HEALTH CARE #9

When one studies the FEHB program(s) it goes without saying that the biggest employer in the country is the Federal Government; its agencies and quasi official agencies. As such it has the biggest clout in contracting with the many commercial providers of health insurances to offer rates for various programs that are much lower than those available to the general public either as a group or individual.

For a outline of the Federal Government and its agencies go to “http://bensguide.gpo.gov/files/gov_chart.pdf”

(This is not a link, you will have to paste it in the address box) You will be astounded by the magnitude of the chart. Not included of course are the Independent agencies of the United States federal government are those agencies that exist outside of the federal executive departments. Most are listed at the bottom of the chart.

Established through separate statutes passed by the Congress, each respective statutory grant of authority defines the goals the agency must work towards, as well as what substantive areas, if any, over which it may have the power of rulemaking. Those agency rules (or regulations), while in force, have the power of federal law.

Among this group are the CIA and the United States Postal Services. All employees are beneficiaries of the ability to have lower cost commercial insurance and the capability of tailoring their plan to fit personal needs.

These plans also provide for Medicare supplemental insurance, again at a favorable premium.

The other agency I must mention are the “Centers for Medicare and Medicaid” There are multiple regional offices located in different regions of the country. As provided by the enabling acts creating and amending these programs, they represent the bureaucratic arm of the federal involvement in Health Care They not only oversee the function and compliance of the carriers, as well as set basic fee levels,but also set the parameters of the services rendered.. They represent a large cost factor in the government delivery of care.