The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) is designed to help federal employees, U.S. Postal Service workers, members of the uniformed services, annuitants, and their qualified relatives plan for their future long term care needs. Long term care encompasses a range of services and support for individuals who require assistance with daily living activities due to chronic illness, injury, disability, or aging.
FLTCIP aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with these services, which are typically not covered by regular health insurance or Medicare. These services can include assistance with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility, often referred to as activities of daily living (ADLs). Furthermore, FLTCIP also provides support for individuals with severe cognitive impairments like Alzheimer’s disease.
When active and not under suspension, the FLTCIP offers eligible individuals the opportunity to apply for long term care insurance coverage. Eligibility typically extends to most federal and postal employees (it’s important to note that eligibility for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program is usually a prerequisite for employees, though actual FEHB enrollment isn’t mandatory). Annuitants, on the other hand, do not need to be FEHB eligible or enrolled to apply. Active and retired members of the uniformed services and their qualified family members can also apply. It is important to note that certain pre-existing medical conditions might affect application approval.
Currently, the FLTCIP is under a temporary suspension, meaning new applications for coverage and requests to increase existing coverage are not being accepted. This suspension, extended by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), is slated to continue until December 19, 2024, and could be extended further. This measure is in place due to fluctuations in long term care costs and market instability, which challenge the program’s ability to offer benefit options with premiums that accurately reflect service costs.
For those seeking more detailed information about the FLTCIP, including when the program is active and how to apply, resources are available. Individuals can contact Long Term Care Partners at 1-800-582-3337 or visit the LTCFEDS website. Additionally, the LTCFEDS Care Navigator offers a valuable resource library for caregivers and those navigating the complexities of aging and long term care needs.
