To be eligible to continue your health benefits enrollment into retirement, you must: (1) have retired on an immediate annuity (that is, an annuity which begins to accrue no later than one month after the date of your final separation); and (2) have been continuously enrolled (or covered as a family member) in any FEHB Program plan (not necessarily the same plan) for the five years of service immediately preceding retirement, or if less than five years, for all service since your first opportunity to enroll. 

You will pay the same health insurance premiums in retirement that you paid while you were an employee. However, annuitants are paid on a monthly basis, so you will pay your premiums at the monthly rate.  In retirement, the government’s contribution towards your premium will continue to be the same.  If you were on a part-time work schedule, you will pay the normal employee share of the premium, instead of a pro-rated premium. 

To view Frequently Asked Questions on continuing health benefits coverage into retirement, refer to the OPM website. 

Questions may be directed to your Benefits Contact or AskBenefits@nih.gov.