Alyssa Lane
Blue Cross and Blue Shield's Federal Employee Program (FEP) is a health insurance program for federal employees, retirees, and their families. It is the number one health insurance choice for federal employees, covering over 5.5 million people across the US and overseas. The program has been providing health insurance to the federal employee workforce for 60 years and offers benefits such as access to a Preferred provider network with more doctors, hospitals, and specialists than any other network, as well as telehealth services for minor injuries, illnesses, mental health support, and more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Blue Cross and Blue Shield's Federal Employee Program (FEP) |
| Operator | Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) |
| Members | Over 5.5 million federal employees, retirees, and their families |
| Network | Over 2 million doctors and hospitals, 55,000+ retail pharmacies |
| Coverage | Annual physicals, immunizations, screenings, telehealth services, overseas coverage, etc. |
| Accreditation | National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and/or URAC |
| Supported Organizations | Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA), National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA)
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is the trade association for the independent, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. The BCBSA has been providing health insurance to federal employees, retirees, and their families through the Federal Employee Program (FEP) since 1960.
The FEP is committed to providing federal employees with some of the best healthcare benefits possible. The program covers over 5.5 million federal employees, retirees, and their families across the U.S. and overseas. FEP members have access to a Preferred provider network that includes more doctors, hospitals, and specialists than any other network. The network includes over 2 million doctors and hospitals, as well as over 55,000 retail pharmacies. FEP also provides overseas coverage for those working or travelling outside the U.S.
The 33 local Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are the primary points of contact for Service Benefit Plan members. They are responsible for processing claims and providing customer service to members. BCBSA negotiates annually with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to determine the benefits and premiums for the Service Benefit Plan. The local BCBS companies and vendors that support the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan hold accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and/or URAC.
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan, also known as the Federal Employee Program, is part of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. The plan meets the minimum value standard for the benefits it provides and is accredited. All federal employees, Tribal employees, and annuitants who are eligible to enrol in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program can enrol in this plan.
Certificates of Deposit: Are They Federally Insured?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program
The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program offers federal employees, retirees, and their families a wide range of health plans to meet their healthcare needs. The program has been in place since 1960 and currently covers over 5.5 million people across the U.S. and overseas.
FEHB provides access to quality health care coverage, with a network of over 2 million doctors, hospitals, and 55,000 retail pharmacies. It also includes overseas coverage for those working or travelling outside the U.S. Annual physicals, immunizations, and screenings are always covered when visiting a Preferred Provider.
The program offers flexibility in terms of benefits and coverage, with a range of plan options to choose from, including Consumer-Driven and High Deductible plans, Fee-for-Service (FFS) plans, Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO), and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO). FEHB members can also participate in pharmacy-sponsored incentive programs and pharmaceutical company co-pay reimbursement programs.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is a key part of the FEHB program. BCBSA negotiates annually with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to determine the benefits and premiums for the Service Benefit Plan. The 33 local Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are the primary points of contact for Service Benefit Plan members, providing customer service and processing claims. These local BCBS companies hold accreditations from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and/or URAC, ensuring that plan operations meet nationally recognized standards.
The FEHB program is committed to putting the health and well-being of its members first, offering innovative tools and resources, as well as rewarding incentive programs, to support their healthcare journey.
Patelco and Your Money: Federally Insured
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Coverage for retirees
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP) has been providing health insurance to federal employees, retirees, and their families since 1960. FEP covers over 5.5 million federal employees and retirees and their families across the U.S. and overseas.
FEP is committed to providing federal retirees and their families with some of the best health care benefits possible. The program includes over 2 million doctors and hospitals and over 55,000 retail pharmacies. FEP also provides overseas coverage for those working or travelling outside the U.S.
Annual physicals, immunizations, and screenings are always covered when retirees visit a Preferred provider. FEP also offers telehealth services provided by Teladoc Health®, where retirees can receive treatment for minor injuries and illnesses, mental health support, dermatology care, and more by phone or video. No referral is needed to see a specialist.
FEP is the number one health insurance choice for federal employees, with 99% of members choosing to stay with the program year after year. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) negotiates annually with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to determine the benefits and premiums for the Service Benefit Plan. The 33 local Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are the primary points of contact for Service Benefit Plan members and are responsible for processing claims and providing customer service.
In addition to health coverage, FEP also supports the Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA) and the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE).
Processing Federated Insurance Payments: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Coverage for families
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Federal Insurance is the number one health insurance choice for federal employees, retirees, and their families. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is the trade association for independent, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.
The Federal Employee Program (FEP) has provided health insurance to federal employees and retirees since 1960 and currently covers over 5.5 million federal employees, retirees, and their families in the U.S. and overseas. FEP offers affordable in-network coverage with $10 copays for each of the first 10 combined primary care and specialist visits. There are no deductibles, and copays are set for most services. FEP also offers care in and out-of-network, with a deductible for some services and extensive pharmacy coverage.
The FEP network includes over 2 million doctors and hospitals and over 55,000 retail pharmacies. FEP's overseas coverage protects federal employees and their families when working or travelling outside the U.S. Annual physicals, immunizations, and screenings are always covered when members visit a Preferred provider. FEP also provides telehealth services through Teladoc Health®, offering treatment for minor injuries and illnesses, mental health support, dermatology care, and more by phone or video. Members never need a referral to see a specialist.
BCBS offers a range of health care coverage solutions for individuals and families, including those who live, work, and travel internationally. BCBS has been a trusted provider for 90+ years, with a network of high-quality doctors and hospitals that provide exceptional patient care. BCBS members have access to exclusive discounts on health and wellness products and services.
Is Your 401(k) Safe? Federal Insurance and Your Retirement
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Blank Comic Book for Kids: 400 Bubble 90 Unique 5 Theme 30 Panels Mini Mode & MORE Even [124 Pages of 8.5x11] (BCBs for kids)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51nEK0JqjuL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Overseas coverage
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) is a national federation of independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. Together, they provide healthcare coverage for one in three Americans.
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP) provides health insurance to federal employees, retirees and their families in the US and overseas. The program has been in operation since 1960 and currently covers over 5.5 million people.
The FEP Overseas mobile app assists members with submitting medical claims for services received outside the US, Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands. It also covers services received while on a US military base or on a cruise ship. The app includes:
- A step-by-step wizard for paperless form submission or the ability to upload a completed paper form.
- Translation tools, including medicine equivalents and medical terms and phrases in 14 languages.
- Fingerprint and face unlock for easy and secure login.
The app also helps members locate providers across the globe with the International Provider Finder. It assists with claim filing, enrollment questions, US dollar check reimbursements, overseas provider referrals, emergency medical evacuations and more.
In addition, FEP members can get support before they vacation or relocate to another country through GeoBlue's Pre-Departure Program. This program helps members transition to a new country and navigate the healthcare experience.
Pharmacy coverage also works outside the US, but as there are no Preferred retail pharmacies overseas, prescriptions must be paid for out-of-pocket and then reimbursed. Overseas prescription drug claims must be submitted within one year of the purchase date.
FDIC: Insuring Your Bank Deposits
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
BCBS Federal Insurance, also known as the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP), is a health insurance plan for federal employees, retirees, and their families.
The BCBS Federal Insurance plan covers annual physicals, immunizations, and screenings when you visit a Preferred provider. It also offers telehealth services for minor injuries, illnesses, mental health support, and more. The plan also provides access to a large network of doctors, hospitals, and specialists.
The FEP covers over 5.5 million federal employees, retirees, and their families across the U.S. and overseas.
The BCBS Federal Insurance plan is the number one health insurance choice for federal employees, with 99% of members choosing to stay with the plan year after year. It offers quality health care coverage and benefits that meet nationally recognized standards.
To enrol in the BCBS Federal Insurance plan, you must be a Federal employee, Tribal employee, or annuitant eligible to enrol in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. You can find more information on enrolment codes on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association website.
