Washington, D.C. - For many federal employees touched by the tragedies of September 11, 2001, the pain - both literal and figurative - continues. In response, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued a FEHB carrier letter that asks health plans to "make sure you and your plan are responding to these federal workers' continuing health care needs and processing their claims timely and efficiently."

"Two years have passed since the world was shocked by the horrible events of September 11, 2001, but many of those who were at ground zero are still suffering from the physical and emotional effects of that day," OPM Director Kay Coles James states in the letter.

James continues, "We will not forget the extraordinary services you (FEHB participating health plans) provided in the aftermath of the attacks. We greatly appreciate your efforts. I want to remind you, however, that we must not forget that there are federal workers who were at the World Trade Center and Pentagon and who require significant health care. OPM has been monitoring reports of follow-up care required by first responders at both the World Trade Center in New York and the site of the Pentagon attack in Arlington, Virginia."

The letter was sent to all 205 carriers in the FEHB program.

Our mission is to ensure the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce. OPM supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.