A healthy individual retiring in 2026 will spend an estimated $315,000 – $415,000 on healthcare-related expenditures during their retirement years — not including long-term care. Ed Zurndorfer explains the must-know three drivers of rising medical care expenditures that are contributing to the federal retiree’s challenge of paying for health care related expenses in retirement: inflation, increased Medicare premiums, and long-term care more…
FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits)
New Tax Benefits for Health Savings Account Participants
The changes expand HSA eligibility, which allows more people to save and to pay for healthcare costs through tax-free HSAs more…
Does Your FEHB Premium Change in Retirement?
As open season encourages you to re-evaluate your Federal Employees Health Benefits coverage, it’s also the perfect time to understand how your costs will change once you retire. Chris Kowalik explains why the shift from pre-tax to after-tax premiums (“premium conversion”) creates a real difference in what you pay more…
A Health Reimbursement Account Is Another Tax-Advantaged Another Way to Pay Medical Expenses
While some federal employees and retirees do not meet some of the requirements to contribute to a Health Savings Account, the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) provides a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). Ed Zurndorfer discusses what an HRA is, how federal employees can utilize it — plus it’s advantages and limitations. A helpful comparison chart of an HRA an FSA and an HSA is included more…
Health Savings Account: A Tax-Advantaged Way for Paying Current and Future Medical Bills
Federal employees and retirees have an opportunity to save money in a tax-advantaged manner in order to pay current and future medical expenses by utilizing health savings accounts (HSAs). But it is imperative that understand the HSA rules. Ed Zurndorfer discusses HSA rules including eligibility rules and the types of medical expenses that can be paid tax-free from an HSA more…
Health Savings Account (HSA) Contribution Limits Increase for 2026
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 more…
2026 FEHB Premium Hikes: Your Guide to Open Season
What can be done to offset the rising costs of premiums in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program and Medicare? Chris Kowalik outlines some options to help you mitigate the increased expenses more…
Significant Changes to Some FEHB Health Insurance Plans in 2026, OPM Says
Federal employees and retirees should be aware of these changes during the Federal Benefits Open Season which ends Dec. 8. OPM provided answers to frequently asked questions about the plan changes and terminations, and what to do if your plan has been terminated more…
FEHB Cost Saving Ideas and Tips for Federal Retirees & Annuitants
Ed Zurndorfer provides some cost-reducing suggestions for federal annuitants including Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program health plan premium savings — and savings for those who are (or who are not) enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B. Plus, suggestions of why federal retirees or annuitants should not elect out of the FEHB program. more…
FEHB Open Season: Tips for Making Changes and Pre-Retirement Checklist
Ed Zurndorfer discusses choices that employees and retirees have in this year’s Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) open season (Nov. 10 – Dec. 8). Included are tips for making changes and a checklist for those who intend to retire soon and want to keep their FEHB enrollment in retirement more…