New Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Plan (FLTCIP) Starts October 1

http://www.myfederalretirement.com

September 18, 2009

The new Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP), which the carrier has

called FLTCIIP 2.0, takes effect on on October 1, 2009.

In October, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will be providing more

details and current enrollees in the current plan (FLTCIP 1.0) will be mailed

personalized information packets explaining the choices that can be made,

including:

- remaining with the current benefit structure, subject to rate increases

that may apply;

- keeping premiums approximately the same as they are now by making changes

to current benefits; or

- take advantage of a one-time opportunity to switch to the new benefit

options without underwriting.

During the transition to the new benefit options, the FLTCIP applications are

not available online at www.LTCfeds.com,

although paper applications are still being accepted from new applicants.

Applications for FLTCIP 1.0 must be received by Long Term Care Partners by

September 30, 2009. Beginning on October 1, 2009, new applicants may apply

for the new FLTCIP 2.0.

The carrier of FLTCIP has released a tool which puts the current

it here [4-page PDF]).

An open season is likely to be held during the new contract term. While My

Federal Retirement was not able to confirm a specific date, some reports have

indicated it could coincide with the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)

open season in mid-November through mid-December.