Welcome Clinical Fellows!
In this section you'll find information and tools to help you select a health insurance plan under the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
Your health insurance coverage is not automatic. You have 60 days from your effective date of hire to enroll in a federal health plan. The earlier you decide on your health insurance plan, the sooner your election coverage will begin!
ECFMG J-1 Physicians only: the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (22 CFR § 62.14) mandates that all J-1 exchange visitors and accompanying J-2 dependents secure comprehensive health insurance effective on the program start date indicated on Form DS-2019 and maintain coverage, without interruption, for the full duration of stay in the United States in J-1 status. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact NIH Division of International Services at DIS@mail.nih.gov for further assistance.
How to submit
Complete and submit the SF-2809 Health Benefits Election form and supporting documentation, as applicable, in USA Jobs Onboarding Manager.
This election cannot be made prior to your enter on duty (EOD) date. You will have 60 days from your effective hire date to make an election.
Effective dates
Your health insurance is effective the pay period after you submit your paperwork.
The following table shows how soon you may receive health insurance based on your submission dates.
| If you submit ... | Your coverage begins ... |
|---|---|
| July 1-13 |
July 14 * The earliest your health insurance can be effective is July 14th. For the earliest effective date, you must sign and submit your form in onboarding manager between July 1st – July 13th. |
| July 14-July 27 | July 28 |
| July 28 - August 10 | August 11 |
| August 11 - August 24 | August 25 |
| August 25 - August 29 | September 8 |
The earliest your health insurance election can be effective is July 14th. Contact your employer (prior to NIH) to determine when your health insurance terminates. If necessary, ask how you may utilize COBRA or if you are able to extend your coverage for an additional 31 days.
*If you utilize COBRA or an extension in coverage, work with the Benefits Office to coordinate the effective date of your NIH health insurance coverage to avoid any lapse in coverage.
Virtual presentations
This is an opportunity to meet with the health plan providers and ask questions. You may attend in advance of your new hire effective date; attendance is optional.
- Blue Cross CareFirst New Employee Presentation
- Kaiser Permanente New Employee Information Sessions
- Health and Dental Information Sessions
New employee benefits enrollment
- New employee benefits enrollment
Important information on all your Federal Benefits. Please note the timeframe to submit your elections as a new hire. - Federal Benefits Summary on all benefits programs
Benefits Office Address
NIH/OHR/Retirement and Employee Benefits Branch
31 Center Drive, Room 1B37
Bethesda, MD 20892
Email: AskBenefits@nih.gov
Phone (301) 496-2404
Fax: (301) 402-5506
Resources
- Healthcare Plan Comparison Tool - Compare health plans to determine what works best for you and your family
- Federal Benefits FastFacts - Addresses frequently asked questions
- 2024 Payroll Calendar- View pay period dates