In April 2022, the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 (PSRA) was enacted, marking the start of a collaborative effort between the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the United States Postal Service to introduce the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program. This will be a new and separate program within the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. Coverage under PSHB will be effective January 1, 2025. Here are the key points postal employees and annuitants need to know:
- Open Season Enrollment: The inaugural open season for PSHB will run from November 11 to December 9, 2024. During this period, postal employees and annuitants must choose a health plan within the PSHB program.
- Plan Details: Information regarding PSHB plan options and associated premiums will be released in October 2024.
- New Enrollment Platform: OPM is set to unveil a dedicated enrollment platform for PSHB. Instructions and details on how to navigate this new system will be provided before the open season begins.
- Medicare Part B for Annuitants: If you are an annuitant as of January 1, 2025, and are not currently participating in Medicare Part B, you will not be required to do so. However, if you are an annuitant as of January 1, 2025 and are already enrolled in Medicare Part B, you will be required to maintain Medicare Part B coverage.
- Special Medicare Enrollment: If you are an annuitant and entitled to Medicare Part A prior to 2024 and have not yet enrolled in Medicare Part B, you will be able to participate in a special enrollment for Medicare Part B starting April 1, 2024. During this time, you will be able to enroll in Medicare Part B and will not need to pay the late enrollment penalty.
- Retiree Medicare Enrollment:
- If you retire between October 31, 2024 and December 31, 2024 and are entitled to Medicare Part A, you will be able to enroll in Medicare Part B during a specific eight-month special enrollment period immediately following your retirement date.
For further clarity on how these changes affect your Medicare options or for more personalized advice, feel free to reach out to United Benefits for assistance.