For over six decades, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP) has stood as a pillar of quality healthcare coverage. Established in 1960, alongside the inception of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, FEP has dedicated itself to serving the health insurance needs of the federal workforce. Today, this commitment extends to over 5.5 million federal employees, retirees, and their families, both within the United States and across international borders.
Members consistently choose Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal health care programs because of the comprehensive benefits and extensive coverage offered. A key advantage is access to the Preferred provider network, which boasts a larger network of doctors, hospitals, and specialists compared to any competitor. This vast network ensures members have access to the care they need, when and where they need it.
At the heart of Blue Cross Blue Shield federal health care programs is a member-first philosophy. Every aspect of the program is designed with the health and well-being of its members in mind. From valuable incentive programs that reward healthy choices to innovative digital tools and resources that bring healthcare management to members’ fingertips, FEP strives to be a true partner in health. This dedication is reflected in the program’s status as the leading health insurance choice for federal employees, with an impressive 99% member retention rate year after year.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s Role in Federal Health Care Programs
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) plays a crucial, yet often unseen, role in the Federal Employee Program. As the national trade association for independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies, BCBSA acts as a central negotiator with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) annually. This negotiation process is vital for determining the benefit structures and premium rates for the Service Benefit Plan, ensuring that the program remains competitive and beneficial for its members.
While BCBSA handles these high-level negotiations, the direct member interaction and service delivery are managed by 33 local Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. These local entities serve as the primary point of contact for members of the Service Benefit Plan. They are responsible for the essential day-to-day operations, including processing claims efficiently and providing personalized customer service to address member inquiries and needs. This localized approach ensures that members receive responsive and knowledgeable support.
Accreditation and Valued Partnerships within Federal Health Programs
To maintain the highest standards of operation and member care, OPM mandates that all FEHB plans undergo rigorous accreditation processes. Blue Cross Blue Shield federal health care programs proudly meet and exceed these requirements. The local BCBS companies and the vendors who support the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan hold accreditations from esteemed organizations such as the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and URAC. These accreditations serve as independent validation that the program’s operations adhere to nationally recognized quality benchmarks. For those interested in further details regarding specific BCBS company accreditations, resources are available at the NCQA and URAC websites.
Beyond accreditation, Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program actively supports organizations that further benefit the federal employee community. FEP is a proud supporter of the Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA), an organization dedicated to providing scholarships and emergency financial assistance to federal employees and their families. Additionally, FEP collaborates with the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), an organization advocating for the rights and benefits of federal employees and retirees. These partnerships underscore FEP’s broader commitment to the well-being of the federal community it serves.
