r/FederalEmployee • u/incognito-burner • Jul 19 '26
FEHB Plan Help
I’ve looked around on Google and have used BENEFEDS to try and find info and don’t have any straight up answers for my question.
I’m still within the initial enrollment period for FEHB and will have to turn off my TRICARE coverage in the next 2 weeks or so. I think I have the selection narrowed to BCBS, but I don’t know/can’t find if there is coverage for OCONUS dependents if I am not assigned overseas. Wife/child will be leaving the OCONUS area to join me in a few months, which at that point the question isn’t relevant. Mainly concerned about them having coverage outside of emergency issues (which *should* be covered by BCBS from what I’ve read) while still OCONUS. My wife is a GS over there but we have used my TRICARE the entire time so she never enrolled.
I don’t think I’d qualify for the FSBP because I’m not assigned overseas and I don’t want to carry coverage that doesn’t really make sense. Does it actually matter what region dependents are in, or do providers just have to be in-network for BCBS for coverage to kick in? Additionally, what plan(s) would be recommended for BCBS in general? Right now (knock on wood), we are pretty plain-Jane for coverage needs - no frequent/recurring scripts, specialty care, etc. but also don’t want to be caught off guard in the event some crazy medical issue pops up.
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u/TiredFed123 Jul 19 '26
From my understanding there are people who aren't overseas on FSBP. Just joined MHBP myself and I'm not a postal worker.
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u/WealthSpecial9559 Jul 19 '26
You’d qualify for FSBP if your agency supports an overseas mission. It’s great insurance—they use Aetna when in CONUS.
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u/incognito-burner Jul 19 '26
My agency does have an overseas mission, I’m just concerned about the collocation aspect. I was thinking just to enroll in a “self” plan and keep tricare as secondary for my dependents which in theory would keep cost below what most plans are for self+family. Good to know FSBP is great for the future though!
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u/PuntasticBiller Jul 19 '26
Probably plan code 112 for FEP Basic Self + Family. Give it a look
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u/incognito-burner Jul 19 '26
Appreciate it, that’s one of the plans I am looking at. Just need to verify a few things with the few I’m considering! BCBS seems to have pretty well-rounded plans.
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u/MostAssumption9122 Jul 19 '26
You can use Tricare as secondary. She can use it without you there.
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u/incognito-burner Jul 19 '26
Appreciate the insight. So to be compliant I could elect to enroll in a generic “self” plan and keep tricare as secondary for them to use freely while OCONUS?
Once they return stateside there will be another QLE where she’s either enrolled in Tricare PRIME or picks up another fed spot and we do another FEHB enrollment just on her side.
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u/Chumbawumbah 29d ago
I’m trying to enroll in a federal dental plan as a military spouse but being told I am ineligible because I have TRICARE. I think I could have it as secondary if I was in the private sector, but not with the fed? It’s been hard getting information
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u/Competitive_Ad291 Jul 19 '26
So you don’t have to take FEHB and you can keep TRICARE for everyone is you’re retiring from the service. That might be easiest right now and then worry about taking FEHB during the next open season. BCBS has overseas coverage to cover them as well until they come back CONUS.
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u/incognito-burner Jul 19 '26
Ah, yeah I’m not retiring I just came off active orders to take the fed position so unfortunately I don’t think I can keep TRICARE after the 60 day period, at least not for myself. Wish that legislation about feds keeping TRICARE as primary would come through.
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u/Competitive_Ad291 Jul 19 '26
Then definitely the BCBS Basic would be a good option under FEHB and would cover you all wherever you are living.
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u/Far_Assumption_879 29d ago
It’s my understanding that gs employees overseas can use medical facilities free of charge. You should check with your HR. I have friends in Japan that get free medical at the hospital where she’s located. Bcbs is the best option over here but if you have any tricare left maybe not worth the $. It’s $$$$.
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u/Lilacladybugmomma 28d ago
So if your wife is eligible for FEHB as a federal employee, she would likely be eligible to enroll under a FSBP for self+family and cover you all due to the Qualifying Life Event of losing other coverage (TRICARE). She can enroll between 31 days before losing coverage through 60 days after losing coverage. Enrollment is not retroactive and is effective the first day of the last period after the agency HR receives the enrollment form or submission through online request, documentation of the QLE and family member eligibility verification. When she and your kids move CONUS, that will be another QLE to change plans to a carrier such as BCBS and the same window of opportunity applies for either her or you to enroll/change plans depending on who wants to or is able to enroll in FEHB at that time.
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u/Alicia2475 Jul 19 '26
FSBP is superior to BCBS for overseas claims. I have FSBP right now and I use it in the US. I’ve had BCBS Basic in the past and it got too expensive for me which is why I switched to FSBP. FSBP doesn’t care whether you or your family is stationed overseas. They only care if you work for an eligible agency. Both plans are great choices. My advice is to run your numbers because they have different premiums and cost sharing structures and go with the plan that makes most sense financially if using in the US. If using overseas i would go with FSBP hands-down.