(a) OPM may suspend applications for FLTCIP coverage, including coverage increases, when OPM determines that a suspension is in the best interest of the Program.

(b) OPM will issue a document in the Federal Register with the effective date of the suspension period, during which no applications for FLTCIP coverage will be accepted. The effective date will be determined at the discretion of the Director and will be at least 30 days after the publication date of the document.

(c) The duration of the suspension period, as determined at the discretion of the Director and not to exceed 24 months unless subsequently extended, will be announced in a document published in the Federal Register.

(d) At least 30 days before the end of the suspension period, OPM may issue a document in the Federal Register announcing an extension of the suspension period when OPM determines that such extension is in the best interest of the Program. The duration of any extension to the suspension period will not exceed 24 months, unless subsequently extended by additional periods of suspension, each not to exceed 24 months.