Most Federal Workers' Health Coverage To Continue During Shutdown, Even If Pay Stops

As the prospect of life without a paycheck sets in for 800,000 federal employees and others affected by the ongoing government shutdown, questions are arising about health insurance and other health benefits — dental and vision coverage, and long-term care insurance.

Will shuttered agencies continue to cover benefits for employees and contractors as per usual? We've dug up some answers.

Are federal workers and their families still covered by their health plan?

For the most part, federal employees needn't worry about that, according to the Office of Personnel Management, which has published an FAQ blog post on the topic.

Both the online FAQ and the health insurance industry's trade association confirm that coverage through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program will continue even if some federal agencies affected by the shutdown aren't issuing those paychecks and or paying the insurance premiums.