Early Enrollment in New Long-Term Care Plan for Federal Workers Set To Begin

The Office of Personnel Management on March 25 will announce the start of an early enrollment period for a new long-term care benefit for federal workers, the Washington Post reports. OPM officials have been designing the coverage plan since it was approved by Congress in September 2000. Under the plan, members will pay monthly premiums for insurance to cover nursing home care, assisted-living, adult day care and other long-term care options. Premiums will be based on the age of the beneficiary at the time of enrollment and the options chosen. About 20 million people, including federal employees, military personnel and retirees, are eligible for coverage. The early enrollment period will be held until May 15, followed by an open enrollment period beginning July 1 and running through the end of the year. Seminars and education material on long-term care and the available plans will be offered during the open enrollment period. The plans will be provided by LTC Partners, a venture of the Metropolitan Life and John Hancock insurance companies (Barr, Washington Post, 3/25).