OPM’s solution

Following up on the Federal Workforce subcommittee hearing on Wednesday, OPM announced today that it “has asked FEHB carriers to re-evaluate their benefits for non-emergency [out of PPO network] surgeries and has instructed Federal agencies to accept belated Open
Season enrollments.” OPM’s press release explains that “Carriers have been asked to propose changes no later than Monday, December 8. OPM will not allow changes to premiums in 2009 or to other types of benefits in 2009.” This action resolves the controversy over Blue Cross FEP’s out of network surgery benefit for 2009 that lead to the Federal Workforce subcommittee hearing on Wednesday.