H.R.1287 - Fix FEDVIP Age Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1287, the Fix FEDVIP Age Act, proposes amending Title 5 of the United States Code to extend Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) coverage to dependent children under the age of 26. Currently, the coverage extends to age 22. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 13, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
The primary aim of this bill is to align FEDVIP eligibility with the Affordable Care Act, which allows dependent children to remain on their parents' health insurance until age 26. This change seeks to provide more comprehensive benefits to federal employees and their families.
The bill's short title is the "Fix FEDVIP Age Act."
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is to increase the number of individuals covered under the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). This would provide dental and vision benefits to a larger pool of young adults who are dependents of federal employees.
This expansion of coverage could lead to increased utilization of dental and vision services. It may also result in higher premiums for the FEDVIP program, though this is not explicitly stated in the bill.
Ultimately, the bill aims to offer more comprehensive benefits to federal employees and their families, potentially improving their overall health and well-being.
Potential Benefits
- Extends dental and vision coverage to more young adults, potentially improving their access to healthcare.
- Aligns FEDVIP eligibility with the Affordable Care Act, creating consistency in dependent coverage.
- Provides financial relief to families by allowing dependent children to remain on their parents' insurance.
- May lead to earlier detection and treatment of dental and vision issues, improving long-term health outcomes.
- Could enhance the attractiveness of federal employment by offering more comprehensive benefits packages.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in premiums for all FEDVIP participants due to the expanded coverage pool.
- Increased utilization of dental and vision services could strain the program's resources.
- Administrative costs associated with managing a larger pool of beneficiaries.
- Possible adverse selection if healthier young adults opt out, leading to a less healthy risk pool.
- The bill does not address the cost implications for the federal government or employees.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve the health and well-being of federal employees and their families. The Constitution does not explicitly address health insurance or dependent coverage.
Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to make laws that are necessary and proper for carrying into execution the powers vested by the Constitution in the government of the United States. Providing benefits to federal employees falls under this purview.
There are no apparent constitutional conflicts arising from this bill, as it does not infringe upon individual liberties or rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).