

While there a bunch of aspects regarding the Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program, that be somewhat complex, the additional coverage known as “option A” is pretty simple to understand, especially when compared to options B and C. FEGLI A adds an amount of $10,000 to a federal employee or retiree’s basic life insurance coverage, and is very similar to basic benefits, too. Both basic and option A insurance includes accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) plans while the employee is actively in service for the federal government. The AD&D coverage mirrors the dollar amount of the life insurance, which is $10,000 in the case of FEGLI A and goes away immediately upon retirement.
The cost for option A life insurance through FEGLI depends on the covered individual’s age. It can be as cheap as $0.43/month for a fed in their early thirties or as expensive as $13.00/month for someone in their sixties. If you maintained coverage with option A in the last five years of federal service before retiring, you can keep FEGLI A at no additional cost. Once it is free, however, the coverage does get gradually reduced until reaching $2500 – similar to the 75% of FEGLI basic that can happen in retirement. Unlike FEGLI basic, the decrease in option A coverage is not optional and cannot be avoided if keeping FEGLI A after retiring.
If you’re starting to think about planning your retirement from the federal government, be sure to chat with one our fed-focused financial advisors to ensure you’ve got all of your ducks in a row! Book your appointment here – https://www.stwserve.com/meet-with-us
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Until Next Time,
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.
