Two bills introduced by a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers would ensure federal employees and their families have health coverage during the government shutdown. The first is the Ensuring FEHBP Coverage During Shutdowns Act, H.R. 2003 and S. 971, which would guarantee federal employees providing certain services under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, such as processing new dependents, are considered excepted during a government shutdown.

The second bill, the Ensuring FEDVIP and FLTCIP Coverage During Shutdowns Act, H.R. 2004 and S. 973, would require the Office of Personnel Management to issue new regulations allowing federal employees affected by government shutdowns to repay missed dental, vision and long-term care insurance premiums through back pay, instead of direct billing.

H.R.2003 – Ensuring FEHBP Coverage During Shutdowns Act

Source: National Active and Retired FEDERAL EMPLOYEES Association