Request for Waiver of Indebtedness of the Amount of Contributions Owed to Federal Employees Health Benefits Program

An employee requested a waiver of collection of the full amount of employee contributions he owed to the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program for the period of discontinued enrollment while he was employed in a specialized agency of the United Nations. Indebtedness cannot be waived under 5 U.S.C. 5584. In view of unusual circumstances and since the employee did not make timely premium payments due to the failure of his agency to counsel him properly, he is entitled to equitable relief. His claim for relief of liability is being referred to Congress as a meritorious claim against the United States. (SW)