’s website
Marketplace Health Insurance (Affordable Care Act and other resources)
If you leave your federal employment for any reason (if you quit or are terminated), you can enroll in a Marketplace plan. You’ll qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll to get coverage for the rest of the year.
For this Special Enrollment Period, you need to apply for Marketplace coverage within 60 days of losing your job-based coverage. Your coverage can start the first day of the month after you lose your job-based coverage.
When you apply for coverage in the Marketplace, you’ll find out if you qualify for:
- Savings on your monthly premiums (called "premium tax credits") and extra savings on Marketplace coverage based on your income when you get covered services. More details here.
- Free or low-cost coverage from Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
For more information:
Joining a Spouse's Health Insurance Plan
If you have a spouse who is insured through their private employer, you can usually join as a “qualifying life event,” which allows the spouse to add family members to a policy outside of the open enrollment period.