ADVISORY: Oversight Subcommittee Considers Changes to Federal Employee Health Plans

WASHINGTON – On Thursday, the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, U.S. Postal Service and the Census, chaired by Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-TX), will hold a hearing on the Federal Employee’s Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). The hearing, which follows the Oversight Committee’s work on federal employee compensation, will review the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) administration of the program.

The hearing will give Members an opportunity to learn more about the FEHPBP’s current benefits, categories of enrollment and premium fees, as well as proposed legislative changes designed to improve the program. The Obama Administration is expected to propose several changes to the program in the president’s FY2014 budget, including granting OPM the authority to offer additional health plan types and contract with prescription drug providers directly.

FEHBP, which includes 230 plans nationwide, is the largest employee-sponsored health insurance program in the country. Each year it provides $45 billion in health care benefits to approximately 8.2 million employees, retirees and dependents.

Hearing Details:
“The Federal Employees Health Benefits Program: Is it a Good Value for Federal Employees?”
Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, U.S. Postal Service and the Census
10:00 a.m. in 2154 Rayburn House Office Building

Witnesses:
Jonathan Foley
Director, Planning and Policy Analysis
U.S. Office of Personnel Management

William A. Breskin
Vice President of Government Programs
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

Thomas C. Choate
Chief Growth Officer
UnitedHealthcare

Mark Merritt
President and CEO
Pharmaceutical Care Management Association

Jacqueline Simon
Public Policy Director
American Federation of Government Employees