Federal Blue Cross: Public Insurance For All?

is federal lue cross public insurance

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP) is a health insurance program for federal and postal service employees, retirees, and their families. The program has been a part of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program since its inception in 1960 and currently covers approximately 5.7 million federal employees. FEP offers comprehensive health coverage, including access to over 2 million doctors and hospitals, over 55,000 retail pharmacies, and overseas coverage for those working or travelling outside the US. Members can also take advantage of telehealth services for minor injuries, mental health support, and more. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association negotiates annually with the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to determine the benefits and premiums for the Service Benefit Plan.

Characteristics Values
Name of Insurance Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program® (FEP)
Who may enroll All Federal employees, Tribal employees, and annuitants eligible to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program
Enrollment codes 104 Standard Option - Self Only
106 Standard Option - Self Plus One
105 Standard Option - Self and Family
111 Basic Option - Self Only
113 Basic Option - Self Plus One
112 Basic Option - Self and Family
Coverage Annual physicals, immunizations, screenings, prescription drugs, mental health support, dermatology care, etc.
Network Over 2 million doctors and hospitals in the U.S.
Pharmacies Over 55,000 retail pharmacies in the U.S.
Overseas Coverage Available
Telehealth Services Teladoc Health®

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The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program provides health insurance to federal employees, retirees and their families

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP) provides health insurance to federal employees, retirees, and their families. It has been a part of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program since its inception in 1960 and covers roughly 5.7 million federal employees, making up more than two-thirds of the total FEHB recipients. The FEP is committed to providing quality healthcare coverage to its members, including annual physicals, immunizations, screenings, and access to over 2 million doctors and hospitals, as well as over 55,000 retail pharmacies in the US.

The program also offers overseas coverage for those working or travelling outside the US and easy access to mental health specialists and support, including 24/7 support through Teladoc Health®. FEP members can also take advantage of telehealth services for minor injuries, illnesses, mental health support, dermatology care, and more, without the need for a referral.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, a national federation of independent and locally operated companies, negotiates annually with the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to determine the benefits and premiums for the Service Benefit Plan. The local Blue Cross Blue Shield companies are the primary points of contact for Service Benefit Plan members and are responsible for processing claims and providing customer service.

The FEP is also conditionally approved to participate in the Postal Service Health Benefits Program, offering health insurance to United States Postal Service employees, retirees, and eligible family members. This approval is expected to provide comprehensive health coverage and a centralized system for eligible enrollees, at an affordable price.

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The program is committed to providing quality health care, including mental health resources and support

Blue Cross and Blue Shield's Federal Employee Program (FEP) is an insurance program that has been providing quality health care coverage to federal employees, retirees, and their families since 1960. The program is committed to providing quality health care, including mental health resources and support.

FEP recognizes that mental health is an important part of overall health, and offers a range of resources and services to support the mental well-being of its members. These include access to licensed mental health specialists and substance use disorder providers through telehealth services provided by Teladoc Health®. Members can connect with these specialists online, by phone, or through a mobile app, without the need for a referral.

The program also offers online mental health programs and resources that are grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy. These include self-guided programs and educational materials to help with stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, substance use, and more. On-demand and monthly webinars led by psychologists and other mental health experts are also available, along with unlimited program coaching via text, call, or email.

In addition to virtual care, FEP members can also access in-network mental health providers, including therapists and psychiatrists, who are currently accepting new patients. The program's website provides tools to help members find a primary care provider or a doctor near them.

FEP is committed to helping members find the right mental health support and ensuring that their privacy is protected throughout their journey to accessing care.

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It covers over 5.7 million federal employees, with over 2 million doctors and hospitals in its network

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP) is a trusted choice for federal employees, retirees, and their families, offering some of the best healthcare benefits available. The program has been providing quality healthcare coverage since 1960 and currently covers over 5.7 million federal employees, with over 2 million doctors and hospitals in its network, as well as over 55,000 retail pharmacies.

FEP is committed to making healthcare insurance accessible, affordable, and attainable for all its members, with 99% of members staying with the program year after year. The program also offers overseas coverage for federal employees and their families when working or travelling outside the U.S.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan, also known as FEP, is part of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. All federal employees, tribal employees, and annuitants who are eligible to enrol in the FEHB Program can enrol in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan.

The Office of Personnel Management has conditionally approved the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program to participate in the Postal Service Health Benefits Program. This approval allows the program to offer health insurance to United States Postal Service employees, retirees, and eligible family members. FEP works with Medicare, and members can register for a Medicare Reimbursement Account.

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The program includes the Basic and Standard options under the Federal Employees Health Benefits law

The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program is an extensive health insurance program that covers over 8 million federal employees, retirees, former employees, family members, and former spouses. It was established in 1959 and became effective in 1960, making it the largest employer-sponsored group health insurance program in the world.

Under the FEHB Program, federal employees are entitled to enroll themselves and cover eligible family members in a health plan. There are three types of enrollment: Self Only, Self Plus One, and Self and Family. The Self Plus One enrollment covers the employee and one designated family member, while the Self and Family option covers the employee, their spouse, and children under 26.

The FEHB Program offers a wide range of choices, with over 200 health plan options available. Each health plan carrier charges a different premium, with the government contributing up to 75% of the cost of health benefits coverage. The program includes the Basic and Standard options, ensuring that federal employees have access to essential health care coverage.

The Basic option typically covers essential health care services, such as preventive care, hospitalization, emergency care, and prescription drug coverage. It may also include some additional benefits like mental health services and limited dental and vision care. The Standard option usually provides more comprehensive coverage, including a broader range of services and higher levels of reimbursement for certain benefits.

These options allow federal employees to choose the level of coverage that best suits their needs and budgets. The FEHB Program is committed to providing quality health care coverage, with a vast network of doctors, hospitals, and retail pharmacies. This includes overseas coverage for federal employees working or travelling outside the U.S., ensuring comprehensive protection.

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The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a federation of independent, community-based and locally operated companies

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a national federation of independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross Blue Shield companies. The association collectively provides healthcare coverage for one in three Americans. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan, also known as the Federal Employee Program (FEP), has been a part of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program since 1960. The FEP covers approximately 5.7 million federal employees, retirees, and their families. This accounts for over 8.5 million people who receive their benefits through the FEHB Program.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association negotiates annually with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to determine the benefits and premiums for the Service Benefit Plan. The local Blue Cross Blue Shield companies are the primary points of contact for Service Benefit Plan members and are responsible for processing claims and providing customer service. The FEP provides federal employees, retirees, and their families with some of the best healthcare benefits possible. The network includes over 2 million doctors and hospitals, as well as over 55,000 retail pharmacies. The FEP also offers overseas coverage for those working or travelling outside the U.S.

The FEP prioritises mental health support, with members having access to a variety of mental health specialists and 24/7 support through Teladoc Health®. Additionally, the FEP covers annual physicals, immunizations, and screenings when members visit a Preferred provider. Through telehealth services, members can receive treatment for minor injuries, illnesses, and dermatology care by phone or video without needing a referral to see a specialist.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program is committed to boosting access to mental health resources and support nationwide. The program aims to make healthcare insurance easy, affordable, and attainable for all.

Frequently asked questions

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP) is a health insurance program for federal and postal service employees, retirees, and their families.

The program is sponsored and administered by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and participating Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan is also known as the Federal Employee Program (FEP) and has been part of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program since 1960.

All federal employees, tribal employees, and annuitants who are eligible to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.

The FEP network includes over 2 million doctors and hospitals, over 55,000 retail pharmacies, and provides coverage for working or travelling outside the U.S.

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