Is FEHB the same as Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Asked by: Walker Bradtke  |  Last update: May 7, 2025
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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.

What type of insurance is FEHB?

The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program is the largest employer sponsored health benefits program of its kind. Established by an Act of Congress in 1959, the FEHB Program began covering employees on July 1, 1960.

Is Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP a PPO?

Our fee-for-service Plan offers services through a PPO. This means that certain hospitals and other healthcare providers are “Preferred providers.” When you use our PPO (Preferred) providers, you will receive covered services at a reduced cost.

What is the name of FEHB?

The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program.

Is Blue Cross Blue Shield part of FEHB?

For 60 years, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan, also known as the Federal Employee Program—or simply FEP—has provided health insurance to the federal employee workforce. We are proud to have been part of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program since its inception in 1960.

Is Blue Cross Blue Shield Really the Best Plan for You as a Federal Employee?

22 related questions found

Why is FEHB so expensive?

“The premium increases are due to the impact of price increases by providers and suppliers, increased utilization of certain prescription drugs and behavioral health spending,” OPM said. “Industry-wide cost pressures affect FEHB and PSHB rates similarly.”

What is Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO called?

BlueCard® PPO. A national program that offers members traveling or living outside of their BCBS Plan's area the PPO (preferred provider organization) level of benefits when they obtain services from a physician or hospital designated as a PPO provider. BlueCard® PPO Member. Carries an ID card with this identifier on it ...

Is Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Medicare?

FEP is not a Medicare Advantage plan.

What health insurance do most federal retirees have?

As an active or retired Federal employee, you may be covered by both the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and Medicare. Learn how these two coverages work together to meet your healthcare needs while you're working and in retirement.

What type of insurance is federal crop insurance?

Federal Crop Insurance Program liability by policy type

A wide variety of crop insurance products exist, but most can broadly be classified into individual-based policies or area- and index-based policies. Further, individual policies can be further classified into yield or revenue protection.

What is the 5 year rule for federal health insurance?

You need to be enrolled in FEHB for five years before you retire, or for the entire time for which you were eligible to be enrolled, and retire on an immediate annuity to be eligible to continue coverage into retirement.

What happened to Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Court issues preliminary approval of $2.8 billion Blue Cross Blue Shield provider settlement. A $2.8 billion settlement from Blue Cross Blue Shield to health care providers resolving a 12-year antitrust lawsuit received preliminary approval yesterday from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama.

Who is buying out Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Elevance Health's $2.5 billion acquisition of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (BCBSLA) is on pause yet again amid concerns about the impact on competition.

How many types of Blue Cross Blue Shield are there?

Blue Cross Blue Shield is NOT a Single Health Insurance Company. Rather, There are 36 Different Blue Cross Blue Shield Companies that are Part of as Association. Anthem is the Largest of all the Blue Cross Companies.

Why is federal employee health insurance so expensive for retirees?

However, the premiums will effectively cost you more in retirement, because retirees aren't eligible for to pay FEHB premiums with pre-tax money under the “premium conversion” arrangement that applies to active employees.

Who is eligible for FEHB?

Federal Employees

As a Federal employee, you are eligible to elect FEHB coverage, unless your position is excluded by law or regulation. Your agency applies these rules and determines your eligibility.

Is FEHB going away?

As with all Postal Service enrollees, FEHB plan enrollment for Postal Service compensationers terminated after December 31, 2024. Postal Service compensationers are not required to enroll in Medicare Part B to enroll in a PSHB plan, regardless of Medicare Part A entitlement.

Is Blue Cross Blue Shield called something else?

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, also known as BCBS, BCBSA, or The Blues, is a United States–based federation with 33 independent and locally operated BCBSA companies that provide health insurance to more than 115 million people in the U.S. as of 2022. Tax ID no. 200 E.

Do doctors prefer HMO or PPO?

HMO plans might involve more bureaucracy and can limit doctors' ability to practice medicine as they see fit due to stricter guidelines on treatment protocols. So just as with patients, providers who prefer a greater degree of flexibility tend to prefer PPO plans.

How do I know if my BCBS is PPO or HMO?

Your plan type

If you forget or aren't sure what type of health insurance plan you have (like an HMO or PPO), you can find out on your BCBS ID card. If you have an HMO, your card may also list the physician or group you've selected for primary care.

What health insurance do most federal employees have?

The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program is the largest employer-sponsored health insurance program in the world, covering more than 8 million Federal employees, retirees, former employees, family members, and former spouses.

Does FEHB have dental?

Most employees are eligible for dental and vision coverage if they're eligible for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program (they don't have to be enrolled). Annuitants are eligible for dental and vision coverage. Premiums are paid pre-tax for most employees.

Is FEHB tax deductible?

FEHB is not tax deductible in retirement. This is one of the most critical components of tax planning that we work with our federal employee clients to understand. While you were working, you and your employer shared the cost of the FEHB premiums.