With Medicare Part B premiums projected to continue rising over the next decade, the decision to enroll alongside your FEHB coverage deserves careful analysis. While many federal retirees benefit from combining Medicare with FEHB, the added monthly premium isn’t the right choice for everyone. Learn what the latest Medicare projections mean, why dropping FEHB is usually a mistake, and the key factors every federal retiree should consider before making this important retirement healthcare decision. more…
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Why a FERS Retirement Pension May Be Lower Than You Think
The basic annuity calculation is based on a small percentage of your high-3 average salary for each year you worked in federal service, and there may be reductions from healthcare premiums and taxes. Here’s what you should know… more…
OPM Defends Plan to Access FEHB Medical Records, Says Privacy Will Be Protected
The Office of Personnel Management is pushing back against criticism of its proposal to obtain more detailed health claims data from Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) and Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) insurance carriers. The agency believes the data is necessary and assuring federal employees that individual medical records will remain protected more…
When Is the Best Time for a FERS Retiree to Start Taking Social Security?
While there is no single best age for everyone, here are some guidelines to help you make the decision — including your need for income, whether you are trying to maximize lifetime or survivor benefits, and your health and life expectancy more…
Projected 2027 Medicare Premium Increases Released in Trustee’s Report
The recently published 2026 Medicare Trustees Report projects that the standard Medicare Part B premium will increase next year. Deductibles and Part D costs are also expected to increase. Higher-income retirees may pay more due to the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) . Although official rates will not be announced until later this year, the projected costs are available, and some planning tips to prepare are provided. For federal retirees and employees approaching retirement, understanding these projections is important because Medicare premiums can significantly affect retirement income planning 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...