The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has announced an extension to the temporary suspension of the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). Originally set to expire on December 19, 2024, the suspension on new applications and coverage increases will now continue for an additional 24 months, unless OPM provides further notice. This means that individuals not currently enrolled in the federal Long Term Care Program cannot apply for coverage, and current enrollees are unable to increase their existing coverage during this suspension period.
This decision to extend the FLTCIP suspension is attributed to ongoing instability within the long term care market. Fluctuations in long term care costs and a challenging insurance landscape have made it difficult for OPM to offer benefit options with premium rates that are both reasonable and accurately reflect the true cost of providing these benefits. This requirement for equitable and reasonable rates is mandated under 5 U.S.C. 9003(b)(2).
The FLTCIP, when active, is designed to provide long term care insurance. This type of insurance helps to cover the significant costs associated with long term care services. These services become necessary when individuals require assistance with everyday activities due to chronic illness, disability, or cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
During periods when the federal long term care program is open for enrollment, a wide range of individuals are typically eligible to apply. This includes most federal employees, U.S. Postal Service employees and annuitants, active and retired members of the uniformed services, and their qualified relatives.
Generally, for employees to be eligible for the federal long term care program during open enrollment periods, they must also be eligible for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. Crucially, actual enrollment in FEHB is not required; eligibility is the determining factor. Annuitants, however, do not need to be either eligible for or enrolled in the FEHB Program to apply for FLTCIP coverage when enrollment is open. It is important to note that certain pre-existing medical conditions, or combinations thereof, may prevent an applicant from being approved for coverage. Applying is the only way to determine individual eligibility.
For those seeking more detailed information about the FLTCIP and this current suspension, Long Term Care Partners can be contacted directly at 1-800-582-3337. Additionally, their comprehensive website website offers extensive resources.
Furthermore, the LTCFEDS Care Navigator is available as a valuable resource library. It is specifically designed to support both caregivers and individuals who are navigating the various stages of aging and potential long term care needs. Understanding the appropriate level of support and available options during the transition from independence to needing long term care can be complex, and the Care Navigator is designed to provide clarity and guidance.
