Retirement planning isn’t a “set it and forget it” process. Changes in your career, finances, federal benefits, market conditions, and retirement goals can all affect whether you’re still on track for the future you envision. Chris Kowalik provides several tips to help identify gaps or missed opportunities more…
Medicare and Federal Employees
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…
Your Biggest Expenses in Retirement
Overall, your expenses may drop in retirement — but not as significantly as you anticipate. Chris Kowalik explains why some of your biggest expenses may surprise you, and why it’s critical to get these costs under control before you retire and account for them in your retirement plan more…
What Federal Employees & Retirees Should Know About the Medicare General Enrollment Period
Each year, the Center for Medicare and Medicare Services conducts a General Enrollment Period (GEP) from January 1 through March 31. Ed Zurndorfer discusses how federal employees and retirees are affected by it including eligibility requirements, what parts of Medicare they can enroll in, when Medicare coverage starts, and how it works with the Federal Employees Health benefits program (FEHB). Practical examples are included. more…
2026 Medicare Premiums and Open Enrollment
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have released the 2026 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B programs. Medicare open enrollment is Oct. 15 – Dec. 7 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…
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…
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…
Should Federal Retirees Enroll in Medicare Part B?
Whether or not to enroll in (Medicare Part B (medical insurance) is a key decision that federal retirees aged 65 and older have to make. Because there is a penalty for not enrolling in Part B within a few months of the enrollment deadline, federal retirees are under pressure to make a decision. Ed Zurndorfer gives insight on how the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program works with Medicare, when Medicare is the primary payer, and how FEHB premiums are affected by Medicare Part B more…