FLTCIP and DOMA

FLTCIP and DOMA

The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) will now be available to all legally married same-sex spouses.  During the initial implementation period that ended August 26, 2013, only abbreviated underwriting was required.  After that time more medical information will be required in order to complete the application process.

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Members of the United States Postal Service can apply online through LiteBlue or via phone.  If you have questions before beginning any application process for benefits, contact the Compensation and Benefits Division of the Human Resources Shared Services Center (HRSSC).  You can call or request information via mail.  If you do want to contact the HRSSC via mail you may send your correspondence to HRSSC and mark it Attention: Compensation and Benefits at Post Office Box 970400, Greensboro, NC  27497-0400.

Do you need Long Term Care?  That is a question that only you and your family can answer after evaluating your current health status and anticipating what your health care needs might be in the future.  Most people will work with a financial professional to help them make some of these decisions.  Perhaps, this question would also be better answered if you were to revisit some of the things that Medicare will cover when you become eligible and what your FEHB will cover.  If your FEHB and Medicare will pretty much cover any anticipated medical and health care needs then consider your answer.  If Medicare and FEHB still leave some gaps, is Long Term Care the missing piece  to close the gap?  Planning for a healthy and stable retirement requires a little bit of work, research and honest evaluation to determine the best options for you and your family.

The federal workforce including the United States Postal Service can visit the website at the Office of Personnel Management and you may also contact your local Human Resource Office for information on anything you need to know about your health care benefits.

Before you make any decisions, including health care decisions, that impact you and your family, have a family conversation about the best choices to meet the needs of your family.  Every family is unique and knowing what is available to you and your family is vital information to have.  Don’t wait until the last minute to involve your family or someone you trust when it comes to making important decisions about your long-term care and your Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP).

P. S. Always Remember to Share What You Know.