• When benefits and premiums start

The benefits in this brochure are effective on January 1. If you joined this Plan during Open Season, your coverage begins on January 1. If you joined at any other time during the year, your employing office will tell you the effective date of coverage.

If your enrollment continues after you are no longer eligible for coverage (i.e., you have separated from Federal service), and premiums are not paid, you will be responsible for all benefits paid during the period in which premiums were not paid. You may be billed for services received directly from your provider. You may be prosecuted for fraud for knowingly using health insurance benefits for which you have not paid premiums. It is your responsibility to know when you or family members are no longer eligible to use your health insurance coverage.