Health care costs are increasing at a rate that exceeds inflation. A health care flexible spending account allows an employee to be reimbursed for out-of-pocket medical, dental or vision expenses. Ed Zurndorfer, explains why every employee should consider enrolling or enrolling in an HCFSA during open season more…
Latest Articles
2025 Federal Holidays
The list of official holidays for federal employees in 2025 — including Inauguration Day for those in the Washington, DC area more…
2025 FEHB Health Plan Choices
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…
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. 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…
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…