By Reg Jones
Health insurance after retirement
November 3rd, 2010 | RETIREMENT
Q: When I retire from the USPS under CSRS I plan to switch to self-only insurance. My husband will be going into the USPS under FERS. He plans on taking out family insurance because we still have a 20-year-old son that we plan to cover. From what I have read this is not possible. I don’t want to risk giving up my health insurance just in case something happens and my husband can’t work. One of us must take the family option because of my son. Can I have self-only while he takes the family option? If not, what would happen if he takes the family and I drop my insurance and then something happens that causes him to be unable to work? From what I understand there is no way I can get my coverage back after retiring.
A: You’re right. That’s not possible. The best way to deal with the situation is for you to enroll in the self and family option. That way, if you were to die, your son (up to age 26) and your husband (for the rest of his life) would be covered.
Tags: CSRS, HEALTH INSURANCE, Postal Service, RETIREMENT, Survivor benefits
Comments
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CSRS Emp Says:
November 4th, 2010 at 6:43 pmThis is an area where you will get a different answer from each “expert” you ask. I work for the USPS and since they
have now done away with all personnel offices, it’s impossible to believe anyone. Were you the primary for 5 years prior to your retirement? If so, I believe you will always qualify to be covered under FEHP. Bottom line, check and recheck and get it in writing. You will find that most of these clowns haven’t a clue as to the correct answer. Good luck