Article 21 Benefit Plans

Article 21 Benefit Plans

Section 21.1 Health Benefits

The method for determining the Employer bi-weekly contributions to the cost of employee health insurance programs under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) will be as follows:

1. The Office of Personnel Management shall calculate the subscription charges under the FEHBP that will be in effect the following January with respect to self only, self plus one, and self and family enrollments.
2. The bi-weekly Employer contribution for self only, self plus one, and self and family plans is adjusted to an amount equal to 73.0% in 2020, and 72.0% in 2021 and 2022 of the weighted average bi-weekly premiums under the FEHBP as determined by the Office of Personnel Management. The adjustment begins on the effective date determined by the Office of Personnel Management in January 2020, January 2021, and January 2022.
3. The weight to be given to a particular subscription charge for each FEHB plan and option will be based on the number of enrollees in each such plan and option for whom contributions have been received from employers covered by the FEHBP as determined by the Office of Personnel Management.
4. The amount necessary to pay the total charge for enrollment after the Employer's contribution is deducted shall be withheld from the pay of each enrolled employee. To the extent permitted by law, the Employer shall permit employees covered by this Agreement to make their premium contributions to the cost of each plan on a pre-tax basis, and shall extend eligibility to such employees for the U.S. Postal Service's flexible spending account plans for unreimbursed health care expenses and work-related child care and elder care expenses as authorized under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code.
5. The limitation upon the Employer's contribution towards any individual employee shall be 76.0% in 2020 and 75% in 2021 and 2022 of the subscription charge under the FEHBP in 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Section 21.2 Life Insurance

The Employer shall maintain the current life insurance program in effect during the term of this Agreement.

Section 21.3 Retirement

The provisions of Chapters 83 and 84 of Title 5 U.S. Code, and any amendments thereto, shall continue to apply to employees covered by this Agreement.

Section 21.4 Injury Compensation

Employees covered by this Agreement shall be covered by subchapter I of Chapter 81 of Title 5, and any amendments thereto, relating to compensation for work injuries. The Employer will promulgate appropriate regulations which comply with applicable regulations of the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs and any amendments thereto.

Section 21.5 Health Benefit Brochures

When a new employee who is eligible for enrollment in the Federal Employee's Health Benefit Program enters the Postal Service, the employee shall be furnished a copy of the Health Benefit Plan brochure of the Union.

[See Memo, page 196]