BENEFITS INFORMATION FOR BENEFITS INFORMATION FOR NEW HIRE ORIENTATIONNEW HIRE ORIENTATION

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

(NOAA)(NOAA)

March 2014

AGENDAAGENDA

Retirement CoverageRetirement Coverage Deposit/Redeposit/MilitaryDeposit/Redeposit/Military Health Insurance (FEHB)Health Insurance (FEHB) Life Insurance (FEGLI)Life Insurance (FEGLI) Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Long Term Care (LTC)Long Term Care (LTC) Dental and Vision Insurance (FEDVIP)Dental and Vision Insurance (FEDVIP) Designation of BeneficiaryDesignation of Beneficiary Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)

Federal Employee’s Federal Employee’s Retirement System Retirement System

(FERS)(FERS) Employees hired in a covered position between Employees hired in a covered position between

1/1/84 and 12/31/12 are covered under FERS. 1/1/84 and 12/31/12 are covered under FERS. Some CSRS employees chose to switch to FERS Some CSRS employees chose to switch to FERS during FERS open season or after a break in during FERS open season or after a break in service of more than three (3) days.service of more than three (3) days.

Three Tiered SystemThree Tiered System– Basic Annuity (0.8% basic pay)Basic Annuity (0.8% basic pay)– Social Security (6.2% basic pay)Social Security (6.2% basic pay)– Thrift Savings PlanThrift Savings Plan

The OPM Publication FERS (An Overview of your The OPM Publication FERS (An Overview of your Benefits) highlights the main features of FERS. Benefits) highlights the main features of FERS. You may download this publication atYou may download this publication at www.opm.gov/forms/pdfimage/RI90-1.pdfwww.opm.gov/forms/pdfimage/RI90-1.pdf

Federal Employee’s Retirement Federal Employee’s Retirement System – Revised Annuity System – Revised Annuity

Employees (FERS-RAE)Employees (FERS-RAE) From 1/1/13 to 12/31/13, all newly hired employees From 1/1/13 to 12/31/13, all newly hired employees

in a covered position and rehired employees with a in a covered position and rehired employees with a break in service of more than three (3) days and break in service of more than three (3) days and with less than 5 years of FERS creditable service with less than 5 years of FERS creditable service as of 12/31/12 are covered under FERS-RAE.as of 12/31/12 are covered under FERS-RAE.

Three Tiered SystemThree Tiered System– Basic Annuity (3.1% basic pay)Basic Annuity (3.1% basic pay)– Social Security (6.2% basic pay)Social Security (6.2% basic pay)– Thrift Savings PlanThrift Savings Plan

OPM Benefits Administration Letter, 12-104, OPM Benefits Administration Letter, 12-104, provides more information on FERS-RAE and can provides more information on FERS-RAE and can be downloaded at:be downloaded at: www.opm.gov/retire/pubs/bals/2012/12-104.pdfwww.opm.gov/retire/pubs/bals/2012/12-104.pdf

Federal Employee’s Retirement Federal Employee’s Retirement System – Further Revised Annuity System – Further Revised Annuity

EmployeesEmployees(FERS-FRAE)(FERS-FRAE)

As of 1/1/14, all newly hired employees in a As of 1/1/14, all newly hired employees in a covered position and rehired employees with a covered position and rehired employees with a break in service of more than three (3) days and break in service of more than three (3) days and with less than 5 years of FERS creditable service with less than 5 years of FERS creditable service as of 12/31/13 are covered under FERS-FRAE.as of 12/31/13 are covered under FERS-FRAE.

Three Tiered SystemThree Tiered System– Basic Annuity (4.4% basic pay)Basic Annuity (4.4% basic pay)– Social Security (6.2% basic pay)Social Security (6.2% basic pay)– Thrift Savings PlanThrift Savings Plan

OPM Benefits Administration Letter, 14-102, OPM Benefits Administration Letter, 14-102, provides interim information on FERS-FRAE.provides interim information on FERS-FRAE.

CSRS and CSRS OffsetCSRS and CSRS Offset Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS)Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) Most Federal employees hired prior to Most Federal employees hired prior to

01/01/84 are covered by CSRS. 01/01/84 are covered by CSRS. – Basic Annuity (7% basic pay)Basic Annuity (7% basic pay)

CSRS OffsetCSRS Offset Employees that are rehired after Employees that are rehired after

12/31/83 with at least 5 years civil 12/31/83 with at least 5 years civil service and who have more than a one service and who have more than a one year break in service by 12/31/86 are year break in service by 12/31/86 are covered by CSRS-Offset. covered by CSRS-Offset. – Basic Annuity (0.8% basic pay)Basic Annuity (0.8% basic pay)– Social Security (6.2% basic pay)Social Security (6.2% basic pay)

Retirement Deduction Retirement Deduction ContributionsContributions

CSRSCSRS – Employee and Employee and

GovernmentGovernment7.0% CSRS7.0% CSRS

CSRS OffsetCSRS Offset– Employee and Employee and

GovernmentGovernment0.8% CSRS0.8% CSRS6.2% Social Security6.2% Social Security

Medicare Part A Medicare Part A – Employee and Employee and

GovernmentGovernment1.45%1.45%

Retirement Deduction Retirement Deduction ContributionsContributions FERSFERS

– Employee Employee 0.8% FERS0.8% FERS 6.2% Social Security6.2% Social Security

FERS – RAEFERS – RAE– EmployeeEmployee

3.1% FERS – RAE3.1% FERS – RAE 6.2% Social Security6.2% Social Security

FERS – FRAEFERS – FRAE– EmployeeEmployee

4.4% FERS - FRAE4.4% FERS - FRAE 6.2% Social Security6.2% Social Security

– GovernmentGovernment 11.9% FERS 11.9% FERS 9.6% FERS – RAE9.6% FERS – RAE 9.6% FERS - FRAE9.6% FERS - FRAE 6.2% Social Security6.2% Social Security

Medicare Part A Medicare Part A – Employee and GovernmentEmployee and Government

1.45%1.45%

Prior ServicePrior Service Contact your servicing Human Resources Contact your servicing Human Resources

Team if you have prior Federal Service. Team if you have prior Federal Service. www.wfm.noaa.gov/contact_lists.htmlwww.wfm.noaa.gov/contact_lists.html

This service must be requested from the This service must be requested from the National Personnel Records Center or the National Personnel Records Center or the last Federal Agency. It may take some last Federal Agency. It may take some time to receive these records.time to receive these records.

This service is potentially creditable for This service is potentially creditable for retirement and leave purposes.retirement and leave purposes.

This service also determines your This service also determines your retirement system placement.retirement system placement.

Definition of Definition of Deposit ServiceDeposit Service

Deposit service is a federal appointment Deposit service is a federal appointment (i.e., Temporary Appt), where retirement (i.e., Temporary Appt), where retirement contributions were not withheld. Usually contributions were not withheld. Usually employees only pay Social Security taxes employees only pay Social Security taxes while serving in these appointments.while serving in these appointments.– A deposit is based on the sum of money A deposit is based on the sum of money

you would have contributed to the you would have contributed to the retirement system if the appointment retirement system if the appointment was permanent was permanent PLUSPLUS interest. interest.

Definition of Definition of Redeposit ServiceRedeposit Service

Redeposit service is when an employee Redeposit service is when an employee separates from the Federal Government separates from the Federal Government and withdraws the retirement and withdraws the retirement contributions they’ve contributed to the contributions they’ve contributed to the Retirement Fund.Retirement Fund.– A redeposit is the amount of money A redeposit is the amount of money

withdrawn from the retirement fund withdrawn from the retirement fund PLUSPLUS interest. interest.

FERS Deposit/Redeposit FERS Deposit/Redeposit ServiceService

DepositDeposit– Service performed before 01/01/89 does not Service performed before 01/01/89 does not

count for determining eligibility to retire or in count for determining eligibility to retire or in the computation of your annuity unless a the computation of your annuity unless a deposit is paid.deposit is paid.

– Service performed after 12/31/88 is not Service performed after 12/31/88 is not creditable towards retirement.creditable towards retirement.

RedepositRedeposit– FERS employees employed on or after 10/28/09 FERS employees employed on or after 10/28/09

may make a redeposit for previously refunded may make a redeposit for previously refunded service.service.

– The refunded service is creditable for The refunded service is creditable for retirement eligibility but not in the computation retirement eligibility but not in the computation of your annuity, if the redeposit is not paid.of your annuity, if the redeposit is not paid.

CSRS Deposit/Redeposit CSRS Deposit/Redeposit ServiceService

DepositDeposit– Service performed before 10/1/82 is creditable Service performed before 10/1/82 is creditable

for eligibility to retire and in the computation for eligibility to retire and in the computation of your annuity, if a deposit is not paid, of your annuity, if a deposit is not paid, however, the annuity will be reduced.however, the annuity will be reduced.

– Service performed after 09/30/82 is only used Service performed after 09/30/82 is only used for eligibility to retire if a deposit is not paid.for eligibility to retire if a deposit is not paid.

RedepositRedeposit– Service performed before 03/01/91 is creditable Service performed before 03/01/91 is creditable

for eligibility to retire and in the computation for eligibility to retire and in the computation of your annuity, if a redeposit isn’t paid, of your annuity, if a redeposit isn’t paid, however, the annuity will be reduced.however, the annuity will be reduced.

– Service performed after 02/28/91 is only used Service performed after 02/28/91 is only used for eligibility to retire if a redeposit is not for eligibility to retire if a redeposit is not paid.paid.

Paying Deposits and Paying Deposits and RedepositsRedeposits

FERSFERS– Complete the Application to Make a Complete the Application to Make a

Service Credit Payment (SF-3108) formService Credit Payment (SF-3108) form CSRSCSRS

– Complete the Application to Make Deposit Complete the Application to Make Deposit or Redeposit (SF-2803) formor Redeposit (SF-2803) form

Submit the completed form to your Benefits Submit the completed form to your Benefits and Retirement Specialist for certification and Retirement Specialist for certification and submission to the Office of Personnel and submission to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)Management (OPM)– OPM will send you a bill with instructions OPM will send you a bill with instructions

on where to submit the payment as well as on where to submit the payment as well as the payment options available to you.the payment options available to you.

– http://www.opm.gov/formshttp://www.opm.gov/forms

Post-1956 Military Post-1956 Military DepositDeposit

A military deposit is a sum of money paid into the A military deposit is a sum of money paid into the civil service retirement system to receive credit at civil service retirement system to receive credit at retirement for military service performed after retirement for military service performed after 12/31/56.12/31/56.

The deposit is based on the earnings you received The deposit is based on the earnings you received while serving in the military plus interest. while serving in the military plus interest. – 7% of the military earnings for CSRS employees7% of the military earnings for CSRS employees– 3% of the military earnings for FERS employees3% of the military earnings for FERS employees

Interest begins to accrue 2 years after the date Interest begins to accrue 2 years after the date first hired in a position subject to retirement first hired in a position subject to retirement contributions.contributions.

Interest is computed at a variable interest rate Interest is computed at a variable interest rate annually.annually.

Post-1956 Military Post-1956 Military Deposit ContinuedDeposit Continued

FERS employees receive no Credit unless a FERS employees receive no Credit unless a Deposit is PaidDeposit is Paid

CSRS - First Hired before 10/01/1982CSRS - First Hired before 10/01/1982– May receive credit if eligible for social May receive credit if eligible for social

security at age 62 or, later if retiring after security at age 62 or, later if retiring after 62, and a deposit is paid.62, and a deposit is paid.

– A deposit is not required if at age 62 or later A deposit is not required if at age 62 or later you are not entitled to social security.you are not entitled to social security.

CSRS - First Hired On or After 10/01/1982 CSRS - First Hired On or After 10/01/1982 – Receives no credit unless a deposit is paid.Receives no credit unless a deposit is paid. Additional information can be found on our Additional information can be found on our

website website www.wfm.noaa.gov/pdfs/MilitaryDepositInfo.www.wfm.noaa.gov/pdfs/MilitaryDepositInfo.pdfpdf

How to make aHow to make aPost-1956 Military Post-1956 Military

DepositDeposit• You must first request your Estimated You must first request your Estimated

Earnings from your branch of the military Earnings from your branch of the military using the Estimated Earnings during using the Estimated Earnings during Military Service form and attach your DD-Military Service form and attach your DD-214(s)214(s)

• Once the Estimated Earnings are received, Once the Estimated Earnings are received, submit it to your Benefits and Retirement submit it to your Benefits and Retirement Specialist who will compute the deposit Specialist who will compute the deposit amount.amount.

• The link below provides step by step The link below provides step by step procedures, all forms that are required to procedures, all forms that are required to make your deposit and contact information make your deposit and contact information for the Benefits and Retirement Team.for the Benefits and Retirement Team.www.wfm.noaa.gov/pdfs/www.wfm.noaa.gov/pdfs/HowToMilitaryDeposit.pdfHowToMilitaryDeposit.pdf

Federal Employees Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)Health Benefits (FEHB)

You must make an election within 60 days of You must make an election within 60 days of your entrance on duty (EOD) date to be covered.your entrance on duty (EOD) date to be covered.

You must complete a Health Benefits Election You must complete a Health Benefits Election Form (SF-2809) to enroll in a Self Only or Self Form (SF-2809) to enroll in a Self Only or Self and Family plan.and Family plan.

Health insurance elections are effective at the Health insurance elections are effective at the beginning of the pay period after your HR beginning of the pay period after your HR Assistant receives your SF-2809.Assistant receives your SF-2809.

You can make changes to your health insurance You can make changes to your health insurance coverage during the annual benefits open coverage during the annual benefits open season or usually within 60 days of experiencing season or usually within 60 days of experiencing a qualifying life event.a qualifying life event.

Plan brochures & additional information is Plan brochures & additional information is available from the OPM website available from the OPM website www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance.www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance.

Examples of Qualifying Examples of Qualifying Life EventsLife Events

MarriageMarriage DivorceDivorce Birth/Adoption of a ChildBirth/Adoption of a Child Change in employment statusChange in employment status Transfer from a post of duty within US to Transfer from a post of duty within US to

outside of USoutside of US Employee or eligible family member loses Employee or eligible family member loses

coverage under FEHB or another group coverage under FEHB or another group insurance planinsurance plan

Death of a Spouse or DependentDeath of a Spouse or Dependent

Federal Employees Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Group Life Insurance

(FEGLI)(FEGLI) You are automatically enrolled in Basic life You are automatically enrolled in Basic life

insurance, which is effective on the first insurance, which is effective on the first day you enter in a pay and duty status day you enter in a pay and duty status UNLESS you waive this coverage before the UNLESS you waive this coverage before the end of your first pay period.end of your first pay period.

You have 60 days from your EOD date to You have 60 days from your EOD date to sign up for any Optional life insurance. If sign up for any Optional life insurance. If you do not make an election, you are you do not make an election, you are considered to have waived optional considered to have waived optional insurance.insurance.

You must complete the Life Insurance You must complete the Life Insurance Election form even if you are only keeping Election form even if you are only keeping the automatic Basic Only coverage.the automatic Basic Only coverage.

The Federal Employees' Group Life The Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI) offers: Insurance Program (FEGLI) offers:

FEGLI ContinuedFEGLI Continued Basic Life Insurance — equal to your annual Basic Life Insurance — equal to your annual

basic pay, rounded to the next higher $1,000 basic pay, rounded to the next higher $1,000 plus $2,000.plus $2,000.

Plus three types of optional insurance:Plus three types of optional insurance:– Option A, Standard — an additional $10,000Option A, Standard — an additional $10,000– Option B, Additional — up to five times your Option B, Additional — up to five times your

annual basic pay (after rounding up to the annual basic pay (after rounding up to the next $1,000).next $1,000).

– Option C, Family —coverage for your spouse Option C, Family —coverage for your spouse and eligible dependent children in the and eligible dependent children in the amount of up to 5 multiples. Each multiple amount of up to 5 multiples. Each multiple is worth $5,000 for a spouse and $2,500 for is worth $5,000 for a spouse and $2,500 for each child.each child.

Thrift Savings Plan Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)(TSP)

The TSP is a The TSP is a retirement savings and investment retirement savings and investment plan for Federal employees, offering the same plan for Federal employees, offering the same type of savings and tax benefits offered under type of savings and tax benefits offered under 401(k) plans.401(k) plans.    

New hires will have 3% automatically deducted New hires will have 3% automatically deducted from their basic pay.from their basic pay.

New hires have 90 days to apply for a refund of New hires have 90 days to apply for a refund of the 3% automatic deductions.the 3% automatic deductions.– Refunded by TSP using the TSP-25 form, Refunded by TSP using the TSP-25 form,

included in your TSP Welcome letter. When TSP included in your TSP Welcome letter. When TSP receives your first contribution, you will receive receives your first contribution, you will receive a letter that includes the date your refund a letter that includes the date your refund request must be received as well as other request must be received as well as other details related to your refund.details related to your refund.

You must submit the TSP-1 form to stop, decrease You must submit the TSP-1 form to stop, decrease or increase the automatic 3% contribution.or increase the automatic 3% contribution.

TSP ContinuedTSP Continued

The contributions that are made to your The contributions that are made to your TSP account are separate from the TSP account are separate from the contributions to your FERS or CSRS Basic contributions to your FERS or CSRS Basic Annuity.Annuity.

You may make changes to your TSP You may make changes to your TSP contributions at any time.contributions at any time.

You can contribute up to the Elective You can contribute up to the Elective Deferral Limit set by the IRS each year.Deferral Limit set by the IRS each year.– 2014 Elective Deferral - $17,5002014 Elective Deferral - $17,500

Catch-up contributions (CUC) for Catch-up contributions (CUC) for participants age 50 or older participants age 50 or older – 2014 CUC Amount - $5,5002014 CUC Amount - $5,500– No agency matchingNo agency matching

TSP ContinuedTSP Continued You may elect to contribute any dollar You may elect to contribute any dollar

amount or percentage of your basic pay each amount or percentage of your basic pay each pay period. However, your pay period. However, your annual contributions cannot exceed the annual contributions cannot exceed the elective deferral limit. elective deferral limit.

FERS employees receive agency FERS employees receive agency contributions immediately.contributions immediately. – Agency Automatic 1% ContributionAgency Automatic 1% Contribution– Matching ContributionsMatching Contributions

$-for-$ for the 1st-3rd%$-for-$ for the 1st-3rd% 50% for the 4th-5th%50% for the 4th-5th%

Vested in Agency Contributions — generally Vested in Agency Contributions — generally after 3 years of civilian service. after 3 years of civilian service.

TSP FeaturesTSP Features A choice of investment funds:A choice of investment funds:

–   –   Government Securities InvestmentGovernment Securities Investment (G) Fund (G) Fund –   –   Fixed Income Index InvestmentFixed Income Index Investment (F) Fund (F) Fund

–   –   Common Stock Index InvestmentCommon Stock Index Investment (C) Fund (C) Fund –   –   Small Capitalization Stock Index InvestmentSmall Capitalization Stock Index Investment (S) Fund (S) Fund –   –   International Stock Index Investment (I) International Stock Index Investment (I) Fund;Fund;

OROR

–   –   5 Lifecycle (L) Funds - L Income, 2020, 2030, 5 Lifecycle (L) Funds - L Income, 2020, 2030, 2040 & 20502040 & 2050

TSP OffersTSP Offers Immediate employee contributionsImmediate employee contributions Low administrative and investment expensesLow administrative and investment expenses Transfers or rollovers of eligible distributions into the Transfers or rollovers of eligible distributions into the

TSPTSP Ability to make contribution allocations daily Ability to make contribution allocations daily Ability to make interfund transfers twice a monthAbility to make interfund transfers twice a month Loans from your own contributionsLoans from your own contributions In-service withdrawals for financial hardship or after In-service withdrawals for financial hardship or after

you reach age 59½you reach age 59½ Ability to designate beneficiaries for your account Ability to designate beneficiaries for your account

balance balance Protection of Protection of spouses' rightsspouses' rights for loans and withdrawals for loans and withdrawals

and recognition of qualifying court ordersand recognition of qualifying court orders The ThriftLine, 1-877-968-3778 and website The ThriftLine, 1-877-968-3778 and website

www.tsp.gov can be used to obtain automated account www.tsp.gov can be used to obtain automated account info, fund performance info and to perform certain info, fund performance info and to perform certain transactions.transactions.

Flexible Spending Flexible Spending AccountsAccounts

(FSA)(FSA) The FSA Program allows you to pay for certain health The FSA Program allows you to pay for certain health

and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars. and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars. You have 60 days from your EOD date to sign-up for You have 60 days from your EOD date to sign-up for

FSA, or until October 1, whichever comes first.FSA, or until October 1, whichever comes first. Applications for the current calendar year are not Applications for the current calendar year are not

accepted from October 1 through December 31. If you accepted from October 1 through December 31. If you wish to enroll after October 1 you will need to do so wish to enroll after October 1 you will need to do so during open season for the following plan year.during open season for the following plan year.

If you're newly employed in a position that conveys If you're newly employed in a position that conveys eligibility for FEHB coverage, you can apply for FSA, eligibility for FEHB coverage, you can apply for FSA, even if you don't enroll in the FEHB Program.even if you don't enroll in the FEHB Program.

FSA ContinuedFSA Continued

Two FSAs are being offered to eligible Two FSAs are being offered to eligible employees:employees:– A Health Care FSA (HCFSA) - used to pay for A Health Care FSA (HCFSA) - used to pay for

certain health care expenses that are not certain health care expenses that are not reimbursed by FEHB or any other source. reimbursed by FEHB or any other source. The maximum amount you may set aside is The maximum amount you may set aside is $2,500 and the minimum amount is $250.$2,500 and the minimum amount is $250.

– A Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA) - used to pay A Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA) - used to pay for eligible dependent care expenses. The for eligible dependent care expenses. The maximum amount you may set aside is maximum amount you may set aside is $5,000 ($2,500 if you are married and filing a $5,000 ($2,500 if you are married and filing a separate income tax return) and the separate income tax return) and the minimum amount is $250. There is a family minimum amount is $250. There is a family limit of $5,000 for DCFSA.limit of $5,000 for DCFSA.

FSA ContinuedFSA Continued FSAs are not carried over from one Plan Year to FSAs are not carried over from one Plan Year to

the next. You must make a new election/re-enroll the next. You must make a new election/re-enroll for the upcoming Plan Year during the annual for the upcoming Plan Year during the annual benefits open season.benefits open season.

Claims can be filed for expenses incurred from Claims can be filed for expenses incurred from January 1 through March 15 of the following year.January 1 through March 15 of the following year.

All claims must be filed by April 30.All claims must be filed by April 30. NOTE 1: If you have a Health or Dependent Care NOTE 1: If you have a Health or Dependent Care

FSA you can not claim these expenses on your FSA you can not claim these expenses on your taxes.taxes.

NOTE 2: If you’re transferring from another NOTE 2: If you’re transferring from another agency where you contributed to FSA you agency where you contributed to FSA you MUSTMUST contact them directly to let them know you’ve contact them directly to let them know you’ve changed agencies.changed agencies.

FSA Contact FSA Contact InformationInformation

You must use the website or you can contact You must use the website or you can contact a Benefits Consultant to enroll in the a Benefits Consultant to enroll in the program.program.

FSA Benefits Consultants are available to FSA Benefits Consultants are available to assist you at 1-877-372-3337 with questions assist you at 1-877-372-3337 with questions about the program or your account.about the program or your account.

The web site also offers access to your The web site also offers access to your personal account and claims information as personal account and claims information as well as information about the program.well as information about the program.

www.fsafeds.comwww.fsafeds.com

Long Term Care (LTC) Long Term Care (LTC) InsuranceInsurance

The The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP)(FLTCIP) provides LTC insurance for Federal provides LTC insurance for Federal employees and their eligible family members.employees and their eligible family members.

You (and your spouse) have 60 days from your You (and your spouse) have 60 days from your EOD date to apply for LTC using the abbreviated EOD date to apply for LTC using the abbreviated underwriting application with only a few health-underwriting application with only a few health-related questions.related questions.

If you apply AFTER the 60 day period, you have If you apply AFTER the 60 day period, you have to use the long underwriting application with to use the long underwriting application with numerous health-related questions and possibly numerous health-related questions and possibly a review of medical records and/or an interview a review of medical records and/or an interview with a nurse. with a nurse.

The cost of the insurance is based on your age The cost of the insurance is based on your age when you apply.when you apply.

LTC Insurance LTC Insurance ContinuedContinued

LTC is needed if you can no longer perform everyday LTC is needed if you can no longer perform everyday tasks (eating, dressing, bathing, continence, tasks (eating, dressing, bathing, continence, transferring, and toileting) by yourself due to a transferring, and toileting) by yourself due to a chronic illness, injury, disability or the aging process.chronic illness, injury, disability or the aging process.

If you're newly employed in a position that conveys If you're newly employed in a position that conveys eligibility for FEHB coverage, you can apply for LTC, eligibility for FEHB coverage, you can apply for LTC, even if you don't enroll in the FEHB Program.even if you don't enroll in the FEHB Program.

To enroll or for more information, contact the LTC To enroll or for more information, contact the LTC Partners at 1-800-582-3337 or visit their website, Partners at 1-800-582-3337 or visit their website, www.ltcfeds.comwww.ltcfeds.com

NOTE : If you’re transferring from another agency NOTE : If you’re transferring from another agency where you contributed to LTC you where you contributed to LTC you MUSTMUST contact contact them directly to let them know you’ve changed them directly to let them know you’ve changed agencies.agencies.

Dental and Vision Dental and Vision Insurance Program Insurance Program

(FEDVIP)(FEDVIP) FEDVIP is a supplemental dental and vision FEDVIP is a supplemental dental and vision

program.program. You must enroll within 60 days of your EOD You must enroll within 60 days of your EOD

date.date. You pay the full premium which is withheld on a You pay the full premium which is withheld on a

pre-tax basis from your pay.pre-tax basis from your pay. If you're newly employed in a position that If you're newly employed in a position that

conveys eligibility for FEHB coverage, you can conveys eligibility for FEHB coverage, you can apply for FEDVIP, even if you don't enroll in the apply for FEDVIP, even if you don't enroll in the FEHB Program.FEHB Program.

If you are enrolled in FEHB and FEDVIP your If you are enrolled in FEHB and FEDVIP your FEHB dental and vision benefits are the primary FEHB dental and vision benefits are the primary payer and FEDVIP is the secondary payer.payer and FEDVIP is the secondary payer.

FEDVIP ContinuedFEDVIP Continued You can enroll in a Self Only, Self plus One, or Self You can enroll in a Self Only, Self plus One, or Self

and Family plan.and Family plan. You can select from several national and in some You can select from several national and in some

cases regional dental plans or any of the national cases regional dental plans or any of the national vision plans. Plan rates for dental insurance is vision plans. Plan rates for dental insurance is based on your location. Rates can be found at based on your location. Rates can be found at www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance.www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance.

You must enroll online at You must enroll online at www.BENEFEDS.comwww.BENEFEDS.com or via or via the phone at 1-877-888-3337.the phone at 1-877-888-3337.

If you miss your 60 day enrollment opportunity, you If you miss your 60 day enrollment opportunity, you are allowed to enroll during the annual benefits open are allowed to enroll during the annual benefits open season or usually within 60 days of experiencing a season or usually within 60 days of experiencing a qualifying life event.qualifying life event.

NOTE: If you’re transferring from another agency NOTE: If you’re transferring from another agency where you contributed to FEDVIP you where you contributed to FEDVIP you MUSTMUST contact contact them directly to let them know you’ve changed them directly to let them know you’ve changed agencies.agencies.

Annual Benefits Open Annual Benefits Open SeasonSeason

Every year from the 2Every year from the 2ndnd Monday of November Monday of November through the 2through the 2ndnd Monday of December an Monday of December an Annual Benefits Open Season is held.Annual Benefits Open Season is held.

Employees are allowed to change or enroll Employees are allowed to change or enroll in:in:– FEHB (elections are effective the 1FEHB (elections are effective the 1stst day of day of

the 1the 1stst full pay period in the new year) full pay period in the new year)– FEDVIP (elections are effective the 1FEDVIP (elections are effective the 1stst day day

of the new year)of the new year)– FSA (elections are effective the 1FSA (elections are effective the 1stst day of day of

the new year)the new year)

Part-Time EmployeesPart-Time Employees

Part-Time (PT) permanent employees are Part-Time (PT) permanent employees are entitled to all benefits, however, the cost of entitled to all benefits, however, the cost of the benefits are prorated based on the total the benefits are prorated based on the total number of hours the employee is scheduled number of hours the employee is scheduled to work.to work.

To see how the PT work schedule affects your To see how the PT work schedule affects your benefits and federal employment, see benefits and federal employment, see Benefits for Part Time Permanent Employees Benefits for Part Time Permanent Employees at:at:

www.opm.gov/Employment_and_Benefits/www.opm.gov/Employment_and_Benefits/WorkLife/OfficialDocuments/WorkLife/OfficialDocuments/handbooksguides/PT_Employ_JobSharing/handbooksguides/PT_Employ_JobSharing/pt06.asppt06.asp

Designation of Designation of BeneficiaryBeneficiary

If you die while you are a Federal employee, If you die while you are a Federal employee, payments will be made in a particular order set by payments will be made in a particular order set by law for:law for:– Life Insurance (FEGLI) Life Insurance (FEGLI) – Unpaid Compensation (Salary, Leave, Travel, Unpaid Compensation (Salary, Leave, Travel,

Award, etc)Award, etc)– Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)– Retirement (FERS/CSRS)Retirement (FERS/CSRS)

Standard rules determine who is eligible to receive Standard rules determine who is eligible to receive these payments. If you want these funds to go to these payments. If you want these funds to go to someone other than the set order, you need to file someone other than the set order, you need to file a Designation of Beneficiary. a Designation of Beneficiary. www.opm.gov/insure/life/beneficiary/designate.aspwww.opm.gov/insure/life/beneficiary/designate.asp

Please remember to update your beneficiaries!Please remember to update your beneficiaries!

Order of PrecedenceOrder of Precedence If there isn't a valid designation on file when If there isn't a valid designation on file when

you die, benefits are payable to your:you die, benefits are payable to your:– Widow or widowerWidow or widower– Child or children in equal sharesChild or children in equal shares– Parents in equal shares or the entire Parents in equal shares or the entire

amount to your surviving parentamount to your surviving parent– Executor or administrator of your estateExecutor or administrator of your estate– Next of kin under the laws of the State Next of kin under the laws of the State

where you lived at the time of your death.where you lived at the time of your death. BE SURE to read the specific instructions on BE SURE to read the specific instructions on

each designation form before designating each designation form before designating beneficiaries.beneficiaries.

Leave and Earnings Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)Statement (LES)

Once you have access, you will be able to view Once you have access, you will be able to view your leave and earnings statement at your leave and earnings statement at www.nfc.usda.govwww.nfc.usda.gov..

It is important to verify your benefit elections It is important to verify your benefit elections on your LES.on your LES.– Please notify your Human Resources Please notify your Human Resources

Assistant if you notice any errors or Assistant if you notice any errors or inconsistencies with your benefits elections inconsistencies with your benefits elections and/or deductions. Any errors in deductions and/or deductions. Any errors in deductions may result in a debt to the government for may result in a debt to the government for which you must repay.which you must repay.

TRANSFER EMPLOYEES: Compare your 1TRANSFER EMPLOYEES: Compare your 1stst LES LES from NOAA with your last LES from your from NOAA with your last LES from your previous agency to ensure deductions are previous agency to ensure deductions are correct.correct.

Contact InformationContact Information

If you have specific questions regarding your If you have specific questions regarding your benefits, contact your Benefits and Retirement benefits, contact your Benefits and Retirement Specialist found atSpecialist found at http://www.wfm.noaa.gov/pdfs/Contact_BeneRehttp://www.wfm.noaa.gov/pdfs/Contact_BeneRetire.pdftire.pdf