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Divorcing federal employees likely need to modify their FEHB plan

On Behalf of | Oct 25, 2024 | Divorce

If you’re a current or retired federal employee who has health insurance through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, you likely know that, as with most other types of health insurance, major life events can warrant a change in your plan.

If you’re going to be divorcing and your soon-to-be ex is covered under your Self Plus One plan, you need to know what the divorce means for your coverage and for theirs. Note that if you have children and everyone is covered by the Self and Family plan, there will be changes as well. 

What about your spouse and children’s coverage?

Assuming that your spouse isn’t also a current or retired federal employee, they will automatically lose their FEHB coverage under your plan the day the divorce is final. There are options for them to get continued coverage, at least temporarily, through FEHB. Note that you can keep your children on your plan after the divorce until they age out.

Since divorce is considered a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), you have 60 days from the day the divorce is final to switch to another plan that is more appropriate to your new family structure – and likely less expensive. For example, if you have no children, you can get the Self Only plan. If you have one child, you can move to the Self Plus One plan.

Why both spouses should be aware of their post-divorce insurance expenses

You may feel like you have far more important things to worry about than health insurance right now – especially if you aren’t the one who may have to change insurers. However, your divorce settlement will likely depend in part on what kind of income and expenses you’ll each have when you’re no longer married. 

Health insurance can be a big expense. Even if your spouse can have their own FEHB plan, it’s more expensive for non-federal employees because they have to pay the share the government pays for employees. By having experienced legal guidance throughout your divorce, you can help minimize surprises (like realizing you need to change your health insurance plan), protect your rights and work to get the best possible settlement.

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