Selecting a health insurance plan is not an easy task. Ed Zurndorfer discusses the distinct types of health insurance plans offered through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program to help in the selection of the plan that best meets medical needs at the least possible cost more…
Recent Articles
Is Enrolling in Dental Insurance Worth the Cost?
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…
The Real Impact of TSP Required Minimum Distributions
Chris Kowalik uncovers the real impact RMDs have on your Thrift Savings Plan account value, taxes, other benefits, and your heirs 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. Learn the three different types of Medicare Advantage plans are, how much enrollees have to pay, what these plans cover, and the two ways federal retirees can enroll. Also included are four important considerations you should be aware of before making the decision 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…
Deciding When to Take Social Security Benefits
Chris Kowalik breaks down the core components of the Social Security program to understand when, how, and why to start drawing benefits more…
Tax Savings with FEHB, FEDVIP and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Ed Zurndorfer discusses the important tax savings associated with the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, and the health care flexible spending accounts (HCFSAs) offered through FSAFEDS more…
TSP Launches Growth Potential Tool
The Thrift Savings Plan launched a “Grow with the TSP” web page to highlight the potential growth that’s possible in accounts. 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…