SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

OPM is extending the current suspension of applications for coverage in FLTCIP in light of ongoing volatility in long term care costs and a greatly diminished insurance market. The original suspension notice was published at 87 FR 69345 (November 18, 2022) and suspended FLTCIP applications for 24 months, as authorized by 5 CFR 875.110. The suspension was extended through a second notice for an additional 24 months, published at 89 FR 89662 (November 13, 2024). This extension, which will take effect on December 19, 2026, complies with the requirements of § 875.110(d), which requires OPM to issue a Federal Register notice at least 30 days before the end of the suspension period in order to effectuate another suspension not to exceed 24 additional months. As with the current suspension period, no applications for FLTCIP coverage will be accepted during the extension period, and current enrollees may not apply to increase their coverage. The enrollment status or benefit eligibility of current enrollees will not change due to the suspension. For those in a claim status, there is no change to coverage and the claims reimbursement process.

OPM has determined that extending the period of suspension of applications for FLTCIP coverage is in the best interest of the Program. Since the current suspension began, the long-term care insurance market has seen ( printed page 73281) continued contraction due to challenges that include ongoing premium instability, such that the market for traditional long term care insurance, and especially group long term care insurance, is essentially non-existent. These market forces continue to undermine the ability to establish benefit offerings with premium rates that reasonably and equitably reflect the cost of the benefits provided, as required under 5 U.S.C. 9003(b)(2).

Authority:5 U.S.C. 9008; Public Law 116-92, 133 Stat. 1198 (5 U.S.C. 8956 note); 5 CFR 875.110.

Signing Statement

The Director of OPM, Scott Kupor, reviewed and approved this document and has authorized the undersigned to electronically sign and submit this document to the Office of the Federal Register for publication.

91 FR 73280