Understanding Geha: Your Guide To This Insurance Provider

what kind of insurance is geha

GEHA, or Government Employees Health Association, is a self-insured, not-for-profit association that provides health insurance to federal employees, retirees, and their families. GEHA offers five FEHB plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, with extra benefits such as drug coverage and prescription costs. With a history dating back to 1937, GEHA has served over 2 million federal employees and military retirees, providing valuable benefits and quality care through a wide network of healthcare providers.

Characteristics Values
Type Health insurance
Coverage Medical, dental, and vision
Eligibility Federal employees, retirees, their families, and under certain conditions, military dependents on active duty
Number of Plans 5 FEHB plans and 2 FEDVIP dental plans
Network 450,000+ provider locations
Members 2 million+
Membership Dues None for the year 2024
History Founded in 1937 as the Railway Mail Hospital Association

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GEHA's history

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

Twenty years later, in 1957, the company expanded to offer health insurance benefits to federal employees and retirees from all government agencies and branches. In 1964, the company's name changed to the Government Employees Hospital Association. GEHA was one of the first insurance carriers eligible to provide coverage to federal employees under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Act of 1959.

In 2006, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) selected GEHA as one of the companies to offer supplemental benefits to federal employees under the Federal Employee Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). The following year, the organization changed its name to the Government Employees Health Association.

Today, GEHA serves over 2 million federal employees, military retirees, and their families. It offers five FEHB plans to choose from, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. GEHA is one of the largest and most respected health insurance companies in the FEHB program, with a wide-ranging network of healthcare providers.

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Who is eligible for GEHA insurance?

GEHA, or Government Employees Health Association, is a self-insured, not-for-profit association that provides medical and dental plans. It was founded in 1937 as the Railway Mail Hospital Association to help provide U.S. Railway Mail Service clerks with assistance for their medical expenses. In 1964, the company officially became known as the Government Employees Hospital Association.

GEHA provides benefits to more than 2 million federal employees, military retirees, and their families worldwide. To be eligible for GEHA insurance, one must be a federal employee, annuitant, retiree, or a family member of one. GEHA offers five FEHB plans to choose from, including two FEDVIP dental plans.

All federal employees and annuitants who are eligible to enrol in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program may become members of GEHA. To become a member, one must simply sign a completed Standard Form 2809, Health Benefits Registration Form, evidencing their enrolment in the Plan. There were no membership dues for the year 2024.

GEHA offers traditional fee-for-service medical plan options with a preferred provider organization (PPO) along with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) that can be paired with a health savings account (HSA). On the dental side, GEHA offers two options under the Connection Dental Federal FEDVIP plan. GEHA was one of the first insurance carriers eligible to provide coverage to federal employees under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Act of 1959.

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GEHA's health plans

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 has been serving the community for 87 years and currently offers benefits to more than 2 million people worldwide.

GEHA offers five FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits) plans to choose from, each packed with extra benefits. These plans include prescription drug coverage, and members can get the right care at the right time. GEHA also offers two FEDVIP (Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program) dental plans to choose from, with a network of 450,000+ provider locations.

In addition, GEHA provides a High or Standard Option Plan that can be paired with a Medicare Advantage (PPO) plan through 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 High Option and $75 per month for Standard Option.

GEHA also offers a high deductible health plan (HDHP) that can be paired with a health savings account (HSA). Members can use Health Rewards for medical, dental, and vision services prior to meeting the deductible.

To enrol in a GEHA plan, individuals must be eligible to enrol in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and become a member of the Government Employees Health Association, Inc. by completing a Standard Form 2809.

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GEHA's dental plans

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 offers two FEDVIP dental plan options: the High plan and the Standard plan. Both plans have no waiting periods for any services and have a network of over 450,000 provider locations.

The High plan has no in-network or out-of-network deductibles, while the Standard plan has a $75 out-of-network deductible per person with no family limit for Class A, B, and C. Implants are limited to $2,500 per person per year in-network or out-of-network on the High plan. For the Standard plan, implants are limited to $2,500 per person per year in-network or $2,000 per person per year out-of-network.

In addition to these benefits, GEHA dental plans also include a comprehensive vision benefit and valuable discounts on toothbrushes, teeth whitening, and more. These benefits are not offered under the FEDVIP program but are available to all enrollees who become members of GEHA and their eligible family members.

To help choose the right plan, GEHA offers support from benefits experts and FedVisers, who are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time.

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GEHA's vision plans

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 offers vision coverage for no additional premium to its members, including those with HDHP plans.

The plans offer discounts on frames, lenses, and lens options when purchasing a complete pair of eyeglasses. There is no limit on the number of discounted glasses or contacts that can be purchased annually. If purchased separately, members receive a 20% discount on frames and lenses, as well as a 20% discount on items not covered by the plan at network providers.

To choose the right plan, members can talk to a FedViser, who is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time. GEHA also offers a live chat option during extended hours.

Frequently asked questions

GEHA stands for Government Employees Health Association. It is a self-insured, not-for-profit association that provides medical, dental, and vision insurance.

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

GEHA offers five FEHB plans to choose from, each packed with extra benefits. These include prescription drug coverage, dental care, and vision insurance under the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).

GEHA serves over 2 million federal employees, military retirees, and their families.

To enroll in GEHA insurance, you must be a member of the Government Employees Health Association, Inc. You can become a member by signing a completed Standard Form 2809, Health Benefits Registration Form.

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