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.
March20253 stories
- Understanding FEGLIFEGLI, the Federal Employee Group Life Insurance program, is one of the largest term life insurance programs in the world.
- Insurance Benefits After Separation or RetirementFederal employees enjoy access to a range of insurance benefits.
- Using Your Annual and Sick Leave StrategicallyFull-time federal employees have many valuable benefits, including annual leave and sick leave.
February20251 story
January20253 stories
- Effects of Early Retirement on Benefits and AnnuitiesGovernment agencies looking to downsize or restructure their workforce may offer eligible employees early retirement under Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA).
- OPM Hails PSHB Program a Strong SuccessOn Friday, December 13, the U.S.
- Update: The 2024 Federal Employee Short-Term Disability Insurance ActAs we enter 2025, the 2024 Federal Employee Short-Term Disability Insurance Act remains pending in the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability with no plans to submit...
December20244 stories
- FEGLI Can Get Expensive Considering What You Get For The Premiums You PayEstablished by the Federal Government in 1954, the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) is the world’s largest life insurance program covering over 4 million federal...
- CBO Revives Cost-Cutting Ideas Affecting BenefitsThe Congressional Budget Office (CBO) routinely publishes reports outlining options to reduce the federal deficit, some of which could significantly impact federal employee...
- Understanding Accrued Annual LeaveBefore you retire, it’s important to understand how annual leave is accrued and how much you can carry over each year.
- OPM Extends Its Hold For New FLTCIP ApplicantsIn 2022 the OPM suspended new applications to the Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program until December 19, 2024.
November20243 stories
- Life Insurance Options in RetirementWhen you were hired, you were automatically enrolled in FEGLI Basic insurance unless you specifically waived it.
- First Day Of Open SeasonToday marks the first day of Open Season which runs through December 9, 2024.
- Understanding Dependent Eligibility For Federal BenefitsFederal employees have a wide range of benefits available to them and their families.
October20243 stories
- Will You Be Eligible To Continue FEHB In Retirement?According to a 2023 survey conducted by the OPM, over 90% of federal workers say the top reason they wanted to work for Uncle Sam is the government’s benefit programs.
- 2025 FEHB Premium Increases For Workers & RetireesHigher FEHB premiums for 2025 make this Open Season more important than ever.
- Misconceptions About Carrying FEHB & Medicare In RetirementThere are a number of advantages when you have both FEHB and Medicare coverage in retirement.
September20242 stories
- Pros & Cons Of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged way to save money you can use to pay out-of-pocket medical expenses.
- Advantages Of Having FEHB & Medicare Coverage In RetirementAs a federal employee, if you have coverage under the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHB) in retirement, you don’t have to enroll in Medicare when you become...
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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