# FEHB Terminates After 365 Days LWOP

Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage automatically terminates for federal employees on Leave Without Pay (LWOP) after 365 days unless the employee pays the full premium, including the government's share. Continuation of FEHB beyond this period is generally not permitted unless the employee separates and elects Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC). Disability retirement may offer options to maintain benefits depending on agency policies and the nature of the disability. Procurement professionals and contractors supporting federal HR and benefits administration should be aware of these rules as they impact employee benefits management and potential service requirements.

- **Why this matters:** Agencies must ensure accurate benefits administration systems to track LWOP durations and premium payments to avoid coverage lapses.
- Contractors providing HR, payroll, or benefits services should incorporate these FEHB termination rules into their compliance and system design.
- Understanding disability retirement options related to FEHB can inform advisory services and benefits counseling offerings.
- Agencies and vendors should coordinate to provide clear guidance to employees to reduce administrative errors and support workforce retention strategies.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Professional Services
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 24, 2026

### Government Entities
- Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB)

### Key Quotes
> You illness doesn’t have to be work related to medically retire nor do you need 20 years, you can retire based on a permanent disability and keep febh or apply for Medicare. Reach out to your HR specialist.
> — Anonymous commenter

### Sources
- [FEHB after 365 LWOP](https://www.reddit.com/r/FedEmployees/comments/1wp09ys/fehb_after_365_lwop) - reddit-fedemployees