Federal Employees Health Benefits Program Flexibilities

To correct an asymmetry in the insurance market for Federal employees and annuitants, this Final regulation provides all Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program carriers the ability to offer the same number and types of plan options. Currently, OPM regulations defining minimum standards for health benefits plans allow certain plans to have two options and a high deductible health plan, while other plans may have three options of any type or two options and a high deductible health plan, creating an asymmetry between the potential offerings of health benefits plans. We have revised the regulations so all health benefits plans are able to offer three options or two options and a high deductible health plan. This final rule will give FEHB enrollees more choices in selecting a health plan that best meets their family's health care needs.