Key Takeaways:

1. FEGLI premiums vary based on the type of coverage, age, and other factors.
2. Understanding how to manage and potentially reduce these premiums can help you optimize your life insurance plan.

Breaking Down FEGLI Premiums: How Much Will It Cost You?

The Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program offers valuable life insurance coverage to federal employees and their families. However, understanding the costs associated with FEGLI premiums is crucial for making informed decisions about your coverage. This article breaks down FEGLI premiums, including basic and optional coverage, the impact of age on rates, the balance between government contributions and employee costs, and strategies for managing and reducing premiums.

Understanding Basic and Optional FEGLI Premiums

FEGLI provides several coverage options, each with its associated costs. The program includes Basic coverage and three types of Optional coverage: Option A, Option B, and Option C.

Basic Coverage Premiums

1. Coverage Amount: Basic coverage equals the employee’s annual basic pay rounded up to the next $1,000, plus an additional $2,000.
2. Premium Structure: The premium for Basic coverage is split between the federal government and the employee. The government pays one-third of the premium, and the employee pays the remaining two-thirds.
3. Age-Based Rates: Basic coverage premiums are based on the employee’s age, with rates increasing as the employee gets older.

Optional Coverage Premiums

Option A (Standard Optional Insurance)

1. Coverage Amount: Option A provides an additional $10,000 in life insurance coverage.
2. Premium Structure: Premiums for Option A are fully paid by the employee and are based on age, with rates increasing in five-year age brackets.

Option B (Additional Optional Insurance)

1. Coverage Amount: Option B allows employees to choose coverage in multiples of their annual basic pay, ranging from one to five times their salary.
2. Premium Structure: Premiums for Option B are age-based and increase as the employee moves into higher age brackets. Employees are responsible for the full cost of premiums.

Option C (Family Optional Insurance)

1. Coverage Amount: Option C provides coverage for the employee’s spouse and eligible dependent children. Employees can choose coverage in multiples of $5,000 for a spouse and $2,500 for each child, up to five multiples.
2. Premium Structure: Premiums for Option C are also age-based and increase with age. Employees pay the full cost of premiums.

Impact of Age on FEGLI Premium Rates

Age is a significant factor in determining FEGLI premiums. As employees age, the cost of maintaining their life insurance coverage increases, particularly for Optional coverage.

Basic Coverage Age-Based Rates

1. Young Employees: Younger employees benefit from lower Basic coverage premiums. For example, an employee under age 35 pays a lower rate compared to an older employee.
2. Older Employees: As employees age, the cost of Basic coverage increases. Employees over age 55, for example, will see higher premiums compared to their younger counterparts.

Optional Coverage Age-Based Rates

1. Option A: Premiums for Option A increase in five-year age brackets. For instance, an employee aged 40-44 will pay a lower rate compared to an employee aged 45-49.
2. Option B: Similar to Option A, premiums for Option B increase with age. The cost per $1,000 of coverage rises as the employee moves into higher age brackets.
3. Option C: Premiums for Option C also follow an age-based structure, with costs rising as the employee ages. This applies to both spouse and dependent child coverage.

Examples of Age-Based Premiums

1. Age 35 and Under: Basic coverage premiums are relatively low, and the costs for Optional coverage options are minimal.
2. Age 50-54: Premiums start to rise more noticeably. For example, Option B premiums per $1,000 of coverage are higher than for younger age brackets.
3. Age 60 and Over: Premiums reach their highest levels. Employees in this age bracket will pay significantly more for both Basic and Optional coverage compared to when they were younger.

Government Contributions vs. Employee Costs

Understanding the balance between government contributions and employee costs is essential for managing FEGLI premiums effectively.

Government Contribution to Basic Coverage

1. Cost Sharing: The federal government pays one-third of the Basic coverage premium, making it a cost-effective option for employees.
2. Employee Responsibility: Employees pay the remaining two-thirds of the Basic coverage premium through payroll deductions.

Employee Responsibility for Optional Coverage

1. Full Cost: Employees are responsible for the full cost of premiums for Optional coverage (Options A, B, and C). There is no government contribution to these premiums.
2. Payroll Deductions: Premiums for Optional coverage are deducted from the employee’s biweekly paycheck, making it convenient to manage but important to budget for.

Premium Payment After Retirement

1. Continuation into Retirement: Retirees can continue their FEGLI coverage into retirement if they meet specific requirements, such as being enrolled in the program for at least five years immediately before retirement or since their first opportunity to enroll.
2. Annuity Deductions: Premiums for Basic and Optional coverage are deducted from the retiree’s annuity payments, ensuring continuous coverage.

Tips for Managing and Reducing FEGLI Premiums

While FEGLI offers valuable life insurance coverage, premiums can become a significant expense, especially as you age. Here are strategies to manage and reduce FEGLI premiums:

Regularly Review Coverage Needs

1. Life Changes: Reevaluate your life insurance needs periodically, especially after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, or retirement. Adjust your coverage accordingly to ensure it meets your current needs without overpaying for unnecessary coverage.
2. Financial Responsibilities: Assess your financial responsibilities, such as debts, income replacement needs, and future expenses. Tailor your FEGLI coverage to align with these needs.

Consider Reducing Optional Coverage

1. Option B Multiples: As you age and premiums increase, consider reducing the number of multiples in your Option B coverage. This can help manage costs while still providing sufficient coverage.
2. Option C Coverage: Evaluate the necessity of Option C coverage for family members. If your children become financially independent or your spouse has other life insurance coverage, you might reduce or eliminate this coverage.

Explore Private Life Insurance Alternatives

1. Cost Comparison: Compare FEGLI premiums with private life insurance policies. In some cases, private policies may offer lower premiums or level premiums that do not increase with age.
2. Customizable Coverage: Private life insurance policies often provide more flexibility in coverage amounts and policy types, such as term life, whole life, or universal life insurance. These options might better meet your specific needs.

Take Advantage of Health Improvements

1. Health Improvements: If your health improves significantly, consider shopping for private life insurance policies. You may qualify for lower premiums compared to FEGLI, especially for Optional coverage.
2. Medical Underwriting: While private life insurance policies typically require medical underwriting, the potential savings from lower premiums can be substantial if you are in good health.

Maximize Employer Contributions

1. Leverage Basic Coverage: Take full advantage of the government’s contribution to Basic coverage. This cost-effective option provides a solid foundation of life insurance protection.
2. Supplement with Private Insurance: If FEGLI Optional coverage becomes too costly, consider supplementing Basic coverage with private life insurance to achieve the desired level of protection at a lower overall cost.

Conclusion

Understanding the costs associated with FEGLI premiums is essential for federal employees seeking to optimize their life insurance coverage. By comprehending the structure of Basic and Optional coverage premiums, the impact of age on rates, the balance between government contributions and employee costs, and strategies for managing and reducing premiums, you can make informed decisions about your life insurance needs. Regularly reviewing your coverage, considering private life insurance alternatives, and taking advantage of employer contributions can help you maintain financial security and ensure your loved ones are protected.

Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 2129517376

Bio:
M. Dutton and Associates is a full-service financial firm. We have been in business for over 30 years serving our community. Through comprehensive objective driven planning, we provide you with the research, analysis, and available options needed to guide you in implementing a sound plan for your retirement. We are committed to helping you achieve your goals. Visit us at MarvinDutton.com . Tel. 212-951-7376: email: [email protected].