What to Expect with OPM Health Insurance in 2023: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you curious about what changes are coming to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) in 2023? The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recently announced new regulations and policies that will affect the health insurance options available to federal employees and their families. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what’s on the horizon for OPM health insurance in 2023.
Background on FEHB
FEHB is a federally administered health insurance program that provides coverage to over eight million federal employees and retirees, as well as their dependents. The program offers a variety of health plan options from both private insurance companies and government agencies, allowing participants to choose the plan that best suits their needs.
New Regulations and Policies
Starting in 2023, OPM will be implementing new regulations and policies that will impact FEHB. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of the Self Plus One enrollment option. This new option will allow federal employees and retirees to enroll themselves plus one eligible family member in their health plan, rather than being required to enroll in a family plan that covers three or more people. This change will provide more flexibility and cost-saving options for participants who don’t need to cover their entire family.
Another change coming in 2023 is the introduction of new coverage requirements for telehealth services. OPM will require FEHB carriers to provide coverage for telehealth services in the same way that they provide coverage for in-person visits, including mental health services. This change will make it easier for participants to access care from the comfort of their own homes and could improve health outcomes for those who might otherwise struggle to access care.
How These Changes Will Impact Participants
The introduction of the Self Plus One enrollment option will give participants more flexibility when choosing a health plan that meets their needs. Participants will be able to save money by only having to enroll themselves and one eligible family member, rather than being required to enroll in a larger family plan.
The coverage requirements for telehealth services will make it easier for participants to access care, especially for those who live in rural areas or have mobility issues. This change could lead to improved health outcomes for those who might have otherwise struggled to access care.
Conclusion
In summary, OPM is implementing new regulations and policies that will impact FEHB in 2023. The Self Plus One enrollment option will provide more flexibility and cost-saving options for participants, while the coverage requirements for telehealth services will make it easier for participants to access care from the comfort of their own homes. These changes will benefit federal employees and retirees and their families by improving their ability to access affordable, high-quality health care.
