OPM has directed agencies to verify 100 percent of Open Season elections that add a family member to FEHB or PSHB coverage, effective this Open Season (Nov 9–Dec 14, 2026). It’s a statutory requirement now, not a recommendation — tracing to the FEHB Protection Act of 2025. Here’s what documents you’ll need (with a downloadable checklist) and what happens if a family member can’t be verified more…
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CRS Report Questions OPM’s Legal Authority to Collect FEHB/PSHB Medical Claims Data
OPM wants detailed medical claims data on FEHB and PSHB enrollees. A new Congressional Research Service report says the agency’s legal authority to do it is far from settled — and lays out how a court could decide. more…
The FERS Supplement Earnings Test: How Much You Can Actually Earn Before Losing It
Most federal employees know the FERS Retirement Supplement ends at 62. Fewer know it can shrink years earlier — the moment post-retirement work pushes you past the 2026 earnings limit of $24,480. We break down three real income scenarios, what counts as “earned income” (and what doesn’t), and why a 12-18 month lag means a high-earning year can quietly cost you later. more…
FERS Refunds Explained: Eligibility Rules, Taxes, and What a Redeposit Costs
If you separate from federal service before you’re eligible for an immediate annuity, you can request a lump-sum refund of your FERS retirement contributions — but doing so wipes out your future annuity rights unless you later return and make a full redeposit. Ed Zurndorfer walks through the eligibility rules, the application process (including where to send Form SF 3106), and the tax treatment of contributions versus interest. He also works through a real example: an employee who took a refund, returned to federal service, and had to weigh a $37,500 redeposit against a $15,500 annual boost to her starting annuity. more…
Spousal Benefits Upon the Death of a Federal Employee Covered by FERS
Most FERS employees think about survivor benefits in retirement — but what if you pass away while you’re still working? Ed Zurndorfer walks through the two benefits your spouse could receive: a lump-sum death benefit (with a rollover option) and a monthly survivor annuity, with real dollar examples for both. more…
10 Most Common Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing Life Insurance
Ed Zurndorfer outlines errors individuals often make when purchasing and owning a life insurance policy
2025 Health Insurance Plan Options & Comparison Tools
Get the latest the official information online for the 2024 plan year of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. Dental and vision (FEDVIP) details are also available...
Your Federal Health Benefits & Medicare: Helpful Resources from OPM
The Office of Personnel Management offers several resources for federal employees and retirees regarding Medicare and how it works with the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program...
Guide to Federal Retiree COLAs: What Are They and How Are They Calculated?
Understand what the cost-of-living adjustment is, how it is computed, and how it affects CSRS and FERS annuities, survivor annuities, and other federal employee death benefits...
10 Biggest Mistakes Federal Employees Make When Planning for Retirement (and How to Avoid Them)
Learn the 10 biggest federal retirement planning mistakes that many employees make before leaving civil service including CSRS, FERS, Thrift Savings Plan...
Federal Retirement Planning Checklists
Checklists for 5-10 years from retirement, one year away from retirement, and for your first year after retirement...