The Social Security Administration announced Friday that next yearās Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) will be 2.0%. That means an increase of $25 per month for the average beneficiary. According to the nonpartisan Kaiser Foundation, however, this will not be enough to offset the rise in Medicare Part B premium costs for 2018….
Do you know the difference between a deductible and a copayment?Ā If not, don’t feel bad.Ā Many people are confused by healthĀ insurance terminology. TheĀ Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)Ā Open Season is approaching.Ā Open Season begins November 13, 2017 and ends December 11, 2017. This is your once in a year opportunity to choose the health benefits that…
Excerpt: Speak Out! Postal Reform Bill Approved by House Oversight CommitteeĀ NARFE strongly urges its members to contact their legislators and ask them to oppose the Postal Reform Act of 2017 in its current form. This bill forces current postal retirees onto Medicare in order to keep their federal health insurance coverage and sets a…
Like most of my fellow USPS employees, I want and am dedicated to keeping the USPS a successful and financially viable American Institution that provides the most cost-effective communication and universal service to all Americans, just as our Founding Fathers established and intended the Post Office to remain. And like many of my fellow USPS…
Sorting through health plan options can be overwhelming, especially when youāre faced with language you donāt understand. For example, do you know the difference between a copayment and coinsurance? How about the difference between a deductible and a premium? Understanding these and other key health benefits terms can help you better evaluate your health plan…
By Emily Kopp – January 6, 2014 “Myopia” and “shortsightedness” from postal unions, Congress and the mailing industry are keeping the Postal Service from making changes that would let it survive in the digital era, according to Postmaster General Pat Donahoe. “That may sound a little harsh, but it would be too easy to say…
A Rule by the Personnel Management Office on 10/17/2014 [PDF] The United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing a final rule to modify eligibility for enrollment under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program to certain temporary, seasonal, and intermittent employees who are identified as full-time employees. This final rule follows a notice…
Effective October 16, 2014, the Postal Serviceā¢ is revising the Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM), subchapter 520, Health Benefits Program, to update policy and procedures in accordance with Office of Personnel Management regulations and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as follows: 521.1 ā Revised to update Reference Note. 521.2 ā Revised to…
