That’s what I thought. The firing may effect his future health benefits after one year. He can still continue with Cobra as any other employee. With his income, I don’t think a health insurance premium is going to break his bank. His enrollment with the federal life insurance program may also be removed.
But, his thrift savings plan and retirement (and gov’t matched amount) is still his. Not sure how distribution takes place after being fired. It may not be any different once he reaches retirement age.
Also note that he actually covered by the Senior Executive Service rather than the more common General Services. The insurance and delay noted are for GS employees. The rules may not be so strict for SES, who have it pretty easy.