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Federal Employee Benefits
News and Commentary

Is the General Schedule Pay System Failing to Retain the Best Federal Employees?
November 2, 2009
"Congress and the Obama administration must move quickly to address workforce challenges ranging from a crumbling pay system to an overly rigid definition of the workday, the government's personnel chief said during a speech in upstate New York on Monday." . . . more

President Signs Bill Giving FERS Sick Leave Credit Toward Retirement, Ending NSPS
October 29, 2009
President Obama signed the 2010 Defense Authorization Bill allowing those in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) to count unused sick leave toward their retirement. The bill also repeals the NSPS pay-for-performance program, and provides other retirement changes . . . more

IRS Provides Relief for Some on Unwanted Required-Minimum Distributions
October 25, 2009
Although the distribution requirements were waived for this year, some people were not aware of the tax law change and took distributions anyway...but a new Internal Revenue Service ruling can help some taxpayers return the unwanted distributions. IRS Notice 2009-82 grants a rollover extension . . . more

Democrats Oppose Proposed $250 Checks to Retirees in 2010
October 23, 2009
President Obama's plan to give $250 checks to Social Security recipients next year is being criticized by some congressional Democrats worried that it could swell the deficit . . . more

Basic Medicare Premium to Increase 15% in 2010
October 19, 2009
The basic Medicare premium will shoot up next year by 15 percent, to $110.50 a month, federal officials said earlier this week . . . more

Some Retirees May Get $250 Emergency Check Due to Zero 2010 COLA
October 15, 2009
Because a 2010 cost-of-living increase in Social Security benefits is unlikely, the White House on Wednesday was working with Congress to rush a $250 emergency payment into the hands of seniors, veterans and the disabled . . . more

FEHB Insurance Providers Drop Out or Reduce Coverage
October 9, 2009
With fourteen health insurance plans leaving FEHB altogether, and eighteen others lowering coverage in certain areas, many federal employees will need to choose new health plans during this year's open season . . . more

2010 FEHB Premiums Will Increase By Up to 8.8%
September 28, 2009
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced that 2010 premiums for enrollees in the federal employees health insurance plan (FEHB) will increase by 8.8 percent on average in January . . . more

Proposal to End FEHB: Senate Committee Modifies Language in Amendment
September 25, 2009
In a modified version of a Republican amendment to the health care bill the Senate Finance Committee is debating -- that would end the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program -- the new language would allow, but not require, civil servants to leave the FEHB for state-based health care exchanges starting in 2013 . . . more

45% Of Doctors Would Consider Quitting If Congress Passes Health Care Overhaul
Two of every three practicing physicians oppose the medical overhaul plan under consideration in Washington, and hundreds of thousands would think about shutting down their practices or retiring early if it were adopted, a new poll has found . . . more

Social Security: What are the Benefits Available to Federal Employees?
September 18, 2009
Federal mlpoyees under FERS (which is now about 80%) are fully covered by Social Security, and they often have questions about when and how to apply for retirement benefits. Here are the types of benefits you might be able to choose from when it comes time to apply for Social Security . . . more

2010 Federal Pay Raise : Obama Calls Again for 2 Percent Increase
UPDATE: August 31, 2009
President Obama issued a letter today to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stating he wants to implement a 2.0 percent 2010 federal pay raise for civilian employees . . . more

USPS May Be Unable to Make Payroll in October and Retiree Health Plan Costs, Unions' Letter to White House Says
July 19, 2009
Read the "extreme urgency" letter issued to the White House from four postal unions . . . more

Cuts to Federal Employee Retirement Annuities Proposed in House; Denounced by NARFE
June 12, 2009
In a policy reform proposal to President Obama that would potentially save billions of taxpayer dollars over the next five years, House Republican leaders recommended a reduction in the retirement annuities of federal employees and a new rule to require them to work longer to receive their full annuity. . . . more

10 Steps to Disaster-Proof Your Retirement Years
While the recent recession has grabbed everybody's attention, there are additional risks that need to be addressed for retirement. This article provides 10 practical steps to disaster-proof your retirement years . . . more

FAQs: Premium Hikes, Benefit Options in New Long-Term Care Contract for Federal Employees
UPDATED: May 15, 2009
The new Federal Long Term-Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) contract includes up to a 25% premium increase for some current enrollees and new benefit options. Answers to frequently asked questions are provided . . . more

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Read articles written by federal benefits expert and Certified Financial Planner, Edward Zurndorfer