Medicare Enrollment Window for Postal Retirees Closing; Health Rates Announcement Ahead

  Medicare Enrollment Window for Postal Retirees Closing; Health Rates Announcement Ahead

"...September 30 is the end of the “special enrollment period” in which Postal Service retirees eligible for Medicare Part B but not currently enrolled in it may elect that coverage without the standard penalty for enrolling more than three months beyond first eligibility, which typically is on turning age 65.

The period opened in April under terms of the 2022 Postal Service reform law ordering creation of the new Postal Service Health Benefits program, which will replace the FEHB program for postal employees and retirees starting in January.

The voluntary period, applies to those already retired and who are not enrolled in Part B, which covers physicians and related services. ..."

Reference: www.fedweek.com


 

PSHB Program Video Five-part Series | The Move Is Fast Approaching

  PSHB Program Video Five-part Series | The Move Is Fast Approaching

"...USPS has released a five-part video series on the new Postal Service Health Benefits Program.

The program, also known as PSHB, will begin Jan. 1, 2025. ...The videos are also available on Keeping Posted, the website for postal retirees.

USPS is encouraging employees and retirees to watch the complete video series."

Reference: usps.com
 

Medicare and FEHB | Do you know how they work together?

  Medicare and FEHB | Do you know how they work together?

Postal Service employees can participate in an upcoming webinar to learn about Medicare and the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program.

The session, “Medicare and FEHB,” will be held Aug. 31 at 1 p.m. Eastern.

Representatives from GEHA, a not-for-profit provider of health plans for federal employees, will conduct the webinar and explain how Medicare works with FEHB plans, including information on Medicare parts A, B, C and D.

Participants must register before the event on the webinar website.

Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees may only participate off the clock or during authorized breaks.

For more information, go to the USPS Wellness LiteBlue page or email the USPS Health and Wellness team.

Reference: USPS via NPMHU Local 317
 

Postal FEHB enrollees feel ‘angst’ as OPM builds USPS-only (PSHB) health insurance marketplace

  Postal FEHB enrollees feel ‘angst’ as OPM builds USPS-only (PSHB) health insurance marketplace

"A USPS retiree told OPM that, “When I made my decision to retire, I was never told that someday I’d be forced into a different insurance plan that might cover less and cost me more.” “We base our decision to retire on what’s available to us at the time and should never be forced to accept anything less,” the retiree wrote...The agency is creating the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program as a separate entity from the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program, as required under the Postal Service Reform Act signed into law last year. ...Dimondstein, however, said there’s been some “angst” among current retirees..."

Reference: Postal News Group
 

USPS Releases Initial Fact Sheets about the Postal Service Health Benefits Program

  USPS Releases Initial Fact Sheets about the Postal Service Health Benefits Program

USPS and OPM, in consultation with the four Postal Unions, have developed Fact Sheets to provide basic information regarding the Postal Service Health Benefits Program (PSHBP) that will begin January 1, 2025. There are two Fact Sheets, one for USPS Active Employees and one for USPS Annuitants. These Fact Sheets are also available on LiteBlue and KeepingPosted.org. The Fact Sheets are an introduction to further education programs from USPS commencing in Fall 2023. NPMHU will continue to be a partner in helping our members understand the choices, requirements and actions needed to participate in PSHBP, as we prepare for the program to begin in 2025.

Fact Sheet - PSHB Employee (pdf)

Fact Sheet - PSHB Annuitant (pdf)

Reference: www.npmhu.org
 

Postal Service Health Benefits Program (PSHB) will replace FEHB coverage for postal employees, annuitants and eligible family members

  Postal Service Health Benefits Program (PSHB) will replace FEHB coverage for postal employees, annuitants and eligible family members

"...PSHB would make the same plans available and on the same coverage terms as in the FEHB but with their premiums determined separately. ..."

Reference: www.fedweek.com