The health insurance plans are quite extensive with both Nationwide and local health plans available. You can elect from Preferred Providers, Health Maintenance Organizations, or Fee-For-Service plans. The Government pays up to 72-75% of the plan’s cost for you, with you paying the difference. Premium costs are taken out of pre-tax salary. You cannot be disqualified for health insurance due to a pre-existing condition. When you enroll, coverage begins within a two-week period to include coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Also available are Dental/Vision plans, Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts. There is an annual “open season” to allow you to change health plans. You can also take your health insurance coverage into retirement. Retired employees pay the same group premium as current employees.

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You can elect coverage for just yourself or for you and your family. There is even an option to have additional coverage up to 5 times your annual pay. The cost of the insurance begins increasing at age 35 and goes up every 5 years until you reach age 80. You can also carry this coverage into retirement.

For more information, visit the life insurance website at: http://www.opm.gov/insure/life.