Older federal employees and retirees may find dental insurance to be worth the cost because of expensive dental procedures including crowns, root canals, dentures and implants. Ed Zurndorfer examines out-of-pocket dental costs and alternatives to group dental insurance plans such as the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) more…
Understanding Consequences of FEHB Cancellation and Suspension
Ed Zurndorfer explains the three reasons a federal retiree or a spousal survivor annuitant can suspend their Federal Employees Health Benefits program enrollment and the consequences more…
Why Medicare Advantage Plans May Be Attractive to Some Federal Retirees
A Medicare Advantage Plan is another option for a federal retiree age 65 and older to supplement their Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B) coverage. Ed Zurndorfer discusses the options federal retirees have to enroll, and why these plans may be attractive to some federal retirees more…
Understanding Medicare Enrollment Periods, Deadlines and Penalties
Ed Zurndorfer discusses the three enrollment periods for employees and retirees to enroll in Medicare and not be subject to any late enrollment penalties. Retirees should also note that when they enroll in Medicare during any of the three-enrollment period, they can switch their FEHB health plan within 30 days of enrolling in Medicare more…
Survivor Annuitants Also Need to Make Decisions During 2024 Benefits Open Season
Spousal survivor annuitants will need to make decisions about their health, dental and vision insurance benefits for 2025 during the upcoming benefits open season. Ed Zurndorfer discusses continued enrollment in the FEHB program and FEDVIP for family members, including eligibility and cost more…
Understanding the New Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program
Ed Zurndorfer outlines the new Postal Service Health Benefits program that starts Jan. 1, 2025 — including how it compares to FEHB, enrollment and open season, cost savings for Medicare Part B/Advantage, and pharmacy benefits for those eligible more…
Federal Employee Eligibility for FEHB After Retirement
Ed Zurndorfer outlines the important requirements for an employee to continue Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) health insurance benefits during retirement. Practical examples are included more…
2023 Federal Income Tax Filing Deadline Approaching
The IRS has reminded individuals about the upcoming tax filing extension deadline. To avoid a late filing penalty, those individuals who requested an extension to file their 2023 tax return should file their Form 1040 on or before October 15, 2024. more…
10 Most Common Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing Life Insurance
Ed Zurndorfer outlines errors individuals often make — and how to correct them — when purchasing and owning a life insurance policy more…
Important Tax Issues for Life Insurance
Ed Zurndorfer discusses the various tax issues associated with life insurance ownership, including deductibility of premiums, and taxation of employee-sponsored policies, beneficiary proceeds and dividends more…