H.R.2193 - FEHB Protection Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2193, the FEHB Protection Act of 2025, aims to improve the integrity and oversight of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. It mandates verification of qualifying life events for adding family members to health plans and requires audits to ensure eligibility. The bill also increases funding for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and its Inspector General to enhance oversight and prevent fraud within the FEHB program, including the Postal Service Health Benefits Program.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely result in stricter enforcement of eligibility requirements for FEHB benefits. This could lead to the disenrollment of ineligible individuals and a reduction in fraudulent claims. Increased funding for oversight may improve the program's efficiency and reduce costs in the long run.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced fraud and improper payments within the FEHB program.
- Improved accuracy of enrollment data.
- Enhanced oversight and accountability of the FEHB program.
- More efficient use of taxpayer dollars allocated to federal employee health benefits.
- Potential for lower premiums for eligible participants due to reduced costs.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased administrative burden on OPM and employing offices.
- Potential delays in processing enrollment changes due to stricter verification requirements.
- Possible privacy concerns related to the verification of qualifying life events.
- Risk of mistakenly disenrolling eligible individuals due to errors in the verification process.
- Increased costs associated with audits and verification processes, at least in the short term.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on efficient use of government resources aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution. Congress has the power to legislate in areas necessary and proper for executing its enumerated powers, including providing benefits to federal employees. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or liberties.
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).