If you’re looking for a position that comes with great health benefits, look no further. As a VA employee, you’ll be eligible to receive comprehensive coverage for you and your family at a cost that won’t break the bank.
The Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) offers employees more than 200 health plans to choose from – the widest selection of health insurance plans in the country. These plans include fee-for-service, health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and HMOs with a point-of-service product, consumer-driven health plans and high-deductible health plans. The cost to you and level of flexibility you have in choosing your health care providers vary by plan.
While specific benefits may differ, all FEHBP plans include hospital care, surgical care, inpatient and outpatient care, obstetrical care, mental health and substance use care, preventive care, and prescription drug coverage.
You may choose to pay for additional coverage for dental, vision and long-term care services, as well as enroll in a health care flexible spending account. You also can take advantage of the Employee Assistance Program, which offers private counseling and resources to employees with personal or work-related concerns or problems.
Other FEHBP features
Once you select a health plan, we will cover a majority of the costs – usually between 70 and 75%. Under the FEHBP, you may be able to pay for your portion of your health plan with pre-tax income. Known as premium conversion, this pre-tax income is not subject to federal income, Medicare, or Social Security taxes and, in most cases, state and local taxes. By reducing your taxable income, you’ll have less income tax withheld – which means a larger paycheck for you.
No FEHBP plan requires a waiting period or medical exam to enroll. In addition, there are no restrictions based on your age or physical condition, even if you change plans. Health coverage may take effect on the first full pay period after you begin working at VA.
Moving on, continuing coverage
Leaving federal service doesn’t mean you have to leave your excellent health benefits behind – you may be eligible to continue your health coverage temporarily under the FEHBP. If you leave because you’re retiring, you may be able to continue your FEHBP coverage into retirement at the same cost you are paying as an employee. You must have been enrolled in FEHBP for the five years immediately before retirement. This retirement health benefit is in addition to an already rich retirement package you would also be eligible for – and which has become less common in the private sector.
A great health benefits package is one of many reasons to make VA your next – or first – career destination. A comprehensive, first-class health program that we subsidize can enhance your compensation by thousands of dollars each year.
Add to that generous leave and retirement benefits, financial support for education and training, student loan forgiveness programs, performance-based salary increases and accelerated raises, and you will see why VA is truly an employer of choice.
While the benefits can’t be beat, neither can the mission: serving those who’ve served us.
Work at VA today
With good health insurance more important now than ever, choose an employer that has you covered!
- LEARN more about the benefits of a VA career.
- EXPLORE education support programs at VA.
- READ about the VA hiring process.
- DISCOVER how you can work at VA.
- SEARCH and APPLY for VA positions.
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