Federal Employees Benefits Improvement Act of 1986

Federal Employees Benefits Improvement Act of 1986 - Title I: Federal Employees Health Benefits - Changes from "employees" to "enrollees" those persons eligible for rebates from amounts held in contingency reserves under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Fund. Eliminates the requirement of three medical specialties for group-practice prepayment plans. Authorizes the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to waive certain health benefit plan election coverage requirements for individuals who fail to satisfy such requirements due to exceptional circumstances. Directs OPM to provide a three-week period during which enrollees in health benefits plans may change or cancel their enrollments before any contract term in which the rates or benefits of a plan will change, a new plan will be offered, or an existing plan will be terminated. Authorizes an enrollee to transfer such enrollment at other times and under conditions as prescribed by OPM. Amends current law relating to the Federal Employee Health Benefit Plan to establish contracting authority for clinical social workers. Authorizes Federal health plans to require a referral by a psychiatrist as a condition for reimbursement of clinical social workers. Prohibits such plans from requiring that services be performed under the supervision of a psychiatrist or other health practitioner. Reinstates contracting authority under the pl…

Congressional Research Service · 1986-01-28