Also of concern, related to FEHBP program enrollment and eligibility, is that the initial transfer of members from the FEHBP to the PSHBP is planned to occur without a centralized enrollment portal being active.
But the IG is anticipating OPM may face challenges during the program’s inaugural Open Season. The new IG report says the tight timeline for launching the program could strain OPM’s resources and staff.
Postal enrollees will pay 11.1% more toward their health care premiums. Averaged with the government’s share of the cost, which is increasing by 5.1%, the overall premium increase for PSHB is 6.9%
Notice for USPS employees: In 2025, the employer contribution rate for PSHB plans is the same across all Postal labor unions and management associations, except for USPS non-career employees or where specified otherwise in a collective bargaining agreement.
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) today shared new enrollee resources ahead of the inaugural launch of the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program this Open Season.
The PSHB Program is a new, separate program within the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, which will provide health insurance to eligible Postal Service employees, Postal Service annuitants, and their eligible family members starting January 1, 2025.
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.
USPS employees and annuitants may participate in an upcoming virtual seminar on the new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program.
The USPS is doing its best to ensure that employees and annuitants experience very little change to their coverage as a result.
A new Biden administration initiative to crack down on “unnecessary headaches” for consumers will include plans for employees on the Federal Employees Health Benefits and Postal Service Health Benefits plans to submit out-of-network claims online, alongside other updates.