The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) is designed to help federal employees, annuitants, and their families cover the significant costs associated with long-term care. This coverage addresses expenses that arise when individuals need assistance with daily living activities or suffer from severe cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease. However, it’s important to be aware of a current program suspension impacting enrollment and coverage changes.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has extended the suspension of new applications for FLTCIP coverage until December 19, 2024. This extension, originally set to expire on the same date, means that individuals not currently enrolled in FLTCIP cannot apply for coverage, and existing enrollees are unable to increase their coverage during this period. This suspension reflects ongoing concerns about the program’s financial structure in a fluctuating long-term care insurance market.
This decision to extend the FLTCIP suspension is primarily driven by the volatility in long term care costs and instability within the insurance market. These factors have made it challenging for OPM to offer benefit plans with premium rates that accurately and fairly represent the actual cost of providing the promised benefits. Maintaining affordable and equitable premiums is a core requirement for the program’s sustainability and responsible management under federal regulations.
When the FLTCIP program is active and not under suspension, a wide range of individuals are typically eligible to apply. This includes most federal and U.S. Postal Service employees and annuitants, active and retired members of the uniformed services, and their qualified relatives. Eligibility for employees generally hinges on their eligibility for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, though actual FEHB enrollment is not mandatory. Annuitants have different eligibility criteria. It’s also important to note that certain pre-existing medical conditions may affect approval for coverage, requiring an application to determine individual eligibility.
For those seeking further details about the FLTCIP, especially once the suspension is lifted, Long Term Care Partners can be contacted at 1-800-582-3337. Their website, www.ltcfeds.gov, also provides comprehensive information and resources. Additionally, the LTCFEDS Care Navigator is available as a valuable resource library to support caregivers and individuals navigating the complexities of aging and long-term care needs. This tool can be particularly helpful in understanding available options and support levels as care needs evolve.
