Retirement
Medicare Part B Premiums Are Scheduled to Rise 52% in January
Starting in January, most retirees under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), who also are enrolled in Medicare Part B, could see a 52% jump in their monthly…
Medicare
Stay informed on Medicare topics that matter to federal retirees, including how Medicare Parts B and D coordinate with FEHB coverage, annual premium and deductible changes, and the impact of IRMAA surcharges on retirement income. Explore clear explanations of enrollment decisions, cost considerations, and policy updates that affect federal retirement planning. This section provides timely analysis to help federal retirees understand how Medicare choices interact with FEHB, OPM guidance, and long‑term healthcare costs in retirement.
Q&A
Will I Be Forced Into Medicare?
I retired four years ago and want to keep my current health plan. Will I be forced into Medicare or can I just keep my current plan?
Q&A
What is the Point of Converting to Medicare?
What is the point of my converting to Medicare from my current BC/BS Standard Option (individual)?
Federal Workforce News
Postal Service Retirees, Medicare, and Implications for Other Federal Retirees
The Postal Service wants to put all retirees under Medicare in order to save billions of dollars. When this is considered by Congress, look out for a similar…
Pay & Benefits
House Budget Blueprint Proposes Attrition Cuts for Federal Workforce
House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) has released the Committee's 2014 budget blueprint for the federal government. As in past House budget proposals, there are some proposed…
Pay & Benefits
Prepare for Tax Changes in 2013
Will the Bush era tax cuts be extended by Congress? Nobody knows, but regardless of what Congress does, the authors offer steps one can consider taking before year…
Pay & Benefits
Why Are Your Health Insurance Premiums Going Up?
Why are your insurance premiums going up and how much money could you save by checking out the different costs and benefits for each plan?
Retirement
Medicare and Federal Employee Health Insurance
Discussion of "risk pools" and "call letters" from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) doesn't sound very exciting. And, in most years, the issuing of an OPM call…
Retirement
Medicare and Federal Retirees: Part B or Not Part B?
Author John Grobe recently asked FedSmith readers which topics were of most interest on the topic of federal retirement. The answer: Should a federal retiree who is nearing…