[Congressional Bills 106th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2420 Reported in Senate (RS)]






                                                       Calendar No. 685
106th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                S. 2420

                          [Report No. 106-344]

To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for the establishment 
of a program under which long-term care insurance is made available to 
Federal employees, members of the uniformed services, and civilian and 
               military retirees, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             April 13, 2000

Mr. Grassley (for himself, Ms. Mikulski, Ms. Collins,  Mr. Cleland, Mr. 
 Sarbanes, Mr. Akaka, Mr. Graham, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Hagel, and Mr. Robb) 
introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the 
                   Committee on Governmental Affairs

                             July 14, 2000

  Reported by Mr. Thompson, with an amendment and an amendment to the 
                                 title
 [Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed 
                               in italic]

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for the establishment 
of a program under which long-term care insurance is made available to 
Federal employees, members of the uniformed services, and civilian and 
               military retirees, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

<DELETED>SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    This Act may be cited as the ``Long-Term Care Security 
Act''.</DELETED>

<DELETED>SEC. 2. LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    (a) In General.--Subpart G of part III of title 5, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:</DELETED>

       <DELETED>``CHAPTER 90--LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE</DELETED>

<DELETED>``Sec.
<DELETED>``9001. Definitions.
<DELETED>``9002. Availability of insurance.
<DELETED>``9003. Contracting authority.
<DELETED>``9004. Financing.
<DELETED>``9005. Preemption.
<DELETED>``9006. Studies, reports, and audits.
<DELETED>``9007. Jurisdiction of courts.
<DELETED>``9008. Administrative functions.
<DELETED>``9009. Cost accounting standards.
<DELETED>``Sec. 9001. Definitions</DELETED>
<DELETED>    For purposes of this chapter:</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(1) Employee.--The term `employee' means--
        </DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(A) an employee as defined by section 
                8901(1); and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(B) an individual described in section 
                2105(e);</DELETED>
        <DELETED>but does not include an individual employed by the 
        government of the District of Columbia.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(2) Annuitant.--The term `annuitant' has the 
        meaning such term would have under paragraph (3) of section 
        8901 if, for purposes of such paragraph, the term `employee' 
        were considered to have the meaning given to it under paragraph 
        (1) of this subsection.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(3) Member of the uniformed services.--The term 
        `member of the uniformed services' means a member of the 
        uniformed services, other than a retired member of the 
        uniformed services.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(4) Retired member of the uniformed services.--
        The term `retired member of the uniformed services' means a 
        member or former member of the uniformed services entitled to 
        retired or retainer pay.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(5) Qualified relative.--The term `qualified 
        relative' means each of the following:</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(A) The spouse of an individual 
                described in paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (4).</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(B) A parent, stepparent, or parent-in-
                law of an individual described in paragraph (1) or 
                (3).</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(C) A child (including an adopted child, 
                a stepchild, or, to the extent the Office of Personnel 
                Management by regulation provides, a foster child) of 
                an individual described in paragraph (1), (2), (3), or 
                (4), if such child is at least 18 years of 
                age.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(D) An individual having such other 
                relationship to an individual described in paragraph 
                (1), (2), (3), or (4) as the Office may by regulation 
                prescribe.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(6) Eligible individual.--The term `eligible 
        individual' refers to an individual described in paragraph (1), 
        (2), (3), (4), or (5).</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(7) Qualified carrier.--The term `qualified 
        carrier' means an insurance company (or consortium of insurance 
        companies) that is licensed to issue long-term care insurance 
        in all States, taking any subsidiaries of such a company into 
        account (and, in the case of a consortium, considering the 
        member companies and any subsidiaries thereof, 
        collectively).</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(8) State.--The term `State' includes the 
        District of Columbia.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(9) Qualified long-term care insurance 
        contract.--The term `qualified long-term care insurance 
        contract' has the meaning given such term by section 7702B of 
        the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(10) Appropriate secretary.--The term 
        `appropriate Secretary' means--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(A) except as otherwise provided in this 
                paragraph, the Secretary of Defense;</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(B) with respect to the Coast Guard when 
                it is not operating as a service of the Navy, the 
                Secretary of Transportation;</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(C) with respect to the commissioned 
                corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
                Administration, the Secretary of Commerce; 
                and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(D) with respect to the commissioned 
                corps of the Public Health Service, the Secretary of 
                Health and Human Services.</DELETED>
<DELETED>``Sec. 9002. Availability of insurance</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(a) In General.--The Office of Personnel Management 
shall establish and, in consultation with the appropriate Secretaries, 
administer a program through which an individual described in paragraph 
(1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) of section 9001 may obtain long-term care 
insurance coverage under this chapter for such individual.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(b) General Requirements.--Long-term care insurance may 
not be offered under this chapter unless--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(1) the only coverage provided is under 
        qualified long-term care insurance contracts; and</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(2) each insurance contract under which any such 
        coverage is provided is issued by a qualified 
        carrier.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(c) Documentation Requirement.--As a condition for 
obtaining long-term care insurance coverage under this chapter based on 
one's status as a qualified relative, an applicant shall provide 
documentation to demonstrate the relationship, as prescribed by the 
Office.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(d) Underwriting Standards.--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(1) Disqualifying condition.--Nothing in this 
        chapter shall be considered to require that long-term care 
        insurance coverage be made available in the case of any 
        individual who would be eligible for benefits 
        immediately.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(2) Spousal parity.--For the purpose of 
        underwriting standards, a spouse of an individual described in 
        paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (4) of section 9001 shall, as 
        nearly as practicable, be treated like that 
        individual.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(3) Guaranteed issue.--Nothing in this chapter 
        shall be considered to require that long-term care insurance 
        coverage be guaranteed to an eligible individual.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(4) Requirement that contract be fully 
        insured.--In addition to the requirements otherwise applicable 
        under section 9001(9), in order to be considered a qualified 
        long-term care insurance contract for purposes of this chapter, 
        a contract must be fully insured, whether through reinsurance 
        with other companies or otherwise.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(5) Higher standards allowable.--Nothing in this 
        chapter shall, in the case of an individual applying for long-
        term care insurance coverage under this chapter after the 
        expiration of such individual's first opportunity to enroll, 
        preclude the application of underwriting standards more 
        stringent than those that would have applied if that 
        opportunity had not yet expired.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(e) Guaranteed Renewability.--The benefits and coverage 
made available to eligible individuals under any insurance contract 
under this chapter shall be guaranteed renewable (as defined by section 
7A(2) of the model regulations described in section 7702B(g)(2) of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986), including the right to have insurance 
remain in effect so long as premiums continue to be timely made. 
However, the authority to revise premiums under this chapter shall be 
available only on a class basis and only to the extent otherwise 
allowable under section 9003(b).</DELETED>
<DELETED>``Sec. 9003. Contracting authority</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(a) In General.--The Office of Personnel Management 
shall, without regard to section 5 of title 41 or any other statute 
requiring competitive bidding, contract with 1 or more qualified 
carriers for a policy or policies of long-term care insurance. The 
Office shall ensure that each resulting contract (hereinafter in this 
chapter referred to as a `master contract') is awarded on the basis of 
contractor qualifications, price, and reasonable competition.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(b) Terms and Conditions.--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(1) In general.--Each master contract under this 
        chapter shall contain--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(A) a detailed statement of the benefits 
                offered (including any maximums, limitations, 
                exclusions, and other definitions of 
                benefits);</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(B) the premiums charged (including any 
                limitations or other conditions on their subsequent 
                adjustment);</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(C) the terms of the enrollment period; 
                and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(D) such other terms and conditions as 
                may be mutually agreed to by the Office and the carrier 
                involved, consistent with the requirements of this 
                chapter.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(2) Premiums.--Premiums charged under each 
        master contract entered into under this section shall 
        reasonably and equitably reflect the cost of the benefits 
        provided, as determined by the Office. The premiums shall not 
        be adjusted during the term of the contract unless mutually 
        agreed to by the Office and the carrier.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(3) Nonrenewability.--Master contracts under 
        this chapter may not be made automatically renewable.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(c) Payment of Required Benefits; Dispute Resolution.--
</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(1) In general.--Each master contract under this 
        chapter shall require the carrier to agree--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(A) to provide payments or benefits to 
                an eligible individual if such individual is entitled 
                thereto under the terms of the contract; and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(B) with respect to disputes regarding 
                claims for payments or benefits under the terms of the 
                contract--</DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    ``(i) to establish internal 
                        procedures designed to expeditiously resolve 
                        such disputes; and</DELETED>
                        <DELETED>    ``(ii) to establish, for disputes 
                        not resolved through procedures under clause 
                        (i), procedures for 1 or more alternative means 
                        of dispute resolution involving independent 
                        third-party review under appropriate 
                        circumstances by entities mutually acceptable 
                        to the Office and the carrier.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(2) Eligibility.--A carrier's determination as 
        to whether or not a particular individual is eligible to obtain 
        long-term care insurance coverage under this chapter shall be 
        subject to review only to the extent and in the manner provided 
        in the applicable master contract.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(3) Other claims.--For purposes of applying the 
        Contract Disputes Act of 1978 to disputes arising under this 
        chapter between a carrier and the Office--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(A) the agency board having jurisdiction 
                to decide an appeal relative to such a dispute shall be 
                such board of contract appeals as the Director of the 
                Office of Personnel Management shall specify in writing 
                (after appropriate arrangements, as described in 
                section 8(c) of such Act); and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(B) the district courts of the United 
                States shall have original jurisdiction, concurrent 
                with the United States Court of Federal Claims, of any 
                action described in section 10(a)(1) of such Act 
                relative to such a dispute.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(4) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this 
        chapter shall be considered to grant authority for the Office 
        or a third-party reviewer to change the terms of any contract 
        under this chapter.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(d) Duration.--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(1) In general.--Each master contract under this 
        chapter shall be for a term of 7 years, unless terminated 
        earlier by the Office in accordance with the terms of such 
        contract. However, the rights and responsibilities of the 
        enrolled individual, the insurer, and the Office (or duly 
        designated third-party administrator) under such contract shall 
        continue with respect to such individual until the termination 
        of coverage of the enrolled individual or the effective date of 
        a successor contract thereto.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(2) Exception.--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(A) Shorter duration.--In the case of a 
                master contract entered into before the end of the 
                period described in subparagraph (B), paragraph (1) 
                shall be applied by substituting `ending on the last 
                day of the 7-year period described in paragraph (2)(B)' 
                for `of 7 years'.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(B) Definition.--The period described in 
                this subparagraph is the 7-year period beginning on the 
                earliest date as of which any long-term care insurance 
                coverage under this chapter becomes 
                effective.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(3) Congressional notification.--No later than 
        180 days after receiving the second report required under 
        section 9006(c), the President (or his designee) shall submit 
        to the Committees on Government Reform and on Armed Services of 
        the House of Representatives and the Committees on Governmental 
        Affairs and on Armed Services of the Senate, a written 
        recommendation as to whether the program under this chapter 
        should be continued without modification, terminated, or 
        restructured. During the 180-day period following the date on 
        which the President (or his designee) submits the 
        recommendation required under the preceding sentence, the 
        Office of Personnel Management may not take any steps to rebid 
        or otherwise contract for any coverage to be available at any 
        time following the expiration of the 7-year period described in 
        paragraph (2)(B).</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(4) Full portability.--Each master contract 
        under this chapter shall include such provisions as may be 
        necessary to ensure that, once an individual becomes duly 
        enrolled, long-term care insurance coverage obtained by such 
        individual pursuant to that enrollment shall not be terminated 
        due to any change in status (such as separation from Government 
        service or the uniformed services) or ceasing to meet the 
        requirements for being considered a qualified relative (whether 
        as a result of dissolution of marriage or otherwise).</DELETED>
<DELETED>``Sec. 9004. Financing</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(a) In General.--Each eligible individual obtaining 
long-term care insurance coverage under this chapter shall be 
responsible for 100 percent of the premiums for such 
coverage.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(b) Withholdings.--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(1) In general.--The amount necessary to pay the 
        premiums for enrollment may--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(A) in the case of an employee, be 
                withheld from the pay of such employee;</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(B) in the case of an annuitant, be 
                withheld from the annuity of such annuitant;</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(C) in the case of a member of the 
                uniformed services described in section 9001(3), be 
                withheld from the basic pay of such member; 
                and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(D) in the case of a retired member of 
                the uniformed services described in section 9001(4), be 
                withheld from the retired pay or retainer pay payable 
                to such member.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(2) Voluntary withholdings for qualified 
        relatives.--Withholdings to pay the premiums for enrollment of 
        a qualified relative may, upon election of the appropriate 
        eligible individual (described in section 9001(1)-(4)), be 
        withheld under paragraph (1) to the same extent and in the same 
        manner as if enrollment were for such individual.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(c) Direct Payments.--All amounts withheld under this 
section shall be paid directly to the carrier.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(d) Other Forms of Payment.--Any enrollee who does not 
elect to have premiums withheld under subsection (b) or whose pay, 
annuity, or retired or retainer pay (as referred to in subsection 
(b)(1)) is insufficient to cover the withholding required for 
enrollment (or who is not receiving any regular amounts from the 
Government, as referred to in subsection (b)(1), from which any such 
withholdings may be made, and whose premiums are not otherwise being 
provided for under subsection (b)(2)) shall pay an amount equal to the 
full amount of those charges directly to the carrier.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(e) Separate Accounting Requirement.--Each carrier 
participating under this chapter shall maintain  records that permit it 
to account for all amounts received under this chapter (including 
investment earnings on those amounts) separate and apart from all other 
funds.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(f) Reimbursements.--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(1) Reasonable initial costs.--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(A) In general.--The Employees' Life 
                Insurance Fund is available, without fiscal year 
                limitation, for reasonable expenses incurred by the 
                Office of Personnel Management in administering this 
                chapter before the start of the 7-year period described 
                in section 9003(d)(2)(B), including reasonable 
                implementation costs.</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(B) Reimbursement requirement.--Such 
                Fund shall be reimbursed, before the end of the first 
                year of that 7-year period, for all amounts obligated 
                or expended under subparagraph (A) (including lost 
                investment income). Such reimbursement shall be made by 
                carriers, on a pro rata basis, in accordance with 
                appropriate provisions which shall be included in 
                master contracts under this chapter.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(2) Subsequent costs.--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(A) In general.--There is hereby 
                established in the Employees' Life Insurance Fund a 
                Long-Term Care Administrative Account, which shall be 
                available to the Office, without fiscal year 
                limitation, to defray reasonable expenses incurred by 
                the Office in administering this chapter after the 
                start of the 7-year period described in section 
                9003(d)(2)(B).</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(B) Reimbursement requirement.--Each 
                master contract under this chapter shall include 
                appropriate provisions under which the carrier involved 
                shall, during each year, make such periodic 
                contributions to the Long-Term Care Administrative 
                Account as necessary to ensure that the reasonable 
                anticipated expenses of the Office in administering 
                this chapter during such year (adjusted to reconcile 
                for any earlier overestimates or underestimates under 
                this subparagraph) are defrayed.</DELETED>
<DELETED>``Sec. 9005. Preemption</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``The terms of any contract under this chapter which 
relate to the nature, provision, or extent of coverage or benefits 
(including payments with respect to benefits) shall supersede and 
preempt any State or local law, or any regulation issued thereunder, 
which relates to long-term care insurance or contracts.</DELETED>
<DELETED>``Sec. 9006. Studies, reports, and audits</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(a) Provisions Relating to Carriers.--Each master 
contract under this chapter shall contain provisions requiring the 
carrier--</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(1) to furnish such reasonable reports as the 
        Office of Personnel Management determines to be necessary to 
        enable it to carry out its functions under this chapter; 
        and</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(2) to permit the Office and representatives of 
        the General Accounting Office to examine such records of the 
        carrier as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this 
        chapter.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(b) Provisions Relating to Federal Agencies.--Each 
Federal agency shall keep such records, make such certifications, and 
furnish the Office, the carrier, or both, with such information and 
reports as the Office may require.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(c) Reports by the General Accounting Office.--The 
General Accounting Office shall prepare and submit to the President, 
the Office of Personnel Management, and each House of Congress, before 
the end of the third and fifth years during which the program under 
this chapter is in effect, a written report evaluating such program. 
Each such report shall include an analysis of the competitiveness of 
the program, as compared to both group and individual coverage 
generally available to individuals in the private insurance market. The 
Office shall cooperate with the General Accounting Office to provide 
periodic evaluations of the program.</DELETED>
<DELETED>``Sec. 9007. Jurisdiction of courts</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``The district courts of the United States have original 
jurisdiction of a civil action or claim described in paragraph (1) or 
(2) of section 9003(c), after such administrative remedies as required 
under such paragraph (1) or (2) (as applicable) have been exhausted, 
but only to the extent judicial review is not precluded by any dispute 
resolution or other remedy under this chapter.</DELETED>
<DELETED>``Sec. 9008. Administrative functions</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(a) In General.--The Office of Personnel Management 
shall prescribe regulations necessary to carry out this 
chapter.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(b) Enrollment Periods.--The Office shall provide for 
periodic coordinated enrollment, promotion, and education efforts in 
consultation with the carriers.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(c) Consultation.--Any regulations necessary to effect 
the application and operation of this chapter with respect to an 
eligible individual described in paragraph (3) or (4) of section 9001, 
or a qualified relative thereof, shall be prescribed by the Office in 
consultation with the appropriate Secretary.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``(d) Informed Decisionmaking.--The Office shall ensure 
that each eligible individual applying for long-term care insurance 
under this chapter is furnished the information necessary to enable 
that individual to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of 
obtaining long-term care insurance under this chapter, including the 
following:</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(1) The principal long-term care benefits and 
        coverage available under this chapter, and how those benefits 
        and coverage compare to the range of long-term care benefits 
        and coverage otherwise generally available.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(2) Representative examples of the cost of long-
        term care, and the sufficiency of the benefits available under 
        this chapter relative to those costs. The information under 
        this paragraph shall also include--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(A) the projected effect of inflation on 
                the value of those benefits; and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(B) a comparison of the inflation-
                adjusted value of those benefits to the projected 
                future costs of long-term care.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(3) Any rights individuals under this chapter 
        may have to cancel coverage, and to receive a total or partial 
        refund of premiums. The information under this paragraph shall 
        also include--</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(A) the projected number or percentage 
                of individuals likely to fail to maintain their 
                coverage (determined based on lapse rates experienced 
                under similar group long-term care insurance programs 
                and, when available, this chapter); and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(B)(i) a summary description of how and 
                when premiums for long-term care insurance under this 
                chapter may be raised;</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(ii) the premium history during the last 
                10 years for each qualified carrier offering long-term 
                care insurance under this chapter; and</DELETED>
                <DELETED>    ``(iii) if cost increases are anticipated, 
                the projected premiums for a typical insured individual 
                at various ages.</DELETED>
        <DELETED>    ``(4) The advantages and disadvantages of long-
        term care insurance generally, relative to other means of 
        accumulating or otherwise acquiring the assets that may be 
        needed to meet the costs of long-term care, such as through 
        tax-qualified retirement programs or other investment 
        vehicles.</DELETED>
<DELETED>``Sec. 9009. Cost accounting standards</DELETED>
<DELETED>    ``The cost accounting standards issued pursuant to section 
26(f) of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 
422(f)) shall not apply with respect to a long-term care insurance 
contract under this chapter.''.</DELETED>
<DELETED>    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for part III of 
title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end of subpart 
G the following:</DELETED>

<DELETED>``90. Long-Term Care Insurance....................    9001.''.

<DELETED> SEC. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE.</DELETED>

<DELETED>    The Office of Personnel Management shall take such 
measures as may be necessary to ensure that long-term care insurance 
coverage under title 5, United States Code, as amended by this Act, may 
be obtained in time to take effect not later than the first day of the 
first applicable pay period of the first fiscal year which begins after 
the end of the 18-month period beginning on the date of enactment of 
this Act.</DELETED>

               TITLE I--FEDERAL LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE

SEC. 1001. SHORT TITLE.

    This title may be cited as the ``Long-Term Care Security Act''.

SEC. 1002. LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE.

    (a) In General.--Subpart G of part III of title 5, United States 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

                 ``CHAPTER 90--LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE

``Sec.
``9001. Definitions.
``9002. Availability of insurance.
``9003. Contracting authority.
``9004. Financing.
``9005. Preemption.
``9006. Studies, reports, and audits.
``9007. Jurisdiction of courts.
``9008. Administrative functions.
``9009. Cost accounting standards.
``Sec. 9001. Definitions
    For purposes of this chapter:
            ``(1) Employee.--The term `employee' means--
                    ``(A) an employee as defined by section 8901(1); 
                and
                    ``(B) an individual described in section 2105(e),
        but does not include an individual employed by the government 
        of the District of Columbia.
            ``(2) Annuitant.--The term `annuitant' has the meaning such 
        term would have under paragraph (3) of section 8901 if, for 
        purposes of such paragraph, the term `employee' were considered 
        to have the meaning given to it under paragraph (1) of this 
        subsection.
            ``(3) Member of the uniformed services.--The term `member 
        of the uniformed services' means a member of the uniformed 
        services, other than a retired member of the uniformed 
        services, who is--
                    ``(A) on active duty or full-time National Guard 
                duty for a period of more than 30 days; and
                    ``(B) a member of the Selected Reserve.
            ``(4) Retired member of the uniformed services.--The term 
        `retired member of the uniformed services' means a member or 
        former member of the uniformed services entitled to retired or 
        retainer pay, including a member or former member retired under 
        chapter 1223 of title 10 who has attained the age of 60 and who 
        satisfies such eligibility requirements as the Office of 
        Personnel Management prescribes under section 9008.
            ``(5) Qualified relative.--The term `qualified relative' 
        means each of the following:
                    ``(A) The spouse of an individual described in 
                paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (4).
                    ``(B) A parent, stepparent, or parent-in-law of an 
                individual described in paragraph (1) or (3).
                    ``(C) A child (including an adopted child, a 
                stepchild, or, to the extent the Office of Personnel 
                Management by regulation provides, a foster child) of 
                an individual described in paragraph (1), (2), (3), or 
                (4), if such child is at least 18 years of age.
                    ``(D) An individual having such other relationship 
                to an individual described in paragraph (1), (2), (3), 
                or (4) as the Office may by regulation prescribe.
            ``(6) Eligible individual.--The term `eligible individual' 
        refers to an individual described in paragraph (1), (2), (3), 
        (4), or (5).
            ``(7) Qualified carrier.--The term `qualified carrier' 
        means an insurance company (or consortium of insurance 
        companies) that is licensed to issue long-term care insurance 
        in all States, taking any subsidiaries of such a company into 
        account (and, in the case of a consortium, considering the 
        member companies and any subsidiaries thereof, collectively).
            ``(8) State.--The term `State' includes the District of 
        Columbia.
            ``(9) Qualified long-term care insurance contract.--The 
        term `qualified long-term care insurance contract' has the 
        meaning given such term by section 7702B of the Internal 
        Revenue Code of 1986.
            ``(10) Appropriate secretary.--The term `appropriate 
        Secretary' means--
                    ``(A) except as otherwise provided in this 
                paragraph, the Secretary of Defense;
                    ``(B) with respect to the Coast Guard when it is 
                not operating as a service of the Navy, the Secretary 
                of Transportation;
                    ``(C) with respect to the commissioned corps of the 
                National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the 
                Secretary of Commerce; and
                    ``(D) with respect to the commissioned corps of the 
                Public Health Service, the Secretary of Health and 
                Human Services.
``Sec. 9002. Availability of insurance
    ``(a) In General.--The Office of Personnel Management shall 
establish and, in consultation with the appropriate Secretaries, 
administer a program through which an individual described in paragraph 
(1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) of section 9001 may obtain long-term care 
insurance coverage under this chapter for such individual.
    ``(b) General Requirements.--Long-term care insurance may not be 
offered under this chapter unless--
            ``(1) the only coverage provided is under qualified long-
        term care insurance contracts; and
            ``(2) each insurance contract under which any such coverage 
        is provided is issued by a qualified carrier.
    ``(c) Documentation Requirement.--As a condition for obtaining 
long-term care insurance coverage under this chapter based on one's 
status as a qualified relative, an applicant shall provide 
documentation to demonstrate the relationship, as prescribed by the 
Office.
    ``(d) Underwriting Standards.--
            ``(1) Disqualifying condition.--Nothing in this chapter 
        shall be considered to require that long-term care insurance 
        coverage be made available in the case of any individual who 
        would be eligible for benefits immediately.
            ``(2) Spousal parity.--For the purpose of underwriting 
        standards, a spouse of an individual described in paragraph 
        (1), (2), (3), or (4) of section 9001 shall, as nearly as 
        practicable, be treated like that individual.
            ``(3) Guaranteed issue.--Nothing in this chapter shall be 
        considered to require that long-term care insurance coverage be 
        guaranteed to an eligible individual.
            ``(4) Requirement that contract be fully insured.--In 
        addition to the requirements otherwise applicable under section 
        9001(9), in order to be considered a qualified long-term care 
        insurance contract for purposes of this chapter, a contract 
        must be fully insured, whether through reinsurance with other 
        companies or otherwise.
            ``(5) Higher standards allowable.--Nothing in this chapter 
        shall, in the case of an individual applying for long-term care 
        insurance coverage under this chapter after the expiration of 
        such individual's first opportunity to enroll, preclude the 
        application of underwriting standards more stringent than those 
        that would have applied if that opportunity had not yet 
        expired.
    ``(e) Guaranteed Renewability.--The benefits and coverage made 
available to eligible individuals under any insurance contract under 
this chapter shall be guaranteed renewable (as defined by section 7A(2) 
of the model regulations described in section 7702B(g)(2) of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986), including the right to have insurance 
remain in effect so long as premiums continue to be timely made. 
However, the authority to revise premiums under this chapter shall be 
available only on a class basis and only to the extent otherwise 
allowable under section 9003(b).
``Sec. 9003. Contracting authority
    ``(a) In General.--The Office of Personnel Management shall, 
without regard to section 5 of title 41 or any other statute requiring 
competitive bidding, contract with one or more qualified carriers for a 
policy or policies of long-term care insurance. The Office shall ensure 
that each resulting contract (hereafter in this chapter referred to as 
a `master contract') is awarded on the basis of contractor 
qualifications, price, and reasonable competition.
    ``(b) Terms and Conditions.--
            ``(1) In general.--Each master contract under this chapter 
        shall contain--
                    ``(A) a detailed statement of the benefits offered 
                (including any maximums, limitations, exclusions, and 
                other definitions of benefits);
                    ``(B) the premiums charged (including any 
                limitations or other conditions on their subsequent 
                adjustment);
                    ``(C) the terms of the enrollment period; and
                    ``(D) such other terms and conditions as may be 
                mutually agreed to by the Office and the carrier 
                involved, consistent with the requirements of this 
                chapter.
            ``(2) Premiums.--Premiums charged under each master 
        contract entered into under this section shall reasonably and 
        equitably reflect the cost of the benefits provided, as 
        determined by the Office. The premiums shall not be adjusted 
        during the term of the contract unless mutually agreed to by 
        the Office and the carrier.
            ``(3) Nonrenewability.--Master contracts under this chapter 
        may not be made automatically renewable.
    ``(c) Payment of Required Benefits; Dispute Resolution.--
            ``(1) In general.--Each master contract under this chapter 
        shall require the carrier to agree--
                    ``(A) to provide payments or benefits to an 
                eligible individual if such individual is entitled 
                thereto under the terms of the contract; and
                    ``(B) with respect to disputes regarding claims for 
                payments or benefits under the terms of the contract--
                            ``(i) to establish internal procedures 
                        designed to expeditiously resolve such 
                        disputes; and
                            ``(ii) to establish, for disputes not 
                        resolved through procedures under clause (i), 
                        procedures for one or more alternative means of 
                        dispute resolution involving independent third-
                        party review under appropriate circumstances by 
                        entities mutually acceptable to the Office and 
                        the carrier.
            ``(2) Eligibility.--A carrier's determination as to whether 
        or not a particular individual is eligible to obtain long-term 
        care insurance coverage under this chapter shall be subject to 
        review only to the extent and in the manner provided in the 
        applicable master contract.
            ``(3) Other claims.--For purposes of applying the Contract 
        Disputes Act of 1978 to disputes arising under this chapter 
        between a carrier and the Office--
                    ``(A) the agency board having jurisdiction to 
                decide an appeal relative to such a dispute shall be 
                such board of contract appeals as the Director of the 
                Office of Personnel Management shall specify in writing 
                (after appropriate arrangements, as described in 
                section 8(c) of such Act); and
                    ``(B) the district courts of the United States 
                shall have original jurisdiction, concurrent with the 
                United States Court of Federal Claims, of any action 
                described in section 10(a)(1) of such Act relative to 
                such a dispute.
            ``(4) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this chapter shall 
        be considered to grant authority for the  Office or a third-
party reviewer to change the terms of any contract under this chapter.
    ``(d) Duration.--
            ``(1) In general.--Each master contract under this chapter 
        shall be for a term of 7 years, unless terminated earlier by 
        the Office in accordance with the terms of such contract. 
        However, the rights and responsibilities of the enrolled 
        individual, the insurer, and the Office (or duly designated 
        third-party administrator) under such contract shall continue 
        with respect to such individual until the termination of 
        coverage of the enrolled individual or the effective date of a 
        successor contract thereto.
            ``(2) Exception.--
                    ``(A) Shorter duration.--In the case of a master 
                contract entered into before the end of the period 
                described in subparagraph (B), paragraph (1) shall be 
                applied by substituting `ending on the last day of the 
                7-year period described in paragraph (2)(B)' for `of 7 
                years'.
                    ``(B) Definition.--The period described in this 
                subparagraph is the 7-year period beginning on the 
                earliest date as of which any long-term care insurance 
                coverage under this chapter becomes effective.
            ``(3) Congressional notification.--No later than 180 days 
        after receiving the second report required under section 
        9006(c), the President (or his designee) shall submit to the 
        Committees on Government Reform and on Armed Services of the 
        House of Representatives and the Committees on Governmental 
        Affairs and on Armed Services of the Senate, a written 
        recommendation as to whether the program under this chapter 
        should be continued without modification, terminated, or 
        restructured. During the 180-day period following the date on 
        which the President (or his designee) submits the 
        recommendation required under the preceding sentence, the 
        Office of Personnel Management may not take any steps to rebid 
        or otherwise contract for any coverage to be available at any 
        time following the expiration of the 7-year period described in 
        paragraph (2)(B).
            ``(4) Full portability.--Each master contract under this 
        chapter shall include such provisions as may be necessary to 
        ensure that, once an individual becomes duly enrolled, long-
        term care insurance coverage obtained by such individual 
        pursuant to that enrollment shall not be terminated due to any 
        change in status (such as separation from Government service or 
        the uniformed services) or ceasing to meet the requirements for 
        being considered a qualified relative (whether as a result of 
        dissolution of marriage or otherwise).
``Sec. 9004. Financing
    ``(a) In General.--Each eligible individual obtaining long-term 
care insurance coverage under this chapter shall be responsible for 100 
percent of the premiums for such coverage.
    ``(b) Withholdings.--
            ``(1) In general.--The amount necessary to pay the premiums 
        for enrollment may--
                    ``(A) in the case of an employee, be withheld from 
                the pay of such employee;
                    ``(B) in the case of an annuitant, be withheld from 
                the annuity of such annuitant;
                    ``(C) in the case of a member of the uniformed 
                services described in section 9001(3), be withheld from 
                the pay of such member; and
                    ``(D) in the case of a retired member of the 
                uniformed services described in section 9001(4), be 
                withheld from the retired pay or retainer pay payable 
                to such member.
            ``(2) Voluntary withholdings for qualified relatives.--
        Withholdings to pay the premiums for enrollment of a qualified 
        relative may, upon election of the appropriate eligible 
        individual (described in section 9001(1)-(4)), be withheld 
        under paragraph (1) to the same extent and in the same manner 
        as if enrollment were for such individual.
    ``(c) Direct Payments.--All amounts withheld under this section 
shall be paid directly to the carrier.
    ``(d) Other Forms of Payment.--Any enrollee who does not elect to 
have premiums withheld under subsection (b) or whose pay, annuity, or 
retired or retainer pay (as referred to in subsection (b)(1)) is 
insufficient to cover the withholding required for enrollment (or who 
is not receiving any regular amounts from the Government, as referred 
to in subsection (b)(1), from which any such withholdings may be made, 
and whose premiums are not otherwise being provided for under 
subsection (b)(2)) shall pay an amount equal to the full amount of 
those charges directly to the carrier.
    ``(e) Separate Accounting Requirement.--Each carrier participating 
under this chapter shall maintain records that permit it to account for 
all amounts received under this chapter (including investment earnings 
on those amounts) separate and apart from all other funds.
    ``(f) Reimbursements.--
            ``(1) Reasonable initial costs.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Employees' Life Insurance 
                Fund is available, without fiscal year limitation, for 
                reasonable expenses incurred by the Office of Personnel 
                Management in administering this chapter before the 
                start of the 7-year period described in section 
                9003(d)(2)(B), including reasonable implementation 
                costs.
                    ``(B) Reimbursement requirement.--Such Fund shall 
                be reimbursed, before the end of the first year of that 
                7-year period, for all amounts obligated or expended 
                under subparagraph (A) (including lost investment 
                income). Such reimbursement shall be made by carriers, 
                on a pro rata basis, in accordance with appropriate 
                provisions which shall be included in master contracts 
                under this chapter.
            ``(2) Subsequent costs.--
                    ``(A) In general.--There is hereby established in 
                the Employees' Life Insurance Fund a Long-Term Care 
                Administrative Account, which shall be available to the 
                Office, without fiscal year limitation, to defray 
                reasonable expenses incurred by the Office in 
                administering this chapter after the start of the 7-
                year period described in section 9003(d)(2)(B).
                    ``(B) Reimbursement requirement.--Each master 
                contract under this chapter shall include appropriate 
                provisions under which the carrier involved shall, 
                during each year, make such periodic contributions to 
                the Long-Term Care Administrative Account as necessary 
                to ensure that the reasonable anticipated expenses of 
                the Office in administering this chapter during such 
                year (adjusted to reconcile for any earlier 
                overestimates or underestimates under this 
                subparagraph) are defrayed.
``Sec. 9005. Preemption
    ``The terms of any contract under this chapter which relate to the 
nature, provision, or extent of coverage or benefits (including 
payments with respect to benefits) shall supersede and preempt any 
State or local law, or any regulation issued thereunder, which relates 
to long-term care insurance or contracts.
``Sec. 9006. Studies, reports, and audits
    ``(a) Provisions Relating to Carriers.--Each master contract under 
this chapter shall contain provisions requiring the carrier--
            ``(1) to furnish such reasonable reports as the Office of 
        Personnel Management determines to be necessary to enable it to 
        carry out its functions under this chapter; and
            ``(2) to permit the Office and representatives of the 
        General Accounting Office to examine such records of the 
        carrier as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this 
        chapter.
    ``(b) Provisions Relating to Federal Agencies.--Each Federal agency 
shall keep such records, make such certifications, and furnish the 
Office, the carrier, or both, with such information and reports as the 
Office may require.
    ``(c) Reports by the General Accounting Office.--The General 
Accounting Office shall prepare and submit to the President, the Office 
of Personnel Management, and each House of Congress, before the end of 
the third and fifth years during which the program under this chapter 
is in effect, a written report evaluating such program. Each such 
report shall include an analysis of the competitiveness of the program, 
as compared to both group and individual coverage generally available 
to individuals in the private insurance market. The Office shall 
cooperate with the General Accounting Office to provide periodic 
evaluations of the program.
``Sec. 9007. Jurisdiction of courts
    ``The district courts of the United States have original 
jurisdiction of a civil action or claim described in paragraph (1) or 
(2) of section 9003(c), after such administrative remedies as required 
under such paragraph (1) or (2) (as applicable) have been exhausted, 
but only to the extent judicial review is not precluded by any dispute 
resolution or other remedy under this chapter.
``Sec. 9008. Administrative functions
    ``(a) In General.--The Office of Personnel Management shall 
prescribe regulations necessary to carry out this chapter.
    ``(b) Enrollment Periods.--The Office shall provide for periodic 
coordinated enrollment, promotion, and education efforts in 
consultation with the carriers.
    ``(c) Consultation.--Any regulations necessary to effect the 
application and operation of this chapter with respect to an eligible 
individual described in paragraph (3) or (4) of section 9001, or a 
qualified relative thereof, shall be prescribed by the Office in 
consultation with the appropriate Secretary.
    ``(d) Informed Decisionmaking.--The Office shall ensure that each 
eligible individual applying for long-term care insurance under this 
chapter is furnished the information necessary to enable that 
individual to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of obtaining 
long-term care insurance under this chapter, including the following:
            ``(1) The principal long-term care benefits and coverage 
        available under this chapter, and how those benefits and 
        coverage compare to the range of long-term care benefits and 
        coverage otherwise generally available.
            ``(2) Representative examples of the cost of long-term 
        care, and the sufficiency of the benefits available under this 
        chapter relative to those costs. The information under this 
        paragraph shall also include--
                    ``(A) the projected effect of inflation on the 
                value of those benefits; and
                    ``(B) a comparison of the inflation-adjusted value 
                of those benefits to the projected future costs of 
                long-term care.
            ``(3) Any rights individuals under this chapter may have to 
        cancel coverage, and to receive a total or partial refund of 
        premiums. The information under this paragraph shall also 
        include--
                    ``(A) the projected number or percentage of 
                individuals likely to fail to maintain their coverage 
                (determined based on lapse rates experienced under 
                similar group long-term care insurance programs and, 
                when available, this chapter); and
                    ``(B)(i) a summary description of how and when 
                premiums for long-term care insurance under this 
                chapter may be raised;
                    ``(ii) the premium history during the last 10 years 
                for each qualified carrier offering long-term care 
                insurance under this chapter; and
                    ``(iii) if cost increases are anticipated, the 
                projected premiums for a typical insured individual at 
                various ages.
            ``(4) The advantages and disadvantages of long-term care 
        insurance generally, relative to other means of accumulating or 
        otherwise acquiring the assets that may be needed to meet the 
        costs of long-term care, such as through tax-qualified 
        retirement programs or other investment vehicles.
``Sec. 9009. Cost accounting standards
    ``The cost accounting standards issued pursuant to section 26(f) of 
the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 422(f)) shall 
not apply with respect to a long-term care insurance contract under 
this chapter.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for part III of title 5, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end of subpart G the 
following:

``90. Long-Term Care Insurance.............................    9001.''.

 SEC. 1003. EFFECTIVE DATE.

    The Office of Personnel Management shall take such measures as may 
be necessary to ensure that long-term care insurance coverage under 
title 5, United States Code, as amended by this title, may be obtained 
in time to take effect not later than the first day of the first 
applicable pay period of the first fiscal year which begins after the 
end of the 18-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of 
this Act.

        TITLE II--FEDERAL RETIREMENT COVERAGE ERRORS CORRECTION

SEC. 2001. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This title may be cited as the ``Federal 
Erroneous Retirement Coverage Corrections Act''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this title is as 
follows:

        TITLE II--FEDERAL RETIREMENT COVERAGE ERRORS CORRECTION

Sec. 2001. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2002. Definitions.
Sec. 2003. Applicability.
Sec. 2004. Irrevocability of elections.

  Subtitle A--Description of Retirement Coverage Errors to Which This 
           Title Applies and Measures for Their Rectification

Chapter 1--Employees and Annuitants Who Should Have Been FERS Covered, 
 but Who Were Erroneously CSRS Covered or CSRS-Offset Covered Instead, 
             and Survivors of Such Employees and Annuitants

Sec. 2101. Employees.
Sec. 2102. Annuitants and survivors.

  Chapter 2--Employee Who Should Have Been FERS Covered, CSRS-Offset 
Covered, or CSRS Covered, but Who Was Erroneously Social Security-Only 
                            Covered Instead

Sec. 2111. Applicability.
Sec. 2112. Correction mandatory.

Chapter 3--Employee Who Should or Could Have Been Social Security-Only 
  Covered but Who Was Erroneously CSRS-Offset Covered or CSRS Covered 
                                Instead

Sec. 2121. Employee who should be Social Security-Only covered, but who 
                            is erroneously CSRS or CSRS-Offset covered 
                            instead.

          Chapter 4--Employee Who Was Erroneously FERS Covered

Sec. 2131. Employee who should be Social Security-Only covered, CSRS 
                            covered, or CSRS-Offset covered and is not 
                            FERS-Eligible, but who is erroneously FERS 
                            covered instead.
Sec. 2132. FERS-Eligible employee who should have been CSRS covered, 
                            CSRS-Offset covered, or Social Security-
                            Only covered, but who was erroneously FERS 
                            covered instead without an election.
Sec. 2133. Retroactive effect.

 Chapter 5--Employee Who Should Have Been CSRS-Offset Covered, but Who 
                  Was Erroneously CSRS Covered Instead

Sec. 2141. Applicability.
Sec. 2142. Correction mandatory.

  Chapter 6--Employee Who Should Have Been CSRS Covered, but Who Was 
                Erroneously CSRS-Offset Covered Instead

Sec. 2151. Applicability.
Sec. 2152. Correction mandatory.

                     Subtitle B--General Provisions

Sec. 2201. Identification and notification requirements.
Sec. 2202. Information to be furnished to and by authorities 
                            administering this title.
Sec. 2203. Service credit deposits.
Sec. 2204. Provisions related to Social Security coverage of 
                            misclassified employees.
Sec. 2205. Thrift Savings Plan treatment for certain individuals.
Sec. 2206. Certain agency amounts to be paid into or remain in the 
                            CSRDF.
Sec. 2207. CSRS coverage determinations to be approved by OPM.
Sec. 2208. Discretionary actions by Director.
Sec. 2209. Regulations.

                      Subtitle C--Other Provisions

Sec. 2301. Provisions to authorize continued conformity of other 
                            Federal retirement systems.
Sec. 2302. Authorization of payments.
Sec. 2303. Individual right of action preserved for amounts not 
                            otherwise provided for under this title.

                       Subtitle D--Effective Date

Sec. 2401. Effective date.

SEC. 2002. DEFINITIONS.

    For purposes of this title:
            (1) Annuitant.--The term ``annuitant'' has the meaning 
        given such term under section 8331(9) or 8401(2) of title 5, 
        United States Code.
            (2) CSRS.--The term ``CSRS'' means the Civil Service 
        Retirement System.
            (3) CSRDF.--The term ``CSRDF'' means the Civil Service 
        Retirement and Disability Fund.
            (4) CSRS covered.--The term ``CSRS covered'', with respect 
        to any service, means service that is subject to the provisions 
        of subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, 
        other than service subject to section 8334(k) of such title.
            (5) CSRS-offset covered.--The term ``CSRS-Offset covered'', 
        with respect to any service, means service that is subject to 
        the provisions of subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, 
        United States Code, and to section 8334(k) of such title.
            (6) Employee.--The term ``employee'' has the meaning given 
        such term under section 8331(1) or 8401(11) of title 5, United 
        States Code.
            (7) Executive director.--The term ``Executive Director of 
        the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board'' or ``Executive 
        Director'' means the Executive Director appointed under section 
        8474 of title 5, United States Code.
            (8) FERS.--The term ``FERS'' means the Federal Employees' 
        Retirement System.
            (9) FERS covered.--The term ``FERS covered'', with respect 
        to any service, means service that is subject to chapter 84 of 
        title 5, United States Code.
            (10) Former employee.--The term ``former employee'' means 
        an individual who was an employee, but who is not an annuitant.
            (11) OASDI taxes.--The term ``OASDI taxes'' means the OASDI 
        employee tax and the OASDI employer tax.
            (12) OASDI employee tax.--The term ``OASDI employee tax'' 
        means the tax imposed under section 3101(a) of the Internal 
        Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to Old-Age, Survivors and 
        Disability Insurance).
            (13) OASDI employer tax.--The term ``OASDI employer tax'' 
        means the tax imposed under section 3111(a) of the Internal 
        Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to Old-Age, Survivors and 
        Disability Insurance).
            (14) OASDI trust funds.--The term ``OASDI trust funds'' 
        means the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund 
        and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund.
            (15) Office.--The term ``Office'' means the Office of 
        Personnel Management.
            (16) Retirement coverage determination.--The term 
        ``retirement coverage determination'' means a determination by 
        an employee or agent of the Government as to whether a 
        particular type of Government service is CSRS covered, CSRS-
        Offset covered, FERS covered, or Social Security-Only covered.
            (17) Retirement coverage error.--The term ``retirement 
        coverage error'' means an erroneous retirement coverage 
        determination that was in effect for a minimum period of 3 
        years of service after December 31, 1986.
            (18) Social security-only covered.--The term ``Social 
        Security-Only covered'', with respect to any service, means 
        Government service that--
                    (A) constitutes employment under section 210 of the 
                Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 410); and
                    (B)(i) is subject to OASDI taxes; but
                    (ii) is not subject to CSRS or FERS.
            (19) Survivor.--The term ``survivor'' has the meaning given 
        such term under section 8331(10) or 8401(28) of title 5, United 
        States Code.
            (20) Thrift savings fund.--The term ``Thrift Savings Fund'' 
        means the Thrift Savings Fund established under section 8437 of 
        title 5, United States Code.

SEC. 2003. APPLICABILITY.

    (a) In General.--This title shall apply with respect to retirement 
coverage errors that occur before, on, or after the date of enactment 
of this Act.
    (b) Limitation.--Except as otherwise provided in this title, this 
title shall not apply to any erroneous retirement coverage 
determination that was in effect for a period of less than 3 years of 
service after December 31, 1986.

SEC. 2004. IRREVOCABILITY OF ELECTIONS.

    Any election made (or deemed to have been made) by an employee or 
any other individual under this title shall be irrevocable.

  Subtitle A--Description of Retirement Coverage Errors to Which This 
           Title Applies and Measures for Their Rectification

CHAPTER 1--EMPLOYEES AND ANNUITANTS WHO SHOULD HAVE BEEN FERS COVERED, 
 BUT WHO WERE ERRONEOUSLY CSRS COVERED OR CSRS-OFFSET COVERED INSTEAD, 
             AND SURVIVORS OF SUCH EMPLOYEES AND ANNUITANTS

SEC. 2101. EMPLOYEES.

    (a) Applicability.--This section shall apply in the case of any 
employee or former employee who should be (or should have been) FERS 
covered but, as a result of a retirement coverage error, is (or was) 
CSRS covered or CSRS-Offset covered instead.
    (b) Uncorrected Error.--
            (1) Applicability.--This subsection applies if the 
        retirement coverage error has not been corrected before the 
        effective date of the regulations described under paragraph 
        (3). As soon as practicable after discovery of the error, and 
        subject to the right of an election under paragraph (2), if 
        CSRS covered or CSRS-Offset covered, such individual shall be 
        treated as CSRS-Offset covered, retroactive to the date of the 
        retirement coverage error.
            (2) Coverage.--
                    (A) Election.--Upon written notice of a retirement 
                coverage error, an individual may elect to be CSRS-
                Offset covered or FERS covered, effective as of the 
                date of the retirement coverage error. Such election 
                shall be made not later than 180 days after the date of 
                receipt of such notice.
                    (B) Nonelection.--If the individual does not make 
                an election by the date provided under subparagraph 
                (A), a CSRS-Offset covered individual shall remain 
                CSRS-Offset covered and a CSRS covered individual shall 
                be treated as CSRS-Offset covered.
            (3) Regulations.--The Office shall prescribe regulations to 
        carry out this subsection.
    (c) Corrected Error.--
            (1) Applicability.--This subsection applies if the 
        retirement coverage error was corrected before the effective 
        date of the regulations described under subsection (b).
            (2) Coverage.--
                    (A) Election.--
                            (i) CSRS-offset covered.--Not later than 
                        180 days after the date of enactment of this 
                        Act, the Office shall prescribe regulations 
                        authorizing individuals to elect, during the 
                        18-month period immediately following the 
                        effective date of such regulations, to be CSRS-
                        Offset covered, effective as of the date of the 
                        retirement coverage error.
                            (ii) Thrift savings fund contributions.--If 
                        under this section an individual elects to be 
                        CSRS-Offset covered, all employee contributions 
                        to the Thrift Savings Fund made during the 
                        period of FERS coverage (and earnings on such 
                        contributions) may remain in the Thrift Savings 
                        Fund in accordance with regulations prescribed 
                        by the Executive Director, notwithstanding any 
                        limit that would otherwise be applicable.
                    (B) Previous settlement payment.--An individual who 
                previously received a payment ordered by a court or 
                provided as a settlement of claim for losses resulting 
                from a retirement coverage error shall not be entitled 
                to make an election under this subsection unless that 
                amount is waived in whole or in part under section 
                2208, and any amount not waived is repaid.
                    (C) Ineligibility for election.--An individual who, 
                subsequent to correction of the retirement coverage 
                error, received a refund of retirement deductions under 
                section 8424 of title 5, United States Code, or a 
                distribution under section 8433 (b), (c), or (h)(1)(A) 
                of title 5, United States Code, may not make an 
                election under this subsection.
            (3) Corrective action to remain in effect.--If an 
        individual is ineligible to make an election or does not make 
        an election under paragraph (2) before the end of any time 
        limitation under this subsection, the corrective action taken 
        before such time limitation shall remain in effect.

SEC. 2102. ANNUITANTS AND SURVIVORS.

    (a) In General.--This section shall apply in the case of an 
individual who is--
            (1) an annuitant who should have been FERS covered but, as 
        a result of a retirement coverage error, was CSRS covered or 
        CSRS-Offset covered instead; or
            (2) a survivor of an employee who should have been FERS 
        covered but, as a result of a retirement  coverage error, was 
CSRS covered or CSRS-Offset covered instead.
    (b) Coverage.--
            (1) Election.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Office shall prescribe regulations 
        authorizing an individual described under subsection (a) to 
        elect CSRS-Offset coverage or FERS coverage, effective as of 
        the date of the retirement coverage error.
            (2) Time limitation.--An election under this subsection 
        shall be made not later than 18 months after the effective date 
        of the regulations prescribed under paragraph (1).
            (3) Reduced annuity.--
                    (A) Amount in account.--If the individual elects 
                CSRS-Offset coverage, the amount in the employee's 
                Thrift Savings Fund account under subchapter III of 
                chapter 84 of title 5, United States Code, on the date 
                of retirement that represents the Government's 
                contributions and earnings on those contributions 
                (whether or not such amount was subsequently 
                distributed from the Thrift Savings Fund) will form the 
                basis for a reduction in the individual's annuity, 
                under regulations prescribed by the Office.
                    (B) Reduction.--The reduced annuity to which the 
                individual is entitled shall be equal to an amount 
                which, when taken together with the amount referred to 
                in subparagraph (A), would result in the present value 
                of the total being actuarially equivalent to the 
                present value of an unreduced CSRS-Offset annuity that 
                would have been provided the individual.
            (4) Reduced benefit.--If--
                    (A) a surviving spouse elects CSRS-Offset benefits; 
                and
                    (B) a FERS basic employee death benefit under 
                section 8442(b) of title 5, United States Code, was 
                previously paid;
        then the survivor's CSRS-Offset benefit shall be subject to a 
        reduction, under regulations prescribed by the Office. The 
        reduced annuity to which the individual is entitled shall be 
        equal to an amount which, when taken together with the amount 
        of the payment referred to under subparagraph (B) would result 
        in the present value of the total being actuarially equivalent 
        to the present value of an unreduced CSRS-Offset annuity that 
        would have been provided the individual.
            (5) Previous settlement payment.--An individual who 
        previously received a payment ordered by a court or provided as 
        a settlement of claim for losses resulting from a retirement 
        coverage error may not make an election under this subsection 
        unless repayment of that amount is waived in whole or in part 
        under section 2208, and any amount not waived is repaid.
    (c) Nonelection.--If the individual does not make an election under 
subsection (b) before any time limitation under this section, the 
retirement coverage shall be subject to the following rules:
            (1) Corrective action previously taken.--If corrective 
        action was taken before the end of any time limitation under 
        this section, that corrective action shall remain in effect.
            (2) Corrective action not previously taken.--If corrective 
        action was not taken before such time limitation, the employee 
        shall be CSRS-Offset covered, retroactive to the date of the 
        retirement coverage error.

  CHAPTER 2--EMPLOYEE WHO SHOULD HAVE BEEN FERS COVERED, CSRS-OFFSET 
COVERED, OR CSRS COVERED, BUT WHO WAS ERRONEOUSLY SOCIAL SECURITY-ONLY 
                            COVERED INSTEAD

SEC. 2111. APPLICABILITY.

    This chapter shall apply in the case of any employee who--
            (1) should be (or should have been) FERS covered but, as a 
        result of a retirement coverage error, is (or was) Social 
        Security-Only covered instead;
            (2) should be (or should have been) CSRS-Offset covered 
        but, as a result of a retirement coverage error, is (or was) 
        Social Security-Only covered instead; or
            (3) should be (or should have been) CSRS covered but, as a 
        result of a retirement coverage error, is (or was) Social 
        Security-Only covered instead.

SEC. 2112. CORRECTION MANDATORY.

    (a) Uncorrected Error.--If the retirement coverage error has not 
been corrected, as soon as practicable after discovery of the error, 
such individual shall be covered under the correct retirement coverage, 
effective as of the date of the retirement coverage error.
    (b) Corrected Error.--If the retirement coverage error has been 
corrected, the corrective action previously taken shall remain in 
effect.

CHAPTER 3--EMPLOYEE WHO SHOULD OR COULD HAVE BEEN SOCIAL SECURITY-ONLY 
  COVERED BUT WHO WAS ERRONEOUSLY CSRS-OFFSET COVERED OR CSRS COVERED 
                                INSTEAD

SEC. 2121. EMPLOYEE WHO SHOULD BE SOCIAL SECURITY-ONLY COVERED, BUT WHO 
              IS ERRONEOUSLY CSRS OR CSRS-OFFSET COVERED INSTEAD.

    (a) Applicability.--This section applies in the case of a 
retirement coverage error in which a Social Security-Only covered 
employee was erroneously CSRS covered or CSRS-Offset covered.
    (b) Uncorrected Error.--
            (1) Applicability.--This subsection applies if the 
        retirement coverage error has not been corrected before the 
        effective date of the regulations described in paragraph (3).
            (2) Coverage.--In the case of an individual who is 
        erroneously CSRS covered, as soon as practicable after 
        discovery of the error, and subject to the right of an election 
        under paragraph (3), such individual shall be CSRS-Offset 
        covered, effective as of the date of the retirement coverage 
        error.
            (3) Election.--
                    (A) In general.--Upon written notice of a 
                retirement coverage error, an individual may elect to 
                be CSRS-Offset covered or Social Security-Only covered, 
                effective as of the date of the retirement coverage 
                error. Such election shall be made not later than 180 
                days after the date of receipt of such notice.
                    (B) Nonelection.--If the individual does not make 
                an election before the date provided under subparagraph 
                (A), the individual shall remain CSRS-Offset covered.
                    (C) Regulations.--The Office shall prescribe 
                regulations to carry out this paragraph.
    (c) Corrected Error.--
            (1) Applicability.--This subsection applies if the 
        retirement coverage error was corrected before the effective 
        date of the regulations described under subsection (b)(3).
            (2) Election.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Office shall prescribe regulations 
        authorizing individuals to elect, during the 18-month period 
        immediately following the effective date of such regulations, 
        to be CSRS-Offset covered or Social Security-Only covered, 
        effective as of the date of the retirement coverage error.
            (3) Nonelection.--If an eligible individual does not make 
        an election under paragraph (2) before the end of any time 
        limitation under this subsection, the corrective action taken 
        before such time limitation shall remain in effect.

          CHAPTER 4--EMPLOYEE WHO WAS ERRONEOUSLY FERS COVERED

SEC. 2131. EMPLOYEE WHO SHOULD BE SOCIAL SECURITY-ONLY COVERED, CSRS 
              COVERED, OR CSRS-OFFSET COVERED AND IS NOT FERS-ELIGIBLE, 
              BUT WHO IS ERRONEOUSLY FERS COVERED INSTEAD.

    (a) Applicability.--This section applies in the case of a 
retirement coverage error in which a Social Security-Only covered, CSRS 
covered, or CSRS-Offset covered employee not eligible to elect FERS 
coverage under authority of section 8402(c) of title 5, United States 
Code, was erroneously FERS covered.
    (b) Uncorrected Error.--
            (1) Applicability.--This subsection applies if the 
        retirement coverage error has not been corrected before the 
        effective date of the regulations described in paragraph (2).
            (2) Coverage.--
                    (A) Election.--
                            (i) In general.--Upon written notice of a 
                        retirement coverage error, an individual may 
                        elect to remain FERS covered or to be Social 
                        Security-Only covered, CSRS covered, or CSRS-
                        Offset covered, as would have applied in the 
                        absence of the erroneous retirement coverage 
                        determination, effective as of the date of the 
                        retirement coverage error. Such election shall 
                        be made not later than 180 days after the date 
                        of receipt of such notice.
                            (ii) Treatment of fers election.--An 
                        election of FERS coverage under this subsection 
                        is deemed to be an election under section 301 
                        of the Federal Employees Retirement System Act 
                        of 1986 (5 U.S.C. 8331 note; Public Law 99-335; 
                        100 Stat. 599).
                    (B) Nonelection.--If the individual does not make 
                an election before the date provided under subparagraph 
                (A), the individual shall remain FERS covered, 
                effective as of the date of the retirement coverage 
                error.
            (3) Employee contributions in thrift savings fund.--If 
        under this section, an individual elects to be Social Security-
        Only covered, CSRS covered, or CSRS-Offset covered, all 
        employee contributions to the Thrift Savings Fund made during 
        the period of erroneous FERS coverage (and all earnings on such 
        contributions) may remain in the Thrift Savings Fund in 
        accordance with regulations prescribed by the Executive 
        Director, notwithstanding any limit under section 8351 or 8432 
        of title 5, United States Code.
            (4) Regulations.--Except as provided under paragraph (3), 
        the Office shall prescribe regulations to carry out this 
        subsection.
    (c) Corrected Error.--
            (1) Applicability.--This subsection applies if the 
        retirement coverage error was corrected before the effective 
        date of the regulations described under paragraph (2).
            (2) Election.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Office shall prescribe regulations 
        authorizing individuals to elect, during the 18-month period 
        immediately following  the effective date of such regulations 
to remain Social Security-Only covered, CSRS covered, or CSRS-Offset 
covered, or to be FERS covered, effective as of the date of the 
retirement coverage error.
            (3) Nonelection.--If an eligible individual does not make 
        an election under paragraph (2), the corrective action taken 
        before the end of any time limitation under this subsection 
        shall remain in effect.
            (4) Treatment of fers election.--An election of FERS 
        coverage under this subsection is deemed to be an election 
        under section 301 of the Federal Employees Retirement System 
        Act of 1986 (5 U.S.C. 8331 note; Public Law 99-335; 100 Stat. 
        599).

SEC. 2132. FERS-ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE WHO SHOULD HAVE BEEN CSRS COVERED, 
              CSRS-OFFSET COVERED, OR SOCIAL SECURITY-ONLY COVERED, BUT 
              WHO WAS ERRONEOUSLY FERS COVERED INSTEAD WITHOUT AN 
              ELECTION.

    (a) In General.--
            (1) FERS election prevented.--If an individual was 
        prevented from electing FERS coverage because the individual 
        was erroneously FERS covered during the period when the 
        individual was eligible to elect FERS under title III of the 
        Federal Employees Retirement System Act or the Federal 
        Employees' Retirement System Open Enrollment Act of 1997 
        (Public Law 105-61; 111 Stat. 1318 et seq.), the individual--
                    (A) is deemed to have elected FERS coverage; and
                    (B) shall remain covered by FERS, unless the 
                individual declines, under regulations prescribed by 
                the Office, to be FERS covered.
            (2) Declining fers coverage.--If an individual described 
        under paragraph (1)(B) declines to be FERS covered, such 
        individual shall be CSRS covered, CSRS-Offset covered, or 
        Social Security-Only covered, as would apply in the absence of 
        a FERS election, effective as of the date of the erroneous 
        retirement coverage determination.
    (b) Employee Contributions in Thrift Savings Fund.--If under this 
section, an individual declines to be FERS covered and instead is 
Social Security-Only covered, CSRS covered, or CSRS-Offset covered, as 
would apply in the absence of a FERS election, all employee 
contributions to the Thrift Savings Fund made during the period of 
erroneous FERS coverage (and all earnings on such contributions) may 
remain in the Thrift Savings Fund in accordance with regulations 
prescribed by the Executive Director, notwithstanding any limit that 
would otherwise be applicable.
    (c) Inapplicability of Duration of Erroneous Coverage.--This 
section shall apply regardless of the length of time the erroneous 
coverage determination remained in effect.

SEC. 2133. RETROACTIVE EFFECT.

    This chapter shall be effective as of January 1, 1987, except that 
section 2132 shall not apply to individuals who made or were deemed to 
have made elections similar to those provided in this section under 
regulations prescribed by the Office before the effective date of this 
title.

 CHAPTER 5--EMPLOYEE WHO SHOULD HAVE BEEN CSRS-OFFSET COVERED, BUT WHO 
                  WAS ERRONEOUSLY CSRS COVERED INSTEAD

SEC. 2141. APPLICABILITY.

    This chapter shall apply in the case of any employee who should be 
(or should have been) CSRS-Offset covered but, as a result of a 
retirement coverage error, is (or was) CSRS covered instead.

SEC. 2142. CORRECTION MANDATORY.

    (a) Uncorrected Error.--If the retirement coverage error has not 
been corrected, as soon as practicable after discovery of the error, 
such individual shall be covered under the correct retirement coverage, 
effective as of the date of the retirement coverage error.
    (b) Corrected Error.--If the retirement coverage error has been 
corrected before the effective date of this title, the corrective 
action taken before such date shall remain in effect.

  CHAPTER 6--EMPLOYEE WHO SHOULD HAVE BEEN CSRS COVERED, BUT WHO WAS 
                ERRONEOUSLY CSRS-OFFSET COVERED INSTEAD

SEC. 2151. APPLICABILITY.

    This chapter shall apply in the case of any employee who should be 
(or should have been) CSRS covered but, as a result of a retirement 
coverage error, is (or was) CSRS-Offset covered instead.

SEC. 2152. CORRECTION MANDATORY.

    (a) Uncorrected Error.--If the retirement coverage error has not 
been corrected, as soon as practicable after discovery of the error, 
such individual shall be covered under the correct retirement coverage, 
effective as of the date of the retirement coverage error.
    (b) Corrected Error.--If the retirement coverage error has been 
corrected before the effective date of this title, the corrective 
action taken before such date shall remain in effect.

                     Subtitle B--General Provisions

SEC. 2201. IDENTIFICATION AND NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.

    Government agencies shall take all such measures as may be 
reasonable and appropriate to promptly identify and notify individuals 
who are (or have been) affected by a retirement coverage error of their 
rights under this title.

SEC. 2202. INFORMATION TO BE FURNISHED TO AND BY AUTHORITIES 
              ADMINISTERING THIS TITLE.

    (a) Applicability.--The authorities identified in this subsection 
are--
            (1) the Director of the Office of Personnel Management;
            (2) the Commissioner of Social Security; and
            (3) the Executive Director of the Federal Retirement Thrift 
        Investment Board.
    (b) Authority To Obtain Information.--Each authority identified in 
subsection (a) may secure directly from any department or agency of the 
United States information necessary to enable such authority to carry 
out its responsibilities under this title. Upon request of the 
authority involved, the head of the department or agency involved shall 
furnish that information to the requesting authority.
    (c) Authority To Provide Information.--Each authority identified in 
subsection (a) may provide directly  to any department or agency of the 
United States all information such authority believes necessary to 
enable the department or agency to carry out its responsibilities under 
this title.
    (d) Limitation; Safeguards.--Each of the respective authorities 
under subsection (a) shall--
            (1) request or provide only such information as that 
        authority considers necessary; and
            (2) establish, by regulation or otherwise, appropriate 
        safeguards to ensure that any information obtained under this 
        section shall be used only for the purpose authorized.

SEC. 2203. SERVICE CREDIT DEPOSITS.

    (a) CSRS Deposit.--In the case of a retirement coverage error in 
which--
            (1) a FERS covered employee was erroneously CSRS covered or 
        CSRS-Offset covered;
            (2) the employee made a service credit deposit under the 
        CSRS rules; and
            (3) there is a subsequent retroactive change to FERS 
        coverage;
the excess of the amount of the CSRS civilian or military service 
credit deposit over the FERS civilian or military service credit 
deposit, together with interest computed in accordance with paragraphs 
(2) and (3) of section 8334(e) of title 5, United States Code, and 
regulations prescribed by the Office, shall be paid to the employee, 
the annuitant or, in the case of a deceased employee, to the individual 
entitled to lump-sum benefits under section 8424(d) of title 5, United 
States Code.
    (b) FERS Deposit.--
            (1) Applicability.--This subsection applies in the case of 
        an erroneous retirement coverage determination in which--
                    (A) the employee owed a service credit deposit 
                under section 8411(f) of title 5, United States Code; 
                and
                    (B)(i) there is a subsequent retroactive change to 
                CSRS or CSRS-Offset coverage; or
                    (ii) the service becomes creditable under chapter 
                83 of title 5, United States Code.
            (2) Reduced annuity.--
                    (A) In general.--If at the time of commencement of 
                an annuity there is remaining unpaid CSRS civilian or 
                military service credit deposit for service described 
                under paragraph (1), the annuity shall be reduced based 
                upon the amount unpaid together with interest computed 
                in accordance with section 8334(e) (2) and (3) of title 
                5, United States Code, and regulations prescribed by 
                the Office.
                    (B) Amount.--The reduced annuity to which the 
                individual is entitled shall be equal to an amount 
                that, when taken together with the amount referred to 
                under subparagraph (A), would result in the present 
                value of the total being actuarially equivalent to the 
                present value of the unreduced annuity benefit that 
                would have been provided the individual.
            (3) Survivor annuity.--
                    (A) In general.--If at the time of commencement of 
                a survivor annuity, there is remaining unpaid any CSRS 
                service credit deposit described under paragraph (1), 
                and there has been no actuarial reduction in an annuity 
                under paragraph (2), the survivor annuity shall be 
                reduced based upon the amount unpaid together with 
                interest computed in accordance with section 8334(e) 
                (2) and (3) of title 5, United States Code, and 
                regulations prescribed by the Office.
                    (B) Amount.--The reduced survivor annuity to which 
                the individual is entitled shall be equal to an amount 
                that, when taken together with the amount referred to 
                under subparagraph (A), would result in the present 
                value of the total being actuarially equivalent to the 
                present value of an unreduced survivor annuity benefit 
                that would have been provided the individual.

SEC. 2204. PROVISIONS RELATED TO SOCIAL SECURITY COVERAGE OF 
              MISCLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES.

    (a) Definitions.--In this section, the term--
            (1) ``covered individual'' means any employee, former 
        employee, or annuitant who--
                    (A) is or was employed erroneously subject to CSRS 
                coverage as a result of a retirement coverage error; 
                and
                    (B) is or was retroactively converted to CSRS-
                offset coverage, FERS coverage, or Social Security-only 
                coverage; and
            (2) ``excess CSRS deduction amount'' means an amount equal 
        to the difference between the CSRS deductions withheld and the 
        CSRS-Offset or FERS deductions, if any, due with respect to a 
        covered individual during the entire period the individual was 
        erroneously subject to CSRS coverage as a result of a 
        retirement coverage error.
    (b) Reports to Commissioner of Social Security.--
            (1) In general.--In order to carry out the Commissioner of 
        Social Security's responsibilities under title II of the Social 
        Security Act, the Commissioner may request the head of each 
        agency that employs or employed a covered individual to report 
        (in coordination with the Office of Personnel Management) in 
        such form and within such timeframe as the Commissioner may 
        specify, any or all of--
                    (A) the total wages (as defined in section 3121(a) 
                of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) paid to such 
                individual during each year of the entire period of the 
                erroneous CSRS coverage; and
                    (B) such additional information as the Commissioner 
                may require for the purpose of carrying out the 
                Commissioner's responsibilities under title II of the 
                Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.).
            (2) Compliance.--The head of an agency or the Office shall 
        comply with a request from the Commissioner under paragraph 
        (1).
            (3) Wages.--For purposes of section 201 of the Social 
        Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401), wages reported under this 
        subsection shall be deemed to be wages reported to the 
        Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary's delegates pursuant 
        to subtitle F of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
    (c) Payment Relating to OASDI Employee Taxes.--
            (1) In general.--The Office shall transfer from the Civil 
        Service Retirement and Disability Fund to the General Fund of 
        the Treasury an amount equal to the lesser of the excess CSRS 
        deduction amount or the OASDI taxes due for covered individuals 
        (as adjusted by amounts transferred relating to applicable 
        OASDI employee taxes as a result of corrections made, including 
        corrections made before the date of enactment of this Act). If 
        the excess CSRS deductions exceed the OASDI taxes, any 
        difference shall be paid to the covered individual or 
        survivors, as appropriate.
            (2) Transfer.--Amounts transferred under this subsection 
        shall be determined notwithstanding any limitation under 
        section 6501 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
    (d) Payment of OASDI Employer Taxes.--
            (1) In general.--Each employing agency shall pay an amount 
        equal to the OASDI employer taxes owed with respect to covered 
        individuals during the applicable period of erroneous coverage 
        (as adjusted by amounts transferred for the payment of such 
        taxes as a result of corrections made, including corrections 
        made before the date of enactment of this Act).
            (2) Payment.--Amounts paid under this subsection shall be 
        determined subject to any limitation under section 6501 of the 
        Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
    (e) Application of OASDI Tax Provisions of the Internal Revenue 
Code of 1986 to Affected Individuals and Employing Agencies.--A covered 
individual and the individual's employing agency shall be deemed to 
have fully satisfied in a timely manner their responsibilities with 
respect to the taxes imposed by sections 3101(a), 3102(a), and 3111(a) 
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 on the wages paid by the employing 
agency to such individual during the entire period such individual was 
erroneously subject to CSRS coverage as a result of a retirement 
coverage error based on the payments and transfers made under 
subsections (c) and (d). No credit or refund of taxes on such wages 
shall be allowed as a result of this subsection.

 SEC. 2205. THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN TREATMENT FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS.

    (a) Applicability.--This section applies to an individual who--
            (1) is eligible to make an election of coverage under 
        section 2101 or 2102, and only if FERS coverage is elected (or 
        remains in effect) for the employee involved; or
            (2) is described in section 2111, and makes or has made 
        retroactive employee contributions to the Thrift Savings Fund 
        under regulations prescribed by the Executive Director.
    (b) Payment Into Thrift Savings Fund.--
            (1) In general.--
                    (A) Payment.--With respect to an individual to whom 
                this section applies, the employing agency shall pay to 
                the Thrift Savings Fund under subchapter III of chapter 
                84 of title 5, United States Code, for credit to the 
                account of the employee involved, an amount equal to 
                the earnings which are disallowed under section 
                8432a(a)(2) of such title on the employee's retroactive 
                contributions to such Fund.
                    (B) Amount.--Earnings under subparagraph (A) shall 
                be computed in accordance with the procedures for 
                computing lost earnings under section 8432a of title 5, 
                United States Code. The amount paid by the employing 
                agency shall be treated for all purposes as if that 
                amount had actually been earned on the basis of the 
                employee' s contributions.
                    (C) Exceptions.--If an individual made retroactive 
                contributions before the effective date of the 
                regulations under section 2101(c), the Director may 
                provide for an alternative calculation of lost earnings 
                to the extent that a calculation under subparagraph (B) 
                is not administratively feasible. The alternative 
                calculation shall yield an amount that is as close as 
                practicable to the amount computed under subparagraph 
                (B), taking into account earnings previously paid.
            (2) Additional employee contribution.--In cases in which 
        the retirement coverage error was corrected before the 
        effective date of the regulations under section 2101(c), the 
        employee involved shall have an additional opportunity to make 
        retroactive contributions for the period of the retirement 
        coverage error (subject to applicable limits), and such 
        contributions (including any contributions made after the date 
        of the correction) shall be treated in accordance with 
        paragraph (1).
    (c) Regulations.--
            (1) Executive director.--The Executive Director shall 
        prescribe regulations appropriate to carry out this section 
        relating to retroactive employee contributions and payments 
        made on or after the effective date of the regulations under 
        section 2101(c).
            (2) Office.--The Office, in consultation with the Federal 
        Retirement Thrift Investment Board, shall prescribe regulations 
        appropriate to carry out this section relating to the 
        calculation of lost earnings on retroactive employee 
        contributions made before the effective date of the regulations 
        under section 2101(c).

SEC. 2206. CERTAIN AGENCY AMOUNTS TO BE PAID INTO OR REMAIN IN THE 
              CSRDF.

    (a) Certain Excess Agency Contributions To Remain in the CSRDF.--
            (1) In general.--Any amount described under paragraph (2) 
        shall--
                    (A) remain in the CSRDF; and
                    (B) may not be paid or credited to an agency.
            (2) Amounts.--Paragraph (1) refers to any amount of 
        contributions made by an agency under section 8423 of title 5, 
        United States Code, on behalf of any employee, former employee, 
        or annuitant (or survivor of such employee, former employee, or 
        annuitant) who makes an election to correct a retirement 
        coverage error under this title, that the Office determines to 
        be excess as a result of such election.
    (b) Additional Employee Retirement Deductions To Be Paid by 
Agency.--If a correction in a retirement coverage error results in an 
increase in employee deductions under section 8334 or 8422 of title 5, 
United States Code, that cannot be fully paid by a reallocation of 
otherwise available amounts previously deducted from the employee's pay 
as employment taxes or retirement deductions, the employing agency--
            (1) shall pay the required additional amount into the 
        CSRDF; and
            (2) shall not seek repayment of that amount from the 
        employee, former employee, annuitant, or survivor.

SEC. 2207. CSRS COVERAGE DETERMINATIONS TO BE APPROVED BY OPM.

    No agency shall place an individual under CSRS coverage unless--
            (1) the individual has been employed with CSRS coverage 
        within the preceding 365 days; or
            (2) the Office has agreed in writing that the agency's 
        coverage determination is correct.

SEC. 2208. DISCRETIONARY ACTIONS BY DIRECTOR.

    (a) In General.--The Director of the Office of Personnel Management 
may--
            (1) extend the deadlines for making elections under this 
        title in circumstances involving an individual's inability to 
        make a timely election due to a cause beyond the individual's 
        control;
            (2) provide for the reimbursement of necessary and 
        reasonable expenses incurred by an individual with respect to 
        settlement of a claim for losses resulting from a retirement 
        coverage error, including attorney's fees, court costs, and 
        other actual expenses;
            (3) compensate an individual for monetary losses that are a 
        direct and proximate result of a retirement coverage error, 
        excluding claimed losses relating to forgone contributions and 
        earnings under the Thrift Savings Plan under subchapter III of 
        chapter 84 of title 5, United States Code, and all other 
        investment opportunities; and
            (4) waive payments required due to correction of a 
        retirement coverage error under this title.
    (b) Similar Actions.--In exercising the authority under this 
section, the Director shall, to the extent practicable, provide for 
similar actions in situations involving similar circumstances.
    (c) Judicial Review.--Actions taken under this section are final 
and conclusive, and are not subject to administrative or judicial 
review.
    (d) Regulations.--The Office of Personnel Management shall 
prescribe regulations regarding the process and criteria used in 
exercising the authority under this section.
    (e) Report.--The Office of Personnel Management shall, not later 
than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually 
thereafter for each year in which the authority provided in this 
section is used, submit a report to each House of Congress on the 
operation of this section.

SEC. 2209. REGULATIONS.

    (a) In General.--In addition to the regulations specifically 
authorized in this title, the Office may prescribe such other 
regulations as are necessary for the administration of this title.
    (b) Former Spouse.--The regulations prescribed under this title 
shall provide for protection of the rights of a former spouse with 
entitlement to an apportionment of benefits or to survivor benefits 
based on the service of the employee.

                      Subtitle C--Other Provisions

SEC. 2301. PROVISIONS TO AUTHORIZE CONTINUED CONFORMITY OF OTHER 
              FEDERAL RETIREMENT SYSTEMS.

    (a) Foreign Service.--Sections 827 and 851 of the Foreign Service 
Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4067 and 4071)  shall apply with respect to this 
title in the same manner as if this title were part of--
            (1) the Civil Service Retirement System, to the extent this 
        title relates to the Civil Service Retirement System; and
            (2) the Federal Employees' Retirement System, to the extent 
        this title relates to the Federal Employees' Retirement System.
    (b) Central Intelligence Agency.--Sections 292 and 301 of the 
Central Intelligence Agency Retirement Act (50 U.S.C. 2141 and 2151) 
shall apply with respect to this title in the same manner as if this 
title were part of--
            (1) the Civil Service Retirement System, to the extent this 
        title relates to the Civil Service Retirement System; and
            (2) the Federal Employees' Retirement System, to the extent 
        this title relates to the Federal Employees' Retirement System.

SEC. 2302. AUTHORIZATION OF PAYMENTS.

    All payments authorized or required by this title to be paid from 
the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund, together with 
administrative expenses incurred by the Office in administering this 
title, shall be deemed to have been authorized to be paid from that 
Fund, which is appropriated for the payment thereof.

SEC. 2303. INDIVIDUAL RIGHT OF ACTION PRESERVED FOR AMOUNTS NOT 
              OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR UNDER THIS TITLE.

    Nothing in this title shall preclude an individual from bringing a 
claim against the Government of the United States which such individual 
may have under section 1346(b) or chapter 171 of title 28, United 
States Code, or any other provision of law (except to the extent the 
claim is for any amounts otherwise provided for under this title).

                       Subtitle D--Effective Date

SEC. 2401. EFFECTIVE DATE.

    Except as otherwise provided in this title, this title shall take 
effect on the date of enactment of this Act.
            Amend the title so as to read: ``A bill to amend title 5, 
        United States Code, to provide for the establishment of a 
        program under which long-term care insurance is made available 
        to Federal employees, members of the uniformed services, and 
        civilian and military retirees, provide for the correction of 
        retirement coverage errors under chapters 83 and 84 of such 
        title, and for other purposes.''.




                                                       Calendar No. 685

106th CONGRESS

  2d Session

                                S. 2420

                          [Report No. 106-344]

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL

To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for the establishment 
of a program under which long-term care insurance is made available to 
Federal employees, members of the uniformed services, and civilian and 
               military retirees, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

                             July 14, 2000

        Reported with an amendment and an amendment to the title