FEHB
Top 5 FEHB Questions for Federal Retirees
Yes — if you’re eligible. You must:
- Be enrolled in FEHB on the date of retirement, and
- Have been continuously covered (or covered as a family member) for the 5 years immediately before retirement (or for all service since first eligible, if less than 5 years).
- No — it’s optional. FEHB is considered creditable coverage, so there’s no penalty if you delay Part B. Some retirees choose both for broader coverage; others keep FEHB alone to avoid premiums.
- No change. You pay the same government-subsidized rate as active employees — except it's after-tax in retirement (no longer pre-tax like on payroll).
- Only if you elect a survivor annuity at retirement. Without a survivor benefit, your spouse loses FEHB coverage. This is one of the most important retirement election decisions.
- If rehired in a position eligible for FEHB, your FEHB continues, and you'll typically pay premiums on a pre-tax basis again. Upon separation again, your FEHB should resume under retiree status.