IRMAA — the added monthly cost tacked onto your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums when your income crosses certain thresholds — rarely shows up because of one obvious mistake. It’s usually a Traditional TSP withdrawal, an RMD, a Roth in-plan conversion, or even a final-year annual leave payout stacking on top of your FERS annuity and Social Security. Cross the income threshold by even $1, and a married couple can owe nearly $2,300 in extra Medicare premiums two years later. This guide breaks down how the 2026 IRMAA brackets work, why the bill always arrives two years after the decision that caused it, and how retirement itself may qualify you for a lower premium under Form SSA-44. It also walks through five questions to ask yourself before any TSP withdrawal or Roth conversion — plus a free downloadable checklist and worksheet to help you run your own numbers — so you can see the Medicare impact coming instead of finding it in the mail. more…
FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits)
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…
New FEHB Rule: Federal Employees & Retirees Must Prove Eligibility of Family Member’s Health Plan Coverage
A final rule from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) published to the Federal Register on Tuesday that will require federal employees and retirees to provide documentation verifying the eligibility of any family member added to their Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) or Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program coverage more…
Federal Retirees: How Medicare Part D Can Reduce Prescription Drug Costs
Federal retirees and annuitants on Medicare may be able to significantly cut prescription drug costs by adding a Part D plan through their Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plan coverage. See how it works, which plans offer it, and whether it’s right for you. more…
Why Federal Employees Should Sort Out Medicare Myths
The author explains why it is important to take time to consider the pros and cons of adding Medicare to FEHB. Common assumptions about Medicare Part B, IRMAA, whether you need Part D (prescription drugs) and FEHB coordination can obscure how coverage and costs actually play out over time. more…
How Supplemental Benefits from Your FEHB Plan Can Put Money Back in Your Pocket
Many Federal Employees Health Benefit plan enrollees overlook valuable supplemental benefits included in their plans, such as wellness incentives worth hundreds of dollars to gym discounts and shopping rewards. Watch this short video to learn what your FEHB plan may be offering and how to start taking advantage of it today. more…