The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released a notice that it intends to collect data from Federal Employee Health Benefit (FEHB) and Postal Service Health Benefit (PSHB) plan carriers on service utilization and cost, including medical and pharmacy claims, as well as provider information. OPM’s rationale for this data collection is that it would enable them to provide better oversight of the programs, but there is a lack of adequate explanation on why the information is needed, how it will be used, how it will be secured, and what safeguards will be implemented to protect enrollees’ private data from its employer.

While OPM may have legitimate reasons for collecting and analyzing this information, these reasons should be articulated to and easily accessible for the individuals whose data will be involved, including NARFE members.

NARFE is urging Congress to request transparency, specificity, and guaranteed protections from OPM regarding FEHB/ PSHB collected health data. Additionally, OPM should commit to only collecting personally de-identified information to reduce the risk of privacy violations and inappropriate use against employees.

Please use the sample letter below to urge your members of Congress to address these concerns with OPM regarding the collection of health data. Personalize the sample letter below to send to your members of Congress.