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OPM RIN: 3206-AP08 Publication ID: 2026 
Title: ●Federal Employees Health Benefits Program: Verification requirements for family member coverage 
Abstract:

This final rule will fulfill the requirements of P.L. 119-21, which requires OPM to issue regulations by July 4, 2026 to: (1) verify a qualifying life event through which an FEHB or PSHB enrollee seeks to add a member of family to their enrollment and (2) confirm that any added individual is a covered family member, including in any Open Season.

 
Agency: Office of Personnel Management(OPM)  Priority: Economically Significant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Completed Actions 
Major: Undetermined  Unfunded Mandates: No 
EO 14192 Designation: Deregulatory 
CFR Citation: 5 CFR 890   
Legal Authority: Pub. L. 119-21   
Legal Deadline:
Action Source Description Date
Final  Statutory    07/04/2026 

Statement of Need:

P.L. 119-21 requires that OPM to issue regulations by July 4, 2026 to: (1) verify a qualifying life event through which an FEHB or PSHB enrollee seeks to add a member of family to their enrollment; and (2) confirm that the added individual is a covered family member, including in any Open Season.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits:

OPM estimates the effect of the regulation and subsequent audit could create net savings, depending on the discount rate and the actual rate of ineligible family members identified and removed from coverage.
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Final Rule  06/02/2026  91 FR 32875   
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: Federal 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: Undetermined 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Ms Louise Yinug
Healthcare and Insurance (HI)
Office of Personnel Management
1900 E Street NW,
Washington, DC 20415-8200
Phone:202 972-0913
Fax:202 606-4640
Email: louise.yinug@opm.gov