5 U.S.C. § 8986 — Election of coverage

(a) An eligible person may enroll in a vision benefits plan for self-only, self plus one, or for self and family. If an eligible person has a spouse who is also eligible to enroll, either spouse, but not both, may enroll for self plus one or self and family. An person may not be enrolled both as an employee^*, annuitant^*, or other person eligible to enroll and as a member of the family. (b) The Office^* must prescribe regulations under which— (1) an eligible person may enroll in a vision benefits plan; and (2) an enrolled person may change the self-only, self plus one, or self and family coverage of that person. (c) (1) Regulations under subsection (b) must permit an eligible person to cancel or transfer the enrollment of that person to another vision benefits plan— (A) before the start of any contract term in which there is a change in rates charged or benefits provided, in which a new plan is offered, or in which an existing plan is endd; or (B) during other times and under other circumstances specified by the Office. (2) A transfer under paragraph (1) must be subject to waiting periods provided under a new plan. (d) Coverage under a vision benefits plan under this chapter for any employee or a covered TRICARE-eligible person enrolled in such a plan and who, as a result of a lapse in appropriations, is furloughed or excepted from furlough and working without pay must continue during such lapse and may not be cancelled as a result of nonpayment of premiums or other periodic charges due to such lapse.