Can Peace Corps service count towards five year rule for retiring with FEHB

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I was a Peace Corps Volunteer 1980 -1982. I then became a nurse and served 4 total years (over two stints) at the VA. I’m currently employed at the VA and have been enrolled in FEHB for the full four years. I’m 63 and also “bought back” the two Peace Corps years so have six years service and can retire under 62 + 5. Will my 2 Peace Corps years count towards 5 year FEHB rule?

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Asked on December 22, 2020 8:35 pm
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In order to retire on an immediate annuity, you need five years of creditable service and are age 62 or older. In this situation, you can take your FEHB into retirement however, if you resign federal service at age 63 with 6 years of creditable service, you are not retiring on an immediate annuity, you will be a deferred annuitant and as such would not be eligible to pick up FEHB at 62 when your annuity commences.

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Answered on December 22, 2020 9:25 pm
Hi, I don't think I was explaining the situation and question well. Let me try again. I am 62 and 11 months old as of today. I'm currently at the VA and have 3 years 11 months service as of today at the VA (spread over two stints). I pay for FEHB now and have done so in my previous position at VA. I want to retire asap with FEHB coverage. The rules for retiring with FEHB coverage say you need five total years service where you "purchased FEHB service at the earliest opportunity." I have 3 years 11 months service toward this requirement as of today if I can't count my Peace Corps service. With my Peace Corps Service I have 5 years 8 months service. HOWEVER, the rules say I had to have been enrolled in FEHB for the full five years. Peace Corps doesn't offer FEHB as they provide all medical coverage in return for not getting a salary. Will OPM include my Peace Corps service toward the 5 year of purchasing FEHB requirement if I retire effective 4 weeks from now? I'm really only concerned about FEHB coverage in retirement -- I don't care about the FERS annuity. How should I proceed. Thanks very much.
( at December 23, 2020 8:41 pm)
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Answered on December 28, 2020 9:48 pm
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