Comment on FR Doc # 2012-27743

I believe this action of the Office of Personnel Management to issue an interim final rule amending Federal Employees Health Benefits Program eligibility regulations for intermittent employees engaged in emergency response functions is highly agreeable, especially with the recent natural disaster of Hurricane Sandy. These employees work to reestablish safety for residents after such disasters so it is only proper that their safety is fostered during that process through the accessibility of health insurance coverage. Without this coverage, workers and their families may be faced with hardship if job related health issues arise during this intermittent work. In addition, as mentioned on page 67,743 in column three, paragraph two, this change addresses the need for more emergency workers. Due to the often dangerous conditions these workers face, logically they are of a greater need of accessing Federal Employees Health Benefits Program coverage. So with prospective employees now knowing they may have this health insurance coverage, their willingness to become workers may increase. Therefore, it is entirely appropriate given potential benefits to the public, to amend regulations of the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program so agencies may apply for coverage for intermittent employees involved in emergency response functions.