Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program Eligibility Changes, 67377-67379 [2014-26779]
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67377
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 79, No. 219
Thursday, November 13, 2014
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
OFFICE OF PERSONNEL
MANAGEMENT
5 CFR Part 875
RIN 3206–AN05
Federal Long Term Care Insurance
Program Eligibility Changes
U.S. Office of Personnel
Management.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
The United States Office of
Personnel Management (OPM) is
proposing to amend the Federal Long
Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP)
regulation to expand eligibility to apply
for coverage under the Program. Under
the proposed regulation, the definition
of ‘‘qualified relative’’ is expanded to
cover all individuals who are domestic
partners (both same-sex and oppositesex) of Federal and U.S. Postal Service
employees, annuitants, members of the
uniformed services, and retired
members of the uniformed services. In
addition, the proposed regulation
provides that adult children of domestic
partners will be considered one of the
types of individuals comprising the
statutory term ‘‘qualified relative’’ who
may apply for FLTCIP coverage.
DATES: Comments are due on or before
January 12, 2015.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments to
Ronald Brown, Policy Analyst, Planning
& Policy Analysis, Office of Personnel
Management, 1900 E Street NW.,
Washington, DC 20415–9700; or deliver
to OPM, Room 2309, 1900 E Street NW.,
Washington, DC; or FAX to (202) 606–
0636. Comments may also be sent
through the Federal eRulemaking Portal
at: https://www.regulations.gov. All
submissions received through the Portal
must include the agency name and
docket number or the Regulation
Identifier Number (RIN) for this
rulemaking.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ronald Brown, Policy Analyst, (202)
606–0004, or by email to
Ronald.Brown@opm.gov.
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SUMMARY:
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In support
of the President’s Memoranda of June
17, 2009 and June 2, 2010, concerning
Federal Benefits and NonDiscrimination, OPM has identified
certain benefits under FLTCIP that may
be extended to additional individuals
consistent with existing law, whose
relationship to the workforce member is
considered to constitute a family
relationship. The proposed regulation
enhances the ability of Federal agencies
to provide for the needs of an
increasingly diverse workforce. OPM
changed its regulation on June 1, 2010
to allow same-sex domestic partners of
employees and annuitants to apply for
FLTCIP coverage as a qualified relative.
OPM now proposes to expand the term
‘‘qualified relative’’ to include all
individuals who are domestic partners
(both same-sex and opposite-sex) of
employees, annuitants, members of the
uniformed services and retired members
of the uniformed services. In addition,
OPM’s June 1, 2010 regulation did not
include same-sex domestic partners of
members of the uniformed services.
This proposed regulation includes
domestic partners, both same-sex and
opposite-sex, of members and retired
members of the uniformed services.
Additionally, just as is currently
required for same-sex domestic partners,
newly eligible individuals (both samesex and opposite-sex) will be required to
provide documentation to establish that
they meet the regulatory criteria for
domestic partners.
Finally, OPM has determined that
eligibility may be extended to adult
children of domestic partners by
defining the term ‘‘stepchild,’’ which is
one of the types of individuals
comprising the statutory term ‘‘qualified
relative,’’ to include the child of a
domestic partner. The definition of
‘‘stepchild’’ set forth in this proposed
regulation appropriately encompasses
and reflects the variety of parent-child
relationships that exist today.
The proposed changes and
clarifications are:
Changes:
(1) We propose to expand the
definition of ‘‘qualified relative’’ under
5 U.S.C. 9001(5)(D) to include both
same-sex and opposite sex domestic
partners of Federal and U.S. Postal
Service employees and annuitants and
members and retired members of the
uniformed services. This revision can be
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
found in section 875.101 and 875.213 of
the proposed rule.
(2) We propose to expand the
definition of ‘‘qualified relative’’ to
include adult children of domestic
partners of Federal and U.S. Postal
Service employees and annuitants, and
members and retired members of the
uniformed services consistent with
Presidential Memoranda issued on June
17, 2009 and June 2, 2010. This revision
can be found in section 875.101 of the
proposed rule.
(3) We propose that the workforce
member or his or her domestic partner
must provide notice to the employing
office if at any time between the time of
application and the time coverage is
scheduled to go into effect, any of the
conditions for a domestic partnership
are no longer met, in which case a
domestic partnership is deemed
terminated. Such notification must be
made as soon as possible, but in no
event later than thirty calendar days
after such conditions are no longer met.
This change can be found in 875.101 of
the proposed rule.
(4) As is currently the case for samesex domestic partners, opposite-sex
domestic partners will be required to
provide documentation to establish that
they meet the criteria for domestic
partners. This revision can be found in
section 875.101 of the proposed rule.
(5) This proposed rule makes other
technical conforming amendments to
the FLTCIP rules that would be
amended by this proposed rule. These
changes can be found in section 875.405
of the proposed rule.
Clarification:
(1) We clarify that once coverage has
begun, termination of a domestic
partnership does not terminate a
domestic partner’s insurance coverage
as long as the Carrier continues to
receive the required premium when
due. This revision can be found in
section 875.412 of the changes.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
I certify that this regulation will not
have a significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities
because the regulation only adds
additional groups to the list of groups
eligible to apply for coverage under the
FLTCIP. The FLTCIP is a voluntary, selfpay, benefits program with no
Government contribution.
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13NOP1
67378
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 219 / Thursday, November 13, 2014 / Proposed Rules
Executive Order 12866, Regulatory
Review
This rule has been reviewed by the
Office of Management and Budget in
accordance with Executive Order 12866.
Federalism
We have examined this rule in
accordance with Executive Order 13132,
Federalism, and have determined that
this rule will not have any negative
impact on the rights, roles and
responsibilities of State, local, or tribal
governments.
List of Subjects in 5 CFR Part 875
Administrative practice and
procedure, Employee benefit plans,
Government contracts, Government
employees, health insurance, military
personnel, organization and functions,
Retirement.
U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
Katherine Archuleta,
Director, U.S. Office of Personnel
Management.
Accordingly, OPM is proposing to
amend 5 CFR part 875 as follows:
PART 875—FEDERAL LONG TERM
CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM
1. The authority citation for part 875
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 9008.
Subpart A—Administration and
General Provisions
2. Section 875.101 is amended by
revising the definitions of ‘‘domestic
partner’’ and ‘‘domestic partnership’’
and by adding in alphabetical order a
definition of ‘‘stepchild(ren)’’ to read as
follows:
■
§ 875.101
Definitions.
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*
*
*
*
*
Domestic partner is defined as a
person in a domestic partnership with
an employee, annuitant, member of the
uniformed services, or retired member
of the uniformed services.
Domestic partnership means:
(1) A committed relationship between
two adults, of the opposite sex or same
sex, in which the partners—
(i) Are each other’s sole domestic
partner and intend to remain so
indefinitely;
(ii) Maintain a common residence,
and intend to continue to do so (or
would maintain a common residence
but for an assignment abroad or other
employment-related, financial, or
similar obstacle);
(iii) Are at least 18 years of age and
mentally competent to consent to a
contract;
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(iv) Share responsibility for a
significant measure of each other’s
financial obligations;
(v) Are not married or joined in a civil
union to anyone else;
(vi) Are not a domestic partner of
anyone else;
(vii) Are not related in a way that
would prohibit legal marriage in the
U.S. jurisdiction in which the domestic
partnership was formed;
(viii) Provide documentation
demonstrating fulfillment of the
requirements of (i) through (vii) as
prescribed by OPM; and
(ix) Certify that they understand that
willful falsification of the
documentation described in
subparagraph (viii) of this section may
lead to disciplinary action and the
recovery of the cost of benefits received
related to such falsification and may
constitute a criminal violation under 18
U.S.C. 1001.
(2) You or your domestic partner must
notify the employing office if at any
time between the time of application
and the time coverage is scheduled to go
into effect, any of the conditions listed
in paragraphs (1)(i) through (vii) of this
definition are no longer met, in which
case a domestic partnership is deemed
terminated. Such notification must be
made as soon as possible, but in no
event later than thirty calendar days
after such conditions are no longer met.
*
*
*
*
*
Stepchild(ren), as set forth in section
9001 of title 5, United States Code,
means the child(ren) of the spouse or
domestic partner of an employee,
annuitant, member of the uniformed
services, or retired member of the
uniformed services.
*
*
*
*
*
Subpart B—Eligibility
3. Section 875.208 is revised to read
as follows:
■
§ 875.208 May I apply as a qualified
relative if the person on whom I am basing
my eligibility status has died?
You may not apply as a qualified
relative if the workforce member on
whom you are basing your qualified
relative status died prior to the time you
apply for coverage, unless you are
receiving a survivor annuity as the
spouse or an insurable interest annuity
as the domestic partner of a deceased
workforce member. In this case, your
adult children and your current spouse
or domestic partner are also considered
to be qualified relatives.
■ 4. In § 875.213, paragraph (a) is
revised to read as follows:
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Frm 00002
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
§ 875.213 May I apply as a qualified
relative if I am the domestic partner of a
workforce member?
(a) You may apply for coverage as a
qualified relative if you are a domestic
partner, as described in section 875.101
of this chapter. As prescribed by OPM,
you will be required to provide
documentation to demonstrate that you
meet these requirements, and you must
submit to full underwriting
requirements. However, as explained in
section 875.210 of this chapter, if you
lose your status as a domestic partner,
and therefore a qualified relative, before
your coverage goes into effect, you are
no longer eligible for FLTCIP coverage.
*
*
*
*
*
Subpart D—Coverage
5. Section 875.405 is revised to read
as follows:
■
§ 875.405 If I marry, may my new spouse
apply for coverage? If I become a domestic
partner, may my new domestic partner
apply for coverage? May other qualified
relatives apply for coverage?
(a)(1) If you are an active workforce
member and you have married, your
spouse is eligible to submit an
application for coverage under this
section within 60 days from the date of
your marriage and will be subject to the
underwriting requirements in force for
the spouses of active workforce
members during the most recent open
season. You, however, are not eligible
for abbreviated underwriting because of
your marriage. You, your spouse, or
both you and your spouse may apply for
coverage during this 60-day period, but
full underwriting will be required for
you. After 60 days from the date of your
marriage, you and/or your spouse may
still apply for coverage but will be
subject to full underwriting.
(2) If you are an active workforce
member and you have entered into a
domestic partnership, your domestic
partner is eligible to submit an
application for coverage under this
section at any time from the
commencing date of your domestic
partnership and will be subject to full
underwriting requirements. You are not
eligible for abbreviated underwriting
because of your domestic partnership.
You, your domestic partner, or both you
and your domestic partner may apply
for coverage at any time, but full
underwriting will be required for both
of you.
(b) The new spouse or domestic
partner of an annuitant or retired
member of the uniformed services may
apply for coverage with full
underwriting at any time following the
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 219 / Thursday, November 13, 2014 / Proposed Rules
marriage or commencing date of the
domestic partnership.
(c) Other qualified relative(s) of a
workforce member may apply for
coverage with full underwriting at any
time following the marriage or
commencing date of the domestic
partnership.
■ 6. In § 875.412, the introductory text
is revised and paragraph (e) is added to
read as follows:
§ 875.412 When will my coverage
terminate?
Except as provided in paragraph (e) of
this section, your coverage will
terminate on the earliest of the
following dates:
*
*
*
*
*
(e) Termination of a domestic
partnership does not terminate
insurance coverage as long as the Carrier
continues to receive the required
premium when due.
[FR Doc. 2014–26779 Filed 11–12–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6325–63–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2014–0756; Directorate
Identifier 2014–NM–103–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all the
Boeing Company Model 707 airplanes,
and Model 720 and 720B series
airplanes. This proposed AD is intended
to complete certain mandated programs
intended to support the airplane
reaching its limit of validity (LOV) of
the engineering data that support the
established structural maintenance
program. This proposed AD would
require repetitive inspections for
cracking of the inboard and outboard
midspar fittings of the nacelle struts and
of the torque bulkhead, midspar chords,
drag fitting, and front spar support, and
doing applicable related investigative
and corrective actions; replacing the
midspar fittings; and doing other
specified actions. We are proposing this
AD to detect and correct cracking in the
midspar fittings of the inboard and
outboard nacelle struts, which could
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SUMMARY:
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16:47 Nov 12, 2014
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result in the loss of the structural
integrity of the midspar fitting. This
condition could cause an unsafe
separation of the engine and consequent
wing fire.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by December 29,
2014.
You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data
& Services Management, P.O. Box 3707,
MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207;
telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1;
fax 206–766–5680; Internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view
this referenced service information at
the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call 425–227–1221.
ADDRESSES:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2014–
0756; or in person at the Docket
Management Facility between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this proposed AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket Office
(phone: 800–647–5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Chandra Ramdoss, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM–120L, FAA, Los
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone:
562–627–5239; fax: 562–627–5210;
email: chandraduth.ramdoss@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
67379
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposal. Send your comments to
an address listed under the ADDRESSES
section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2014–0756; Directorate Identifier 2014–
NM–103–AD’’ at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this
proposed AD because of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
Discussion
As described in FAA Advisory
Circular 120–104 (https://www.faa.gov/
documentLibrary/media/Advisory_
Circular/120-104.pdf), several programs
have been developed to support
initiatives that will ensure the
continued airworthiness of aging
airplane structure. The last element of
those initiatives is the requirement to
establish a limit of validity (LOV) of the
engineering data that support the
structural maintenance program under
14 CFR 26.21. This proposed AD is the
result of an assessment of the previously
established programs by Boeing during
the process of establishing the LOV for
Model 707 airplanes and Model 720 and
720B series airplanes. The actions
specified in this proposed AD are
necessary to complete certain programs
to ensure the continued airworthiness of
aging airplane structure and to support
an airplane reaching its LOV.
We received reports of cracked
midspar fittings on the inboard and
outboard nacelle struts. The airplanes
had accumulated between 9,900 and
63,000 total flight hours. Five of these
airplanes had cracked midspar fittings
that resulted in separation of the
inboard strut and engine from the
airplane inflight. In two of those events
the inboard nacelle strut contacted the
outboard engine, causing it to separate
from the airplane. Operators have also
reported cracking in the transition
radius of the inboard and outboard
midspar fittings of the nacelle struts of
the numbers 1 and 4 engines.
The reported cracks on the inboard
and outboard midspar fittings of the
nacelle struts of engines numbers 1, 2,
3, and 4 were found to be vertical at the
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 219 (Thursday, November 13, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 67377-67379]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-26779]
========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 219 / Thursday, November 13, 2014 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 67377]]
OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
5 CFR Part 875
RIN 3206-AN05
Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program Eligibility Changes
AGENCY: U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is
proposing to amend the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program
(FLTCIP) regulation to expand eligibility to apply for coverage under
the Program. Under the proposed regulation, the definition of
``qualified relative'' is expanded to cover all individuals who are
domestic partners (both same-sex and opposite-sex) of Federal and U.S.
Postal Service employees, annuitants, members of the uniformed
services, and retired members of the uniformed services. In addition,
the proposed regulation provides that adult children of domestic
partners will be considered one of the types of individuals comprising
the statutory term ``qualified relative'' who may apply for FLTCIP
coverage.
DATES: Comments are due on or before January 12, 2015.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Ronald Brown, Policy Analyst,
Planning & Policy Analysis, Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E
Street NW., Washington, DC 20415-9700; or deliver to OPM, Room 2309,
1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC; or FAX to (202) 606-0636. Comments
may also be sent through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at: https://www.regulations.gov. All submissions received through the Portal must
include the agency name and docket number or the Regulation Identifier
Number (RIN) for this rulemaking.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ronald Brown, Policy Analyst, (202)
606-0004, or by email to Ronald.Brown@opm.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In support of the President's Memoranda of
June 17, 2009 and June 2, 2010, concerning Federal Benefits and Non-
Discrimination, OPM has identified certain benefits under FLTCIP that
may be extended to additional individuals consistent with existing law,
whose relationship to the workforce member is considered to constitute
a family relationship. The proposed regulation enhances the ability of
Federal agencies to provide for the needs of an increasingly diverse
workforce. OPM changed its regulation on June 1, 2010 to allow same-sex
domestic partners of employees and annuitants to apply for FLTCIP
coverage as a qualified relative. OPM now proposes to expand the term
``qualified relative'' to include all individuals who are domestic
partners (both same-sex and opposite-sex) of employees, annuitants,
members of the uniformed services and retired members of the uniformed
services. In addition, OPM's June 1, 2010 regulation did not include
same-sex domestic partners of members of the uniformed services. This
proposed regulation includes domestic partners, both same-sex and
opposite-sex, of members and retired members of the uniformed services.
Additionally, just as is currently required for same-sex domestic
partners, newly eligible individuals (both same-sex and opposite-sex)
will be required to provide documentation to establish that they meet
the regulatory criteria for domestic partners.
Finally, OPM has determined that eligibility may be extended to
adult children of domestic partners by defining the term ``stepchild,''
which is one of the types of individuals comprising the statutory term
``qualified relative,'' to include the child of a domestic partner. The
definition of ``stepchild'' set forth in this proposed regulation
appropriately encompasses and reflects the variety of parent-child
relationships that exist today.
The proposed changes and clarifications are:
Changes:
(1) We propose to expand the definition of ``qualified relative''
under 5 U.S.C. 9001(5)(D) to include both same-sex and opposite sex
domestic partners of Federal and U.S. Postal Service employees and
annuitants and members and retired members of the uniformed services.
This revision can be found in section 875.101 and 875.213 of the
proposed rule.
(2) We propose to expand the definition of ``qualified relative''
to include adult children of domestic partners of Federal and U.S.
Postal Service employees and annuitants, and members and retired
members of the uniformed services consistent with Presidential
Memoranda issued on June 17, 2009 and June 2, 2010. This revision can
be found in section 875.101 of the proposed rule.
(3) We propose that the workforce member or his or her domestic
partner must provide notice to the employing office if at any time
between the time of application and the time coverage is scheduled to
go into effect, any of the conditions for a domestic partnership are no
longer met, in which case a domestic partnership is deemed terminated.
Such notification must be made as soon as possible, but in no event
later than thirty calendar days after such conditions are no longer
met. This change can be found in 875.101 of the proposed rule.
(4) As is currently the case for same-sex domestic partners,
opposite-sex domestic partners will be required to provide
documentation to establish that they meet the criteria for domestic
partners. This revision can be found in section 875.101 of the proposed
rule.
(5) This proposed rule makes other technical conforming amendments
to the FLTCIP rules that would be amended by this proposed rule. These
changes can be found in section 875.405 of the proposed rule.
Clarification:
(1) We clarify that once coverage has begun, termination of a
domestic partnership does not terminate a domestic partner's insurance
coverage as long as the Carrier continues to receive the required
premium when due. This revision can be found in section 875.412 of the
changes.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
I certify that this regulation will not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small entities because the regulation
only adds additional groups to the list of groups eligible to apply for
coverage under the FLTCIP. The FLTCIP is a voluntary, self-pay,
benefits program with no Government contribution.
[[Page 67378]]
Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Review
This rule has been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget
in accordance with Executive Order 12866.
Federalism
We have examined this rule in accordance with Executive Order
13132, Federalism, and have determined that this rule will not have any
negative impact on the rights, roles and responsibilities of State,
local, or tribal governments.
List of Subjects in 5 CFR Part 875
Administrative practice and procedure, Employee benefit plans,
Government contracts, Government employees, health insurance, military
personnel, organization and functions, Retirement.
U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
Katherine Archuleta,
Director, U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
Accordingly, OPM is proposing to amend 5 CFR part 875 as follows:
PART 875--FEDERAL LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM
0
1. The authority citation for part 875 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 9008.
Subpart A--Administration and General Provisions
0
2. Section 875.101 is amended by revising the definitions of ``domestic
partner'' and ``domestic partnership'' and by adding in alphabetical
order a definition of ``stepchild(ren)'' to read as follows:
Sec. 875.101 Definitions.
* * * * *
Domestic partner is defined as a person in a domestic partnership
with an employee, annuitant, member of the uniformed services, or
retired member of the uniformed services.
Domestic partnership means:
(1) A committed relationship between two adults, of the opposite
sex or same sex, in which the partners--
(i) Are each other's sole domestic partner and intend to remain so
indefinitely;
(ii) Maintain a common residence, and intend to continue to do so
(or would maintain a common residence but for an assignment abroad or
other employment-related, financial, or similar obstacle);
(iii) Are at least 18 years of age and mentally competent to
consent to a contract;
(iv) Share responsibility for a significant measure of each other's
financial obligations;
(v) Are not married or joined in a civil union to anyone else;
(vi) Are not a domestic partner of anyone else;
(vii) Are not related in a way that would prohibit legal marriage
in the U.S. jurisdiction in which the domestic partnership was formed;
(viii) Provide documentation demonstrating fulfillment of the
requirements of (i) through (vii) as prescribed by OPM; and
(ix) Certify that they understand that willful falsification of the
documentation described in subparagraph (viii) of this section may lead
to disciplinary action and the recovery of the cost of benefits
received related to such falsification and may constitute a criminal
violation under 18 U.S.C. 1001.
(2) You or your domestic partner must notify the employing office
if at any time between the time of application and the time coverage is
scheduled to go into effect, any of the conditions listed in paragraphs
(1)(i) through (vii) of this definition are no longer met, in which
case a domestic partnership is deemed terminated. Such notification
must be made as soon as possible, but in no event later than thirty
calendar days after such conditions are no longer met.
* * * * *
Stepchild(ren), as set forth in section 9001 of title 5, United
States Code, means the child(ren) of the spouse or domestic partner of
an employee, annuitant, member of the uniformed services, or retired
member of the uniformed services.
* * * * *
Subpart B--Eligibility
0
3. Section 875.208 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 875.208 May I apply as a qualified relative if the person on
whom I am basing my eligibility status has died?
You may not apply as a qualified relative if the workforce member
on whom you are basing your qualified relative status died prior to the
time you apply for coverage, unless you are receiving a survivor
annuity as the spouse or an insurable interest annuity as the domestic
partner of a deceased workforce member. In this case, your adult
children and your current spouse or domestic partner are also
considered to be qualified relatives.
0
4. In Sec. 875.213, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 875.213 May I apply as a qualified relative if I am the domestic
partner of a workforce member?
(a) You may apply for coverage as a qualified relative if you are a
domestic partner, as described in section 875.101 of this chapter. As
prescribed by OPM, you will be required to provide documentation to
demonstrate that you meet these requirements, and you must submit to
full underwriting requirements. However, as explained in section
875.210 of this chapter, if you lose your status as a domestic partner,
and therefore a qualified relative, before your coverage goes into
effect, you are no longer eligible for FLTCIP coverage.
* * * * *
Subpart D--Coverage
0
5. Section 875.405 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 875.405 If I marry, may my new spouse apply for coverage? If I
become a domestic partner, may my new domestic partner apply for
coverage? May other qualified relatives apply for coverage?
(a)(1) If you are an active workforce member and you have married,
your spouse is eligible to submit an application for coverage under
this section within 60 days from the date of your marriage and will be
subject to the underwriting requirements in force for the spouses of
active workforce members during the most recent open season. You,
however, are not eligible for abbreviated underwriting because of your
marriage. You, your spouse, or both you and your spouse may apply for
coverage during this 60-day period, but full underwriting will be
required for you. After 60 days from the date of your marriage, you
and/or your spouse may still apply for coverage but will be subject to
full underwriting.
(2) If you are an active workforce member and you have entered into
a domestic partnership, your domestic partner is eligible to submit an
application for coverage under this section at any time from the
commencing date of your domestic partnership and will be subject to
full underwriting requirements. You are not eligible for abbreviated
underwriting because of your domestic partnership. You, your domestic
partner, or both you and your domestic partner may apply for coverage
at any time, but full underwriting will be required for both of you.
(b) The new spouse or domestic partner of an annuitant or retired
member of the uniformed services may apply for coverage with full
underwriting at any time following the
[[Page 67379]]
marriage or commencing date of the domestic partnership.
(c) Other qualified relative(s) of a workforce member may apply for
coverage with full underwriting at any time following the marriage or
commencing date of the domestic partnership.
0
6. In Sec. 875.412, the introductory text is revised and paragraph (e)
is added to read as follows:
Sec. 875.412 When will my coverage terminate?
Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, your coverage
will terminate on the earliest of the following dates:
* * * * *
(e) Termination of a domestic partnership does not terminate
insurance coverage as long as the Carrier continues to receive the
required premium when due.
[FR Doc. 2014-26779 Filed 11-12-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6325-63-P
