Nine FEHB plan options and one PSHB option are ending in 2027, UnitedHealthcare’s HSA-eligible plan is dropping 12 states, and Presbyterian and Mail Handlers are changing too. Enrollees who do nothing move into an OPM default that costs less but is built differently, and Open Season closes December 14. See the full list, what the default costs, and what to check before the deadline passes. more…
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Why Your 2027 FEHB Share Can Swing Far More Than Your Plan’s Total Premium
Why can one Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plan raise its total premium 43% while the enrollee share rises 84%, and another cut its total premium 12% while the enrollee share drops 42%? Worked examples from the Office of Personnel Management’s 2027 files show how the government contribution formula drives the swings. Here is what to know before open season starts Nov. 9, including what a big drop in your share does (and does not) mean if you are thinking about switching plans more…
Medicare Open Enrollment 2026: How It Affects Federal Retirees in FEHB
Medicare open enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2026, and changes take effect January 1, 2027. For federal retirees with Original Medicare and Federal Employees Health Benefits coverage, the choices go beyond picking a plan. Enrolling in a private Medicare Advantage plan means suspending FEHB coverage and paying the full premium without the 72 to 75 percent government contribution. FEHB-sponsored Medicare Advantage plans and Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) offer alternatives, and creditable FEHB drug coverage means many retirees can skip Medicare Part D without a penalty. Ed Zurndorfer covers what can change during open enrollment and what to check first. more…
The Biggest Medicare Mistakes That Can Cost Federal Retirees
Missing enrollment deadlines, delaying enrollment, and choosing the wrong type of Medicare can potentially cost a federal retiree a lot of money. Ed Zurndorfer provides an updated outline of the most common mistakes federal retirees should avoid when enrolling in Medicare more…
Should You Keep Your FEHB Plan for 2027? Take This 3-Step Test
The 10.9% average increase in 2027 Federal Employees Health Benefits premiums hides a wide range: about one plan in six costs less, roughly one in three rose by more than 10.9%, and one nationwide plan’s Self Plus One rate roughly doubled. Take this three-step keep-or-change test to see where your plan’s increase falls and what it means in dollars per year, then use the open season checklist to decide 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...