We have discovered that there are individuals who are receiving "survivor annuities" from OPM and, at the same time, are active Federal employees. These individuals are different than reemployed annuitants, in that they are the survivors of, but probably not, retired federal employees themselves. Like reemployed annuitants, however, these individuals have their health benefits premiums deducted from their monthly annuities.

If you have employees who identify themselves as "survivor annuitants," please advise them that they are eligible for Health Benefits Premium Conversion (HB-PC), as long as they are employed in a position that conveys FEHB eligibility (i.e. a permanent position). Similarly to reemployed annuitants, we will need you to send us their names, social security numbers, and dates of birth so we can transfer their health benefits coverage to you. Although not required, this information can be placed on spreadsheets, following the same formats you used to report reemployed annuitants to us. This information should be emailed to finance@opm.gov

When either reemployed annuitants or "survivor" annuitants waive participation in HB-PC or leave employment with your agency, you must notify us as soon as possible so that we can transfer their health benefits coverage back to OPM. This notification should reference Payroll Office Letters P-00-13 and P-00-21 and be mailed to:

If you have any questions concerning these matters, we would prefer that you email us at finance@opm.gov. We can, however, be reached at 202-606-0666.

Robert A. Yuran Financial Policy Staff Retirement and Insurance Service

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