Do Federal Employees Get COBRA?
The COBRA law only applies to private businesses with 20 or more employees.
I was furloughed from the federal government, can I continue my federal health insurance plan under the COBRA law?
Government workers who’s jobs have been terminated do not get COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) coverage because they are covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program.
Instead of COBRA, government workers who lose their health insurance due to layoff can access Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC), which operates similarly to COBRA but is specifically designed for federal employees.
What Is Temporary Continuation of Coverage?
The Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) program allows former federal employees, ex-spouses, and dependent children to continue their Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) after losing eligibility. TCC enrollees must apply within 60 days of losing coverage and pay the full premium plus a 2% administrative fee. Coverage lasts up to 18 months for former employees and 36 months for dependents in qualifying situations.
Unlike COBRA, TCC is managed through federal agencies and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) instead of private employers.
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Who is Eligible for Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC)?
To be eligible for TCC, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Type of Employee: TCC is intended for federal employees, former employees, and their families who lose their Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage.
- Reason for Loss of Coverage: Eligibility is triggered by specific events such as:
- Separation from federal service for reasons other than gross misconduct.
- A reduction in work hours that results in losing eligibility for FEHB.
- Children who lose coverage under FEHB upon reaching the age limit.
- Changes in family status, such as divorce, which lead to a loss of eligibility for coverage.
- Enrollment Period: Individuals must enroll in TCC within 60 days of their FEHB coverage ending, or within 60 days after being notified of their eligibility for TCC, whichever is later.
What’s The Average TCC Premium?
Under the Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) program, enrollees are responsible for paying the full premium (both the employee and government shares) plus a 2% administrative fee. This means TCC participants pay more than active federal employees, who typically cover only a portion of the premium.
Premiums under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program vary based on the specific plan and coverage type selected. For 2025, the biweekly program-wide weighted average premiums are:
- Self Only: $414.00
- Self Plus One: $902.78
- Self and Family: $991.99
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between COBRA and TCC?
COBRA applies to private-sector employees and some state/local government workers, while Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) is exclusively for federal employees and their dependents under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program.
How long does coverage last under COBRA vs. TCC?
COBRA provides up to 18 months of coverage for former employees and up to 36 months for dependents in certain cases. TCC offers the same timeframes, but enrollment and administration are handled through federal agencies instead of private employers.
Who administers COBRA and TCC?
COBRA is managed by private employers and their insurance providers, while TCC is administered through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and federal agencies.
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How to Get Started with Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC)
- Confirm Eligibility: TCC is available to:
- Federal employees who lose their FEHB coverage due to separation from service (except for removal due to gross misconduct).
- Former spouses who lose FEHB due to divorce.
- Dependent children who lose FEHB due to aging out at 26.
- Apply Within 60 Days: The application deadline is within 60 days from the date of the qualifying event (e.g., separation, divorce, or aging out) or from the date they receive notice of their TCC eligibility—whichever is later.
- Submit the TCC Enrollment Form:
- Employees: Submit SF 2809 (Health Benefits Election Form) to their agency’s HR department before leaving federal service.
- Former Spouses & Dependents: Apply through the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) since their former employer is no longer responsible for their benefits.
- Choose a Health Plan: TCC enrollees can select from any available FEHB plans (same as active federal employees). They should review plan options, premiums, and coverage details.
- Pay the Full Premium + 2% Fee:
- TCC enrollees pay the full premium (both the employee and government share) plus a 2% administrative fee.
- Monthly premium payments must be made on time to maintain coverage.
- Coverage Start Date:
- If an employee elects TCC before losing FEHB, coverage continues without a gap.
- If they enroll after losing FEHB but within the 60-day window, coverage begins retroactively to the date of FEHB termination.
- Where to Get Help:
- Active Federal Employees: Contact their agency’s HR benefits office.
- Former Spouses/Dependents: Contact OPM’s Retirement Services at www.opm.gov or call 1-888-767-6738.
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