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, the suspension of new enrollments and coverage increases will now continue until December 19, 2024. This means that individuals not currently enrolled in the Federal Long Term Health Care Program cannot apply, and current enrollees are unable to increase their coverage during this period.
This decision to extend the suspension of the federal long term health care program applications comes as a result of continued instability within the long term care market. OPM has stated that the fluctuating costs associated with long term care, combined with a shrinking insurance market, make it challenging to offer benefit options with premium rates that accurately and fairly reflect the true cost of providing these benefits. This is a key requirement mandated by U.S.C. 9003(b)(2) to ensure the program’s sustainability and fairness to all participants.
The federal long term health care program, when active, is designed to alleviate the financial burden associated with long-term care services. It assists enrollees in covering the costs of care when they require help with everyday activities or are diagnosed with severe cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s disease.
While the program is suspended, it is important to understand who is typically eligible for the federal long term health care program. When enrollment is open, the FLTCIP is available to most Federal and U.S. Postal Service employees and annuitants, active and retired members of the uniformed services, and their qualified relatives.
Generally, most employees are required to be eligible for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program to apply for the federal long term health care program, regardless of actual FEHB enrollment. Annuitants, however, do not need to meet this FEHB eligibility requirement. It’s also important to note that certain pre-existing medical conditions may affect an individual’s application approval. Applying directly to the program is necessary to determine individual eligibility when the suspension is lifted.
For individuals seeking more detailed information about the federal long term health care program, Long Term Care Partners can be contacted at 1-800-582-3337. Their website, www.ltcfeds.gov, also provides comprehensive resources.
Furthermore, the LTCFEDS Care Navigator offers a valuable resource library. This tool is specifically designed to support both caregivers and individuals who require care as they navigate the complexities of aging. It assists in understanding the different levels of support needed and available options as individuals transition through varying stages of independence and long-term care requirements.
