Benefits news
DailyFED's benefits section reports changes to the insurance programs federal employees and retirees rely on: FEHB premiums and plan changes, Open Season dates, FEGLI, FEDVIP and FSAFEDS, the Postal Service Health Benefits program, and Medicare rules that affect federal retirees.
December20254 stories
- Give Your Federal Benefits an Annual ReviewYou’ve set your financial goals, put an investment plan in place, and now you’re on the journey toward retirement.
- Federal Employees Sick Leave CalculationsThe federal government employs a unique system for calculating work hours and unused sick leave.
- Reminder, Federal Employees, Open Season is Almost Over!Open season for federal employees and retirees is quickly coming to a close, with Monday, December 8, marking the final day to make changes to your Federal Employees Health...
- FEHB Cost-Saving Strategies for Federal RetireesManaging health insurance costs in retirement is a priority for federal retirees, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program continues to be one of the most...
November20252 stories
October20253 stories
- 2026 Changes: What Federal Employees and Retirees Need to KnowTwo important updates could affect retirement planning for federal employees: increasing payroll and earnings-limit thresholds, and upcoming cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs)...
- FEHB Premiums See Another Increase in 2026Federal employees and retirees are facing significant hikes in their health insurance premiums for the 2026 plan year.
- FEGLI Can Be Costly for What Federal Employees GetCreated in 1954, the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program is the world’s largest group life insurance plan, covering more than 4 million federal workers...
September20254 stories
- What Happens to Your Federal Benefits When You Leave Federal ServiceLeaving federal service, whether voluntarily, through early retirement, or as a result of a reduction in force, triggers a series of benefit decisions that have permanent...
- How a Shutdown Affects Pay and Benefits for Federal EmployeesWhen Congress fails to pass appropriations or a continuing resolution, many agencies funded by annual appropriations must halt operations.
- Understanding FEHB Survivor BenefitsThe Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program offers comprehensive health insurance for you and your family.
- Adding Your Spouse to Your FEHB Plan in RetirementAs a federal employee, keeping your health benefits in retirement requires that you be enrolled in an FEHB plan for the five years immediately before retirement.
August20251 story
May20252 stories
- Navigating Workplace Uncertainty for Dual FedsRetirement planning for fed couples, commonly referred to as dual feds, differs significantly from other couples.
- Spousal Death Benefits ExplainedNo one enjoys thinking about their own mortality, but you need to be prepared in case the unimaginable happens.
April20252 stories
- FERS Survivor AnnuityFederal employees under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) can elect a survivor annuity for a spouse, child, or sibling with an “insurable interest” (closer than a...
- 2024 FSAFEDS Claims Due April 30, 2025Federal employees enrolled in the 2024 Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS) must submit all health care and dependent care claims to HealthEquity, Inc., the...
What we cover here
- FEHB premiums. OPM's yearly premium announcement, reported the day it posts.
- Open Season. Dates, plan changes, new and departing plans.
- FEGLI and FEDVIP. Rate and program changes.
- Medicare. Part B, IRMAA and how changes affect FEHB retirees.
- PSHB. News for Postal Service employees and retirees.
The rules behind the headlines
- How FEHB works and keeping it in retirement
- Open Season, step by step
- FEHB and Medicare at 65
- FEGLI life insurance
Compare every plan's premium on the FEHB premiums page, or weigh Part B with the FEHB vs Medicare tool.
When the news affects your coverage
A premium jump or a plan leaving your area can force a decision. A Federal Retirement Consultant (FRC®) can help you think through your options before Open Season closes. Get matched with an FRC, free.
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