What Is Federal Insurance?

Federal insurance is offered to federal employees and includes health, dental and vision insurance through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. In addition, life insurance and long-term care insurance are also available. Certain eligibility requirements must be met to become enrolled in any of the insurance programs offered by the federal government insurance program.

Health Insurance

• Federal health insurance is available to any full-time federal employee unless otherwise specified by law and regulation. A part-time employee may qualify for federal health insurance after a year of continuous employment. The benefits available with federal health insurance, through the FEHB program, include coverage for general care and specialized care. Hospital care, in-patient and out-patient care and surgical care are also covered in all federal health insurance plans. Obstetrical care, mental health and substance abuse care and prescription drug coverage are all parts of the health insurance programs offered by the federal government. No waiting periods are required for federal health insurance and no preexisting condition limitations are imposed under the plans for federal health insurance. The four possible coverage plans are two fee-for-service plans (one with a PPO and one without) and also an HMO or Health Management Organization plan and HMO plan with Point of Service Product option.

Dental Insurance

• Federal and U.S. Postal Service employees are eligible for federal dental insurance coverage. Four national dental plans are offered and three regional plans are offered, through the FEHB program, and each plan includes basic dental services including orthodontia, regular exams and cleaning. X-rays, bridges and crowns are also included under federal dental insurance. The four main plans are an Aetna Life Insurance Company dental insurance plan, a Government Employees Health Association dental insurance plan, a MetLife dental insurance plan and a United Concordia Companies dental insurance plan.

Vision Insurance

• Federal and U.S. Postal Service employees are eligible for federal vision insurance coverage. Three vision plans are available and all cover complete eye care, including frames, lenses and contact lenses. LASIK surgery may also be an option. The three vision plans offered are the FEP Blue vision plan, the UnitedHealthcare vision plan and the Vision Service Plan (VSP) are all available through the FEHB program,.

Life Insurance

• Most federal employees are eligible for federal life insurance, through the FEHB program, unless excluded by law and regulations. The federal life insurance program is a basic life insurance policy and does not exclude applicants based upon preexisting conditions. Three optional add-ons are available for the basic life insurance.

Long-Term Care Insurance

• Long-term care insurance is offered to anyone eligible for the FEHB program, although it is not required that you actually be enrolled. Federal long-term care insurance provides for the costs of care when employees need daily care and help. The need for long-term care may stem from cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer's disease. Long-term care insurance also helps pay for home care, nursing homes and for assisted living facilities.