Question regarding FEHB / Tricare

[Midway]

https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insuranc ... url=Health

[Midway]

Bloobs,
This is all I could find on OPM.gov. Not sure if it fits in with your plans. Maybe someone else has more info.
https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insuranc ... url=Health

[bloobs]

Bloobs,
This is all I could find on OPM.gov. Not sure if it fits in with your plans. Maybe someone else has more info.
https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insuranc ... url=Health

The answer to this question has avoided me for years Worst-case, i just keep paying FEHB premiums during the periods I am overseas.

[jdeacon]

I have bc/bs and fehb does work overseas. However you can suspend it indefinitely and then have it reinstated. I believe you can only reinstate during open season but I may be wrong on that.

[bloobs]

I have bc/bs and fehb does work overseas. However you can suspend it indefinitely and then have it reinstated. I believe you can only reinstate during open season but I may be wrong on that.

Thanks! Specifically, are you saying that, as a retired fed, living someplace in either western europe or the far east, BCBS is accepted by those countries' medical facilities? If so, that would be great.

[GooseJ]

I retired January 2020 after a combined 42 years active and National Guard. I also had 41 years, including active duty, as a Mil Tech. I suspended my BCBS and went on Tricare Select since at that time there was no monthly fees. That has now changed to $25 total for myself and wife. If you suspend your FEHB you must submit a RI 79-9 form to OPM. Be sure you suspend and not cancel your insurance. When you suspend your FEHB you can always go back to it at a later date. If you do not choose to opt into a survivor benefit and you should pass prior to your wife she will not be eligible for FEHB at a later date. She would be eligible for Tri-Care though since you will be retired military. At 65 when you start on Medicare Tri-Care for Life is currently free. Of course that could change with the stroke of a pen.

[Midway]

From OPM website:
Can I suspend my coverage?
Yes, under limited circumstances. As an annuitant you can suspend your Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) enrollment to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, TRICARE, CHAMPVA, Medicaid or a similar State-sponsored program of medical assistance for the needy, or use Peace Corps health insurance coverage.

[jdeacon]

Bloobs,
Yes, as a retired fed you can use BC/BS any where overseas. Some country's medical systems might require you pay them and apply for reimbursement to BC/BS. Others country's medical systems will apply directly to BC/BS.

[bloobs]

Bloobs,
Yes, as a retired fed you can use BC/BS any where overseas. Some country's medical systems might require you pay them and apply for reimbursement to BC/BS. Others country's medical systems will apply directly to BC/BS.

thanks. i looked deeper and saw that most western european and developed nations do take bcbs but others do not, such as thailand.

[Kevin719]

I just hit 60 after retiring from the Air Force Reserve. I retired from Veteran Affairs after 30 years of service. Six weeks before I hit 60, I called OPM and they sent me a form to suspend my FEHB. Do not cancel, you must suspend. I put my suspension date as my 60th birthday. OPM did take out my premium for the FEHB for 2 months after my 60th birthday, but I was reimbursed on the next 2 monthly FERS payments. I enrolled in Tricare on my 60th birthday. I had to go to a military ID facility and get my blue ID card prior before I could enroll in Tricare. I would recommend that you make an ID card appointment for your 60th birthday, then go home and enroll in Tricare. Tricare is sweet with yearly payment of $601 which covers me and my spouse.