Geha Medical Insurance: What You Need To Know

what is geha medical insurance

GEHA, or Government Employees Health Association, is a self-insured, not-for-profit association that provides medical and dental plans to federal employees, retirees, and their families. GEHA was formed in 1937 as the Railway Mail Hospital Association in Kansas City, Missouri, to help U.S. Railway Mail Service clerks with their medical expenses. GEHA now offers a range of health, dental, and vision coverage options, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, lower premiums, a wide network of providers, and wellness programs. GEHA also provides coverage for mental health treatment and supports rehab for addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health illnesses.

Characteristics Values
Type Self-insured, not-for-profit association
Coverage Medical, dental, vision, mental health, substance use disorder treatment
Eligibility Federal employees, retirees, military retirees, their families, and military dependents on active duty
Network Wide network of providers nationwide
Plans Traditional fee-for-service medical plan with PPO, HDHP with HSA, two options under Connection Dental Federal FEDVIP plan, Medicare Advantage (PPO)
Enrollment Enrollment for 2024: no membership dues, complete Standard Form 2809
History Founded in 1937 as the Railway Mail Hospital Association, expanded to all federal employees in 1957, became Government Employees Hospital Association in 1964, and changed to current name in 2007
Members Serves over 2 million people worldwide

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GEHA's history and origins

GEHA, or the Government Employees Health Association, is a self-insured, not-for-profit association that provides medical and dental plans to federal employees and retirees and their families. GEHA has its roots in 1937 when the Railway Mail Hospital Association was formed in Kansas City, Missouri. The association was created to help provide U.S. Railway Mail Service clerks with assistance for their medical expenses.

Twenty years later, in 1957, the company expanded its scope to offer health insurance benefits to federal employees and retirees from all agencies and branches of the government. This expansion marked the beginning of GEHA's evolution into a comprehensive health insurance provider for federal workers and their families. In 1964, the company officially changed its name to the Government Employees Hospital Association, reflecting its expanded role in providing hospital and health insurance benefits to a broader segment of federal employees.

In 2007, the organization underwent another name change, becoming the Government Employees Health Association. This new name better represented the diverse range of health-related services they provided, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. The name change also aligned with their mission to promote and support the health and well-being of federal employees and their families.

Over the years, GEHA has built a strong reputation as one of the largest and most respected health insurance companies in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB). They have served over 2 million federal employees, military retirees, and their families, delivering valuable benefits and making a positive impact on communities nationwide. GEHA is committed to providing quality healthcare options, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as mental health treatment coverage, to ensure federal workers and their families receive the best care possible.

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Eligibility and enrolment

GEHA health insurance is available to federal employees, retirees, and their families. Military dependents on active duty are also eligible under certain conditions.

To enrol in GEHA health insurance, you must be or become a member of the Government Employees Health Association, Inc. You can do this by signing a completed Standard Form 2809, Health Benefits Registration Form, which serves as evidence of your enrolment in the plan. There were no membership fees for the year 2024.

GEHA offers two main plan options: the High Option and the Standard Option. The High Option includes a Medicare Part B subsidy of $100 per month, while the Standard Option includes a subsidy of $75 per month. GEHA also offers a tailored Medicare Advantage (PPO) plan in partnership with UnitedHealthcare (UHC) for those enrolled in the FEHB program with Medicare Parts A and B as primary coverage.

GEHA provides an extensive array of health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as support for mental health treatment and prescription plans. GEHA offers a large network of healthcare providers, making it easier for policyholders to access the care they need.

It is important to be aware of open enrolment periods and plan choices when considering GEHA health insurance.

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Benefits and coverage

GEHA (Government Employees Health Association) is a self-insured, not-for-profit association that provides medical and dental plans to federal employees, retirees, and their families. GEHA has been serving its members for over 87 years and currently offers benefits to more than 2 million people worldwide.

GEHA offers a wide range of benefits and coverage options to its members. Here are some of the key features:

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage: GEHA provides extensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. This ensures that federal workers and their families have access to quality healthcare services. GEHA also offers a high deductible health plan (HDHP) that can be paired with a health savings account (HSA).

Lower Premiums: GEHA strives to offer competitive premiums while maintaining quality healthcare for its members. They work to keep costs low without compromising on the standard of care provided.

Wide Network of Providers: GEHA has a large network of healthcare providers nationwide, making it convenient for policyholders to access the care they need. This extensive network allows members to choose from a variety of healthcare providers that suit their specific needs.

Wellness Programs and Member Resources: GEHA coverage includes wellness programs, online resources, and tools designed to help members maintain their health and well-being. These resources empower members to take a proactive approach to their health and make informed decisions.

Mental Health Coverage: GEHA recognizes the importance of mental health and offers coverage for various types of mental health treatment. This includes support for conditions such as depression, substance use disorder, trauma, and other mental health illnesses. GEHA also provides access to qualified professionals and therapists who can help members manage their mental health effectively.

Coordination with Medicare: GEHA's High and Standard Option Plans coordinate with Medicare Parts A and B as primary coverage. They offer a tailored Medicare Advantage (PPO) plan in partnership with UnitedHealthcare (UHC). This plan enhances GEHA coverage by reducing or eliminating cost-sharing for services and adding benefits at no extra cost.

GEHA is committed to providing valuable benefits and comprehensive coverage to its members. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, and quality care, GEHA aims to meet the diverse healthcare needs of federal employees, retirees, and their families.

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Costs and premiums

GEHA health insurance, or Government Employees Health Association, is a self-insured, not-for-profit association that provides medical and dental plans to federal employees, retirees, and their families. GEHA has been in operation for 87 years and currently serves over 2 million people worldwide.

GEHA offers competitive premiums while ensuring quality healthcare for its members and their families. They provide valuable benefits and deliver extensive coverage of medical, dental, and vision benefits. GEHA offers traditional fee-for-service medical plan options with a preferred provider organization (PPO) and a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) that can be paired with a health savings account (HSA).

GEHA's High and Standard Option Plans offer a tailored Medicare Advantage (PPO) plan, in partnership with UnitedHealthcare (UHC). This plan enhances GEHA coverage by reducing or eliminating cost-sharing for services and adding benefits at no additional cost. It includes a Medicare Part B subsidy of $100 per month for the High Option and $75 per month for the Standard Option.

GEHA also offers two options under the Connection Dental Federal FEDVIP plan. Additionally, GEHA covers mental health treatment for a range of disorders, making paying for rehab easy and stress-free. Depending on the chosen plan, rehab with GEHA could cost as little as $0. GEHA also provides prescription plans to reduce out-of-pocket medical costs.

GEHA's wide network of providers nationwide makes it easier for policyholders to access the care they need. They also offer wellness programs, online resources, and various tools to help members maintain their health and manage their well-being.

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Mental health support

GEHA (Government Employees Health Association) is a self-insured, not-for-profit association that provides medical and dental plans to federal employees, retirees, and their families. GEHA has served 2 million federal employees, military retirees, and their families for 87 years.

GEHA offers five FEHB plans to choose from, and every GEHA plan includes extra benefits, drug coverage, and prescription costs. GEHA members can speak with a registered nurse or access the Health Information Library anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. GEHA members can also pay a $10 copay to visit MinuteClinic, a walk-in medical clinic inside select CVS Pharmacy stores.

GEHA members have access to mental health support through carefully vetted, board-certified psychiatrists via MDLIVE. MDLIVE gives members 24/7/365 access to psychiatrists from their phone, tablet, or computer. Members' covered dependents are also eligible for this service. MDLIVE can fill e-prescriptions if necessary.

GEHA's network includes over 9,300 hospitals that are available to members whether they are at home or away. Members can search for hospitals by name or by type, such as mental health or radiology. GEHA's dental network offers access to over 400,000 provider locations.

Frequently asked questions

GEHA stands for Government Employees Health Association. It is a self-insured, not-for-profit association that provides medical and dental plans to federal employees and retirees and their families.

GEHA health insurance is available to federal employees, retirees, and their families. Military dependents on active duty are also eligible under certain conditions.

GEHA health insurance offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage. It also includes wellness programs, online resources, and various tools to help members maintain their health and well-being. In addition, GEHA provides coverage for mental health treatment and supports rehab for addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health illnesses.

To enroll in GEHA health insurance, you must be eligible to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB). You then become a member of the Government Employees Health Association, Inc. by signing a completed Standard Form 2809, Health Benefits Registration Form.

GEHA offers a wide range of benefits, including competitive premiums, a large network of healthcare providers, and extensive coverage of medical, dental, and vision benefits. GEHA also provides easy access to important resources and has 87 years of experience delivering benefits to federal workers.

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