Temporary Coverage FAQs

1. Who can enroll for TCC?

Federal employees and family members who lose their FEHB coverage because of a qualifying event may be eligible for TCC.

2. What’s a qualifying event?

A qualifying event can result from many different situations. Check with your employing office to determine eligibility for TCC.

3. When can you enroll?

You must notify your employing office within 60 days after the qualifying event and supply the child's mailing address. The enrollment and billing will be in the child’s name, so the child must complete the election form for coverage. Within 14 days after the child’s information is received, the employing office must notify the child of his or her TCC rights. The child must then make his or her election within 60 days after the later of: the date of the qualifying event, or the date the child receives the notice about his/her TCC rights.

4. How do you enroll?

To enroll for TCC, you (or your child or former spouse, as applicable) complete Standard Form 2809, Employee Health Benefits Election Form , and submit it to your employing office within the time limit.
Use enrollment code 414 to enroll in the MHBP Value Plan for Self-Only coverage or 415 for Self and Family.

5. In which plan(s) can you enroll?

You are not limited to the plan or option in which you were covered when the regular FEHB coverage ended. You (or your child or former spouse, as applicable) may enroll in any plan for which you are qualified.

6. What’s the cost?

TCC enrollees must pay the full premium for the plan they select (that is, both the employee and Government share of the premium) plus a 2% administrative charge.
Value Plan 2009 monthly premium: $190.32 Self-Only, $453.78 Self and Family.

7. When does TCC coverage become effective?

If you lose FEHB coverage other than by cancellation, you have a 31-day temporary extension of coverage, at no cost, in the same enrollment category held at separation. TCC takes effect on the day the temporary coverage ends. See TCC guide, RI 79-27 for more information.

8. How long does TCC coverage last?

Children can continue TCC for up to 36 months after:

• The date of the qualifying event when the child is covered as a family member of an employee or annuitant under a regular FEHB enrollment, or
• The date of the employee's separation if the qualifying event occurs when the child is covered under the TCC enrollment of a former employee.

9. Where can you find more information about TCC?

FEHB publishes a TCC guide, RI 79-27 . Click the link to view or download a copy.