What The Program Offers You

• An opportunity within 31 days from the date of your appointment (or from the date you become eligible), to enroll in a health benefits plan with group-rated premiums and benefits.

• An annual opportunity during Open Season, to enroll in a health benefits plan if you are not already enrolled or, if you are enrolled, to change to another plan or option.

• A choice of plans and options so that you can get the kind and amount of protection best suited to your personal health needs and finances.

• Guaranteed protection that can't be canceled by the plan.

• Coverage without medical examination or restrictions because of age, current health or pre-existing medical conditions. (Plans may limit benefits for dentistry or cosmetic surgery to conditions arising after the effective date of coverage.)

• Coverage without waiting periods after the effective date of enrollment.

• Catastrophic protection against unusually large medical bills. (Fee-for-service plans limit the amount of covered expenses you would have to pay out-of-pocket for yourself and your family; prepaid plans provide or arrange for all necessary care.)

• A Government contribution toward the cost of your plan.

• The payroll deduction method of making premium payments

• Extended protection for 31 days without cost to you after your enrollment or coverage of a family member ends (unless you voluntarily cancel).

• Under certain circumstances, an opportunity for temporary continuation of group coverage or conversion to nongroup coverage if your enrollment ends or a covered family member loses eligibility for coverage.

• If you meet certain requirements, continued protection for you and eligible family members after your retirement or while you are receiving compensation from the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs for a work-related injury.

• If certain conditions are met, continued protection for your eligible family members after your death.