Overview
Title
Submission for Review: Health Benefits Cancellation/Suspension Confirmation, RI 79-9
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Office of Personnel Management wants people to share their thoughts about a form that lets retired government workers stop or pause their health benefits. They want to know if the form is clear and easy to understand and what might happen if people fill it out.
Summary AI
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued a notice inviting comments on a form related to the Health Benefits Cancellation/Suspension Confirmation, identified as RI 79-9, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This form is used by federal annuitants to cancel or suspend their Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) Program enrollment and informs them of the implications, such as being unable to re-enroll in the future, except under specific conditions. The OPM is seeking public feedback on various aspects of the form, including its necessity, clarity, and the impact on individuals filling it out. The deadline for submitting comments is June 23, 2025.
Abstract
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is proposing approval of a collection currently in use without approval. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Retirement Services offers the general public and other federal agencies the opportunity to comment on the collection Health Benefits Cancellation/Suspension Confirmation, RI 79-9.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document under review involves a notice from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regarding a form, RI 79-9, which is related to the cancellation or suspension of health benefits for federal employees. This notice is part of the regulatory process required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The form is currently in use but lacks official approval. The document calls upon the public and other federal agencies to provide feedback on various aspects of the form.
General Overview
The form RI 79-9 serves a specific purpose for federal annuitants, allowing them to cancel or suspend their enrollment in the Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) Program. It details the serious implications of these actions, such as the inability to re-enroll, with some exceptions. The Office of Personnel Management is inviting comments on this form, ensuring it meets its functional requirements effectively and efficiently. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their input by June 23, 2025, through the Federal Rulemaking Portal.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One significant issue highlighted is the use of a collection without prior approval, which may indicate a failure in adhering to regulatory standards. The notice could be more accessible if it simplified complex bureaucratic language and concepts for better public understanding. Use of phrases like "Cancellation (Options A & B)" could confuse readers if they are not accompanied by adequate explanations or definitions.
Additionally, while the notice requests comments on the form, it lacks a user-friendly approach that might engage the public more effectively — particularly individuals who may find it challenging to navigate governmental processes.
Impact on the General Public
This notice affects federal annuitants who might be considering changes to their health benefit plans. A clear understanding of the implications of canceling or suspending their health benefits is critical, given the potential inability to re-enroll. The comments on the form could lead to improvements that make the form and the process surrounding it more user-friendly and comprehensive.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For specific stakeholders like federal employees and retirees, this form is crucial because it dictates the terms of their health benefits. The potential inability to re-enroll without specific conditions can have significant long-term consequences. The changes made to the RI 79-9 form, such as the inclusion of privacy and public burden statements, are intended to address these concerns more effectively.
Ambiguity remains in the process of technological submissions and the accompanying methods, which could affect how easily stakeholders can interact with the system. Clearer guidelines and a more approachable style could empower stakeholders, encouraging broader participation in providing useful feedback.
Overall, while the notice is an essential part of maintaining regulatory processes and ensuring that stakeholder needs are met, there is room for improvement in its approach to engaging public participation and articulating critical information clearly.
Issues
• The document mentions a collection in use without approval, which may suggest a lapse in regulatory compliance.
• The use of terms like 'Cancellation (Options A & B)' could confuse readers without additional context or definitions.
• The explanation about the consequences of cancelling FEHB coverage is complex and could benefit from simplification for better public understanding.
• The document follows a standard format but uses bureaucratic language that might be difficult for some readers to comprehend.
• Specific details regarding the changes made to the RI 79-9 form could be more explicitly stated for clearer understanding.
• There is potential inconsistency concerning technological collection techniques, implying a need for more clarity on what methods are acceptable or preferred.
• The document requests comments but does not provide enough encouragement or simplicity in the process to engage the general population effectively.