Changing Coverage: Open Seasons, Physicals, & FEGLI Qualifying Life Events

Federal Employees elect to enroll in FEGLI Options A, B, & C when first eligible, but adding it later can get tricky- Open Seasons, Physicals, & FEGLI Qualifying Life Events

Upon entering federal employment, eligible individuals are automatically signed up for Basic Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) coverage. They have the option to decline the basic plan or to add any combination of FEGLI Options A, B, and C. Additional enrollment opportunities are available for employees who:

Transition from a non-eligible to an eligible FEGLI position,
Return to federal service after more than 180 days,
Are designated as “emergency essential” by the DoD, or
Support “contingency operations” as civilian employees.

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For federal employees outside these categories, altering FEGLI coverage can be complex. While canceling coverage is straightforward, requiring only the submission of form SF-2817, adding coverage later involves one of three paths: participating in a FEGLI Open Season, passing a physical exam for coverage eligibility, or applying within 60 days following a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). Note that unlike FEHB open seasons, such events for FEGLI are rare, unpredictable, and last typically just one month. The last such event was back in 2016 when the window reopened for FEGLI enrollment during the month of September that year. The previous open season before that? 2004. For the other routes to add FEGLI insurance, both proof of a QLE and the physician’s approval are needed within 60 days of the physical exam or event.

FEGLI Qualifying Life Events

QLEs that permit federal employees to add to their FEGLI coverage outside of Open Season or without a medical exam include:

Marriage
Divorce
Death of a spouse
Birth or adoption of a child

Note that retirement does not constitute a QLE, and it’s often during pre-retirement planning that employees analyze their FEGLI choices. For guidance on FEGLI decisions or general help with their federal retirement plan, feds can consult with Serving Those Who Serve’s specialists in federal benefits.

Benjamin Derge, ChFEBC℠

"Benefits Ben," a ChFEBC℠ designated Financial Planner with an English degree, specializes in guiding federal employees, retirees, and their families towards optimal retirement. His expertise encompasses digital marketing, benefits assistance, annuity management, and trading activities, ensuring clients receive superior service and reliable advice.

**Written by Benjamin Derge, Financial Planner, ChFEBC℠ The information has been obtained from sources considered reliable but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Benjamin Derge and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Links are being provided for information purposes only. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.