OPM is asking whether the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program should offer more health plan options — or fewer. A new request for information, opens a 60-day comment period on how the number and type of FEHB and PSHB plan options affects premiums, consumer experience, and program costs. Here’s what’s actually being asked, and how to weigh in before the window closes. more…
FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits)
How Much Will FEHB Cost You Between Retirement and Medicare?
If you’re retiring before 65, Federal Employees Health Benefits premiums between retirement and Medicare eligibility can add up to six figures — yet that cost rarely shows up as a line item in retirement projections. This guide walks through how to estimate your own FEHB bridge cost using your retirement age, current premium, and a few growth assumptions, plus what changes once Medicare eligibility begins. more…
2026 FEHB Open Season: OPM to Require 100% Verification of Family Members Added
OPM has directed agencies to verify 100 percent of Open Season elections that add a family member to FEHB or PSHB coverage, effective this Open Season (Nov 9–Dec 14, 2026). It’s a statutory requirement now, not a recommendation — tracing to the FEHB Protection Act of 2025. Here’s what documents you’ll need (with a downloadable checklist) and what happens if a family member can’t be verified more…
CRS Report Questions OPM’s Legal Authority to Collect FEHB/PSHB Medical Claims Data
OPM wants detailed medical claims data on FEHB and PSHB enrollees. A new Congressional Research Service report says the agency’s legal authority to do it is far from settled — and lays out how a court could decide. more…
The Medicare IRMAA Cliff: How a TSP Withdrawal Can Bite Back Two Years Later
A TSP withdrawal or Roth conversion can look harmless today — until it shows up two years later as a $2,300 Medicare surcharge. Here’s how the IRMAA “cliff” works, and the one move that can help you avoid it. more…
FEHB Privacy: What OPM’s New Data Rule Means for You
OPM finalized a rule last month expanding the health claims data it collects from FEHB and PSHB insurance carriers — including more detailed prescription, provider, and billing codes. The agency states it needs to do this to catch healthcare fraud, waste, and billing abuse. While OPM states enrollees’ privacy is protected, the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) has pushed back, saying the safeguard falls short of HIPAA’s standard. Here’s what’s actually collected, how it’s protected, and what critics still want changed. more…
How the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge May Benefit Federal Retirees
Starting July 1, 2026, The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program gives eligible Medicare beneficiaries access to certain GLP-1 weight loss medications for a $50 monthly copayment through a temporary CMS demonstration. This guide explains eligibility requirements, covered medications, prior authorization, costs, and what federal retirees should know about using the program alongside Medicare and FEHB coverage. 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…
Should Federal Retirees Keep FEHB, Add Medicare Part B, or Switch to Medicare Advantage?
Many federal retirees get caught in the complicated maze of figuring out whether to keep FEHB, add Medicare Part B, or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan. This video breaks down exactly how your expected healthcare usage should drive that decision. more…
2027 Health Savings Account (HSA) Contribution Limits Increase
Federal employees, retirees and annuitants have an opportunity to save money in a tax-advantaged manner to pay medical expenses by utilizing Health Savings Accounts. The IRS announced the increase to the amount individuals can contribute to HSAs (plus catch-up contributions for those eligible and age 55 and over) more…