Ed Zurndorfer outlines the federal dental insurance plan (FEDVIP) including premium costs, eligibility enrollment types, and the steps to enroll more…
Latest Articles
2025 Federal Benefits Open Season Options Announced by OPM
The Office of Personnel Management officially announced the open season dates and various choices federal employees and retirees have for their 2026 health, dental and vision coverage. Included is a list of health plans that are dropping out in 2026. more…
How to Appeal Medicare Part B & Medicare D High Monthly Premiums
Ed Zurndofer explains how Medicare Part B and Part D enrollees can appeal an income-related monthly adjustment amount that’s in addition to the standard monthly premium. Practical examples and what to do if the appeal is denied are included more…
Federal Retiree COLA vs. Federal Employee Pay Raises: What is the Difference?
Chris Kowalik explains the the difference between active employee pay raises and retiree cost-of-living adjustments — and why, when and how they are applied — as well as current projections for 2026’s anticipated pay raises and how newly announced COLAs will be implemented in retirement more…
Medicare Issues Facing Federal Employees Working Past Age 65
Ed Zurndorfer provides an update to common questions concerning Medicare enrollment for federal employees who continue to work in federal service past age 65. Should they enroll in Medicare Part A or B? How does the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program affect Medicare coverage? more…
How Medicare Part B Beneficiaries Can Pay Their Monthly Premiums
Ed Zurndorfer discusses the various options available to a Medicare Part B beneficiary to pay his or her monthly premium more…
What Happens to Unused Annual Leave When a Federal Employee Retires?
Ed Zurndorfer explains how a lump-sum payment is calculated for unused annual leave hours when separating from federal service, and outlines the tax considerations. Practical examples are included more…
Is Enhanced Medicare Part D a Good Option for Federal Retirees?
Since 2024, the Office of Personnel Management has been encouraging Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plans to adopt the improved Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage as an alternative to FEHB prescription coverage. Ed Zurndorfer explains what federal retirees enrolled in certain FEHB health plans and Medicare need to know about automatic enrollment in Medicare Part D plans associated with an FEHB health plan more…
What Happens to Unused Sick Leave When a Federal Employee Retires?
Ed Zurndorfer discusses the treatment of unused sick leave hours at the time of an federal employee’s departure or retirement from federal service. A practical example is included more…
Choosing Your Best Date to Retire
Chris Kowalik reviews the various factors that go into choosing an ideal date to retire from federal service including your pension, the Thrift Savings Plan, and other benefits more…