Federal Employees elect to enroll in FEGLI Options A, B, & C when first eligible, but adding it later can get tricky- Open Seasons, Physicals, & FEGLI Qualifying Life Events
Upon entering federal employment, eligible individuals are automatically signed up for Basic Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) coverage. They have the option to decline the basic plan or to add any combination of FEGLI Options A, B, and C. Additional enrollment opportunities are available for employees who:
For federal employees outside these categories, altering FEGLI coverage can be complex. While canceling coverage is straightforward, requiring only the submission of form SF-2817, adding coverage later involves one of three paths: participating in a FEGLI Open Season, passing a physical exam for coverage eligibility, or applying within 60 days following a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). Note that unlike FEHB open seasons, such events for FEGLI are rare, unpredictable, and last typically just one month. The last such event was back in 2016 when the window reopened for FEGLI enrollment during the month of September that year. The previous open season before that? 2004. For the other routes to add FEGLI insurance, both proof of a QLE and the physician’s approval are needed within 60 days of the physical exam or event.
QLEs that permit federal employees to add to their FEGLI coverage outside of Open Season or without a medical exam include:
Note that retirement does not constitute a QLE, and it’s often during pre-retirement planning that employees analyze their FEGLI choices. For guidance on FEGLI decisions or general help with their federal retirement plan, feds can consult with Serving Those Who Serve’s specialists in federal benefits.
The information has been obtained from sources considered reliable but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Serving Those Who Serve writers and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy suggested. Every investor’s situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon before making any investment or financial decision. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of RJFS, we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. **
The FedLife Podcast is your in-depth, biweekly deep dive into the world of federal benefits and retirement planning. Hosted by federal benefits expert Ed Zurndorfer and Dan Sipe of Serving Those Who Serve, each 30-minute episode unpacks the complexities of FERS and CSRS retirement, FEHB and Medicare, survivor benefits, tax planning, and more. Designed for federal employees and retirees who want more than just the basics, FedLife goes beyond the headlines to explore the rules, nuances, and strategies that can make a meaningful difference in your retirement. Remember: it’s your Fed life, make it a great one.
The Fed15 Podcast is your weekly 15(ish)-minute briefing on federal benefits and financial planning, built specifically for federal employees and retirees. Hosted by Dan Sipe and Katelyn Murray of Serving Those Who Serve, each episode delivers clear, actionable guidance on topics like FERS and CSRS retirement, TSP strategies, FEHB, survivor benefits, tax planning, and more! Whether you’re five years from retirement or already there, The Fed15 helps you cut through the noise, avoid costly mistakes, and make confident decisions about your federal benefits.
