Under the US government, the different types of federal employee health benefits can range from physical, mental, or even behavioral care. These benefits are typically bundled under the type of health insurance plan an employee chooses. Every eligible employee also has the benefit of subsidized insurance costs, of which the government pays, at most, 75 percent of the premium.
Some common federal employee health benefits are the routine physicals and office visits to a primary care doctor. Usually, this is done annually, or if common illness, like a fever, is extended. In special cases and severe ailments, the government also offers subsidized visits to specialists and hospital confinements. Prescription drugs can also be part of the subsidy. Costs of necessary surgical procedures can also be reduced.
An employee can also choose a benefit such as the home health care visits if he foresees any situation that prevents him from going to the doctor himself. Female employees who are planning for a pregnancy can also include in their plan a maternity care option, as well as well-child care for expected children. For employees with special medical needs, their federal employee health benefits can also consist of durable medical equipment, both for confinement and in-house treatment.
Alongside and separate from the usual federal employee health benefits is the “Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program" (FEDVIP). Services under the dental insurance are dependent on the insurance plan the employees choose, from Class A to Class D. Basic Class A services include regular oral checkup, prophylaxis or cleaning, and x-ray evaluation, while the “orthodontic” Class D can provide services such as brace and headgear installation for bite corrections. As for the visual insurance, enrolled employees can receive eye examinations, free glasses and contact lenses. The plan can also give discounts for eye surgeries.
Not only can the government provide benefits for current employees, but it can also support retired employees as well. These benefits are categorized under the “Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program" (FLTCIP). Employees who are expected to retire soon should take advantage of the FLTCIP because the federal employee health benefits do not include services for the elderly. “Custodial care” or long-term care includes assistance such as reduced costs for nursing homes, in-house facilities, and nurses. The FLTCIP can even cover all the costs for retirees whose family members are unable to provide for their needs.
After enrolling, employees can immediately consume their federal employee health benefits right after they receive their salary. To eliminate accounting and deadline issues, the government usually deducts automatically the premium costs. Employees also have the option to include one or several family members within the health insurance plan.
