WASHINGTON, Sep. 30, 2021 – Today the Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® (BCBS) Government-wide Service Benefit Plan, also known as the Federal Employee Program® (FEP®), announced 2022 benefits available to eligible participants in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). Among the changes include enhanced hypertension management and pregnancy care incentive programs, dental and vision benefits for children and the addition of a discounted supplemental international travel insurance through GeoBlue®. Show FEP offers a comprehensive suite of resources to help current and prospective members choose the best medical, dental and vision plan for them and their families, including the AskBlue medical, dental and vision plan finder tools, prescription drug cost tool and health cost advisor tool. “As we continue to navigate an unprecedented health crisis, Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP health, dental and vision members know they can count on us to make sure affordable and comprehensive health care is accessible no matter where they are,” said William A. Breskin, senior vice president of government programs for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA). “With enhanced benefits in all products in 2022, FEP continues its mission to provide unparalleled products and services to our members and their families.” FEP 2022 Highlights New Enhanced Benefit Programs New Supplemental International Travel Insurance Enhanced Dental and Vision Benefits for Children Updated Dental and Vision Digital Sites 2022 Approved Rates: FEP Blue Focus: Basic Option: Standard Option: High Option: Standard Option: Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental Premiums in 2022* High Option: Standard Option: *BCBS FEP Dental rates depend upon the rate region in which a member lives. The rates presented here are for BCBS FEP Dental’s most populous region, Region 1. Please go to bcbsfepdental.com to see the full list of regional rates. All changes will take effect Jan. 1, 2022. Eligible participants will have an opportunity to make their coverage decisions during Open Season, which runs from Nov. 8 through Dec. 13, 2021. Federal employees, annuitants and their family members are eligible for coverage through the FEHB Program, while FEDVIP is available to federal employees and annuitants, certain retired uniformed service members and active duty family members. Additional information about 2022 benefits is available online or by calling the National Information Center. Visit www.fepblue.org/whatsnew or call 1-800-411-BLUE (2583). ABOUT THE BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD SERVICE BENEFIT PLAN (FEP®)The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan, also known as the Federal Employee Program® (FEP®), has been part of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program since its inception in 1960. It covers roughly 5.6 million federal employees, retirees and their families out of the more than 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 Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan. The 35 local member companies of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association are the primary points of contact for Service Benefit Plan members. They are responsible for processing claims and providing customer service to our members. To locate the address and telephone number for a local Blue Cross and Blue Shield company, please visit fepblue.org/contact-us. Which is better BCBS standard or basic?Standard Option gives you the flexibility to receive care both in and out-of-network. With Basic Option, you can enjoy no deductible with care from in-network providers. FEP Blue Focus offers quality healthcare coverage from in-network providers, plus budget-friendly benefits.
Should I keep FEHB when I retire?As a rule, at retirement you may keep your Federal Employees Health Benefits program coverage if you are currently enrolled and have been enrolled in the FEHB for at least five years or from your earliest opportunity to enroll. It makes no difference if you've bounced around from plan to plan.
Is BCBS FEP basic a PPO?As a Preferred Provider Organization, or PPO, we have a network of doctors, hospitals and facilities that have contracted with us to provide medical services at a discounted rate.
How much will FEHB go up in 2023?OPM recently released a first look at the 2023 Federal Employees Health Benefits Open Season and employees and annuitants will, on average, pay 8.7% more in FEHB premiums next year, the largest percentage increase in the last decade.
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