The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has announced a further extension to the suspension of enrollment in the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). Originally set to expire on December 19, 2024, the suspension for new enrollments and coverage increases will now remain in effect for an additional 24 months, unless OPM issues a notice to end or further extend this period. This means that individuals not currently enrolled in FLTCIP cannot apply for coverage, and current enrollees are unable to increase their existing coverage during this suspension.
This decision to extend the FLTCIP suspension is attributed to ongoing instability within the long term care market. Volatile long term care costs and a shrinking insurance market have made it challenging for OPM to offer benefit options with premium rates that accurately and fairly reflect the actual cost of providing these benefits. This requirement for rate reasonableness and equity is mandated under 5 U.S.C. 9003(b)(2).
The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program is designed to assist with the financial burden of long term care services. It provides insurance coverage to help pay for care when enrollees require assistance with everyday activities or are diagnosed with severe cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s disease.
When the FLTCIP program is active and not under suspension, the majority of Federal and U.S. Postal Service employees and annuitants, active and retired members of the uniformed services, and their eligible family members can apply for coverage.
Generally, eligibility to apply for FLTCIP when the program is open requires most employees to be eligible for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, regardless of actual FEHB enrollment. Annuitants do not have to meet FEHB eligibility or enrollment criteria. It is important to note that certain pre-existing medical conditions may prevent approval for FLTCIP coverage. Application is necessary to determine individual eligibility for enrollment when the program resumes normal operations.
For comprehensive details regarding the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program, individuals are encouraged to contact Long Term Care Partners directly at 1-800-582-3337 or visit the official website.
For those navigating the complexities of aging and caregiving, the LTCFEDS Care Navigator offers a valuable resource library. This tool is specifically designed to support both caregivers and individuals requiring care as they navigate the various stages of aging, from maintaining independence to needing long-term care solutions. It assists in understanding the necessary levels of support and available options during these transitions.
