What Is GEHA Insurance All About? An Overview for Beginners

What Is GEHA Insurance All About? An Overview for Beginners :Have you ever heard of GEHA insurance but weren’t quite sure what it was all about? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. GEHA insurance can be confusing if you’ve never dealt with it before. As a government employee health benefits provider, GEHA offers healthcare coverage for federal employees, retirees, and their families.

But what does that really mean for you? In this article, we’ll give you an overview of GEHA insurance in plain language so you can understand what it is, how it works, who’s eligible, and whether it might make sense for you. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel like a GEHA pro and be able to decide if their plans are right for your needs.

What Is GEHA Insurance?

GEHA stands for Government Employees Health Association. It’s one of the largest health insurance providers for U.S. federal employees, retirees and their families.

What They Offer

GEHA offers a range of health plans including high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) and health maintenance organization (HMO) plans. Their plans provide coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and prescriptions. Many also offer dental and vision benefits.

Who Can Enroll

If you’re a U.S. government employee, annuitant, or family member, you may be eligible to enroll in a GEHA health plan. This includes employees of the U.S. Postal Service, non-Postal civilian employees, retirees, and family members. Certain TRICARE beneficiaries may also qualify for GEHA plans.

Why Choose GEHA?

There are a few reasons GEHA health insurance may appeal to you:

Large provider network. GEHA plans provide access to over 1 million doctors and hospitals nationwide.
Competitive rates. GEHA plans are very affordable, especially if your employer contributes to premiums.
Additional benefits. Some GEHA plans include dental, vision, and wellness programs at no extra cost.
Strong financial backing. GEHA plans are underwritten by some of the largest health insurers in the U.S., like Aetna and UnitedHealthcare. So you can feel confident they will pay out claims.

In summary, GEHA provides comprehensive yet budget-friendly health insurance to millions of Americans. If you’re a government employee or retiree, their plans are definitely worth considering.

Types of GEHA Health Plans

GEHA offers several health insurance plans to suit different needs and budgets.

High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

This lower-cost plan has higher out-of-pocket costs but lower premiums. It’s a good option if you rarely go to the doctor. You pay less each month but have a higher deductible. Once you meet the deductible, GEHA covers 100% of in-network care.

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)

GEHA deposits funds in your HRA account to help pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses. Any unused funds roll over to the next year. Premiums are higher than the HDHP but it has lower deductibles and copays. Great if you expect higher healthcare costs.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

The PPO offers the most comprehensive coverage. You pay higher monthly premiums in exchange for lower copays and coinsurance when using in-network doctors and hospitals. Out-of-network care is also covered but at a lower rate. If budget isn’t a concern, the PPO provides the most peace of mind.

In summary, GEHA has an option for however much coverage you need. By understanding the differences, you can choose a plan that gives you the best value and fit for your situation. The open enrollment period is the perfect time to review and make changes to your GEHA health insurance.

Who Is Eligible for GEHA Insurance Coverage?

Who can get GEHA health insurance coverage? GEHA offers coverage to a wide range of people, including:

Active and retired federal government employees, including postal workers. If you’re a current or former government employee, GEHA likely offers plans you’re eligible for.
Military members (active duty, retired) and their families. GEHA offers TRICARE plans for those currently or formerly in the military.
Family members of GEHA policyholders. Spouses, domestic partners, and children under age 26 can typically be added to GEHA plans.
Temporary federal employees. If you’re in a temporary government role, you may still qualify for certain GEHA plans, though benefits may differ from permanent employees. Check with GEHA for details.
Federal annuitants. If you receive an annuity from the federal government, including retirement pay or compensation, you’ll generally be eligible for GEHA’s plans for annuitants.

In summary, if you have a current or former connection to the U.S. federal government through employment, military service, or benefits, there’s a good chance you meet the eligibility criteria for GEHA health insurance. GEHA aims to provide high-quality, affordable coverage for the diverse range of people who serve or have served the U.S. government.

Benefits of Choosing GEHA Insurance

When it comes to health insurance, GEHA has a lot to offer. As the second largest national health plan, GEHA provides coverage for over 2 million Americans. Here are some of the main benefits of choosing GEHA insurance:

Comprehensive coverage. GEHA offers a range of plans that provide coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, emergency care, and more. Their plans cover all the essential health benefits required by the Affordable Care Act.
Large provider network. GEHA has contracts with over 1 million doctors and healthcare professionals as well as many urgent care clinics, hospitals and surgery centers across the U.S. Chances are your current doctor already accepts GEHA insurance or you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Competitive rates. GEHA is able to leverage its size to negotiate lower rates from healthcare providers. They pass on these savings to customers through affordable monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Additional perks. GEHA members have access to extra benefits like telehealth services, health and wellness programs, and discounts on vision, dental, and hearing care. Some plans also include coverage for alternative treatments like acupuncture and chiropractic care.
Strong financial backing. As a subsidiary of the Government Employees Health Association, Inc., GEHA has strong financial stability. They have an A rating from A.M. Best, indicating their ability to meet policyholder obligations. You can feel confident in GEHA’s ability to provide coverage for years to come.

In summary, GEHA offers comprehensive, affordable health insurance with a large network of providers and additional benefits for members. For many, GEHA hits the sweet spot of quality and value in health coverage.

How to Enroll in a GEHA Health Plan

Enrolling in a GEHA health insurance plan is straightforward. First, check if you’re eligible. GEHA plans are available to federal employees, retirees, and their families. If you qualify, here are the steps to enroll:

Visit the GEHA website

Head to geha.com and browse the plan options to choose what suits your needs. GEHA offers health plans at different coverage levels and price points. Compare details like deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and copays to find a good fit.

Review plan details

Once you’ve selected a plan, read through the specific details to understand what’s covered. See what doctors and hospitals are in the network, how much prescriptions cost, if dental or vision care are included, and more. Make sure you know exactly what the plan covers before enrolling.

Enroll during Open Season

The best time to enroll in a GEHA health plan is during the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program’s Open Season, usually each autumn. This is when you can sign up for a new plan or make changes to your existing coverage. Outside of Open Season, you typically can only enroll or make changes due to a qualifying life event like marriage, divorce, or having a baby.

Submit your enrollment

To enroll, submit a Health Benefits Election Form (SF 2809) either through your agency’s human resources office or via GEHA’s online portal. Provide information like who you want to cover under the plan and the level of coverage you choose. Once enrolled, your GEHA health insurance coverage will begin at the start of the next pay period.

That covers the key steps to enroll in a GEHA health plan. Following this process carefully will ensure you end up with comprehensive coverage you can feel good about. Let GEHA’s experienced support staff know if you have any other questions!

What does Geha stand for?

GEHA stands for Government Employees Health Association. It is a not-for-profit health insurance provider that offers health plans to government employees, retirees and their families.

A bit of history

GEHA was founded in 1937 to provide health insurance to government employees when private insurance was difficult to obtain. Today, it serves over 2 million members nationwide. GEHA is based in Lee’s Summit, Missouri and is licensed in all 50 states and Washington D.C.

As an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, GEHA utilizes the Blue Cross and Blue Shield networks and providers. However, GEHA sets its own premiums, benefit levels, and operating policies independently from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

GEHA offers a variety of health plans including high deductible plans, PPOs and HMOs. Coverage options include medical, dental, vision and insurance for federal employees including U.S. Postal Service workers. Many plans also include additional benefits like gym memberships, weight loss programs and an around-the-clock nurse hotline.

Overall, GEHA aims to provide affordable, comprehensive health insurance coverage to government employees and their families. With access to extensive provider networks and a variety of plans to choose from, GEHA health insurance plans offer good coverage and value. By understanding what GEHA stands for and a little of its history, you’ll have a better sense of what it offers and who it serves.

Is Geha a supplement?

GEHA insurance is not technically a supplement in itself. Rather, it refers to the Government Employees Health Association, Inc., which offers health insurance plans for federal employees, retirees and their families.

GEHA provides comprehensive health insurance coverage as an alternative to typical private insurance plans. Their plans meet the Affordable Care Act standards for minimum essential coverage. Some of the major medical insurance plans GEHA offers include:

-High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

-Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

-Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

While GEHA insurance provides primary coverage, members can choose to purchase supplemental insurance for additional benefits. Supplemental plans help cover out-of-pocket costs like copays, coinsurance and deductibles. They may also provide coverage for alternative care, vision and dental.

Some examples of supplemental insurance GEHA members can opt to buy include:

-Dental insurance

-Vision insurance

-Alternative care insurance (for acupuncture, massage, etc.)

-Hospital indemnity insurance

-Cancer or critical illness insurance

So in summary, GEHA itself provides comprehensive health insurance, not supplements. However, GEHA members have the option to purchase supplemental insurance plans for added benefits and cost savings. By combining a GEHA health plan with tailored supplemental coverage, members can create a benefits package suited to their specific healthcare needs and budget.

FAQS for what is geha insurance

Have some questions about GEHA insurance? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help clarify what GEHA insurance is all about.

What does GEHA stand for?

GEHA stands for Government Employees Health Association. It is a non-profit health insurance provider that serves federal employees, retirees and their families.

Who can enroll in GEHA insurance?

GEHA insurance is available to active and retired U.S. federal government employees and annuitants, including the U.S. Postal Service. Certain family members may also be eligible for coverage under a GEHA health plan.

What types of health plans does GEHA offer?

GEHA offers several health plan options including high deductible health plans (HDHPs) with health savings accounts (HSAs), preferred provider organization (PPO) plans, and health maintenance organization (HMO) plans. The plans offer comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits.

How do I enroll in GEHA insurance?

You can enroll in GEHA insurance during the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program open season or if you experience a qualifying life event. You will need to choose a GEHA health plan and complete the necessary enrollment forms, typically through the agency or retirement system that provides your benefits.

Does GEHA insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Yes, GEHA health plans cannot deny coverage or benefits due to a pre-existing condition, as prohibited by the Affordable Care Act. GEHA insurance covers pre-existing conditions for all members.

Where can I get more information about GEHA insurance?

Visit GEHA’s website at geha.com for full details on GEHA health plans, eligibility, enrollment, benefits, and more. You can also call GEHA’s customer service center at 800.296.0776 for additional questions about GEHA insurance.

Conclusion

So now you’ve got the basics on GEHA insurance down pat. As you’ve learned, GEHA provides affordable health insurance for federal employees, retirees and their families. With a variety of plans to choose from, competitive rates and lots of benefits, GEHA is a great option if you want high quality coverage that won’t break the bank.

The next step is to explore the specific plans in more detail to find the one that suits your needs and budget. Once you’ve picked your plan, you can enroll during the open season and start putting your coverage to good use. Congrats, you’re now all set to get the most out of your GEHA health insurance!