Key Takeaways

• The PSHB Help Line is a central support resource for USPS employees and retirees adjusting to the 2025 shift to the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program.

• Understanding who should call, when to call, and what to ask can save you from confusion, lapses in coverage, or avoidable costs.

A Critical Resource in a Year of Major Change

2025 marks the official rollout of the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program, replacing Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) for United States Postal Service (USPS) employees and retirees. With this change, comes a lot of new processes, deadlines, and requirements. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone.

Fortunately, the PSHB Help Line exists to guide you through it.

Whether you are an active USPS employee or a retiree trying to understand how your Medicare or prescription drug coverage interacts with the new PSHB program, the Help Line may be your most valuable support tool this year.

Who Should Call the PSHB Help Line?

The PSHB Help Line is intended for USPS workers and annuitants who have questions about anything related to the PSHB Program. You should especially consider calling if:

• You’re unsure whether you need to enroll in Medicare Part B.

• You want to confirm your eligibility or understand exemption rules.

• You didn’t make a change during Open Season and want to verify automatic enrollment.

• You need clarification on what happens to your prescription drug coverage.

• You are outside the U.S. or have VA or Indian Health Service benefits and want to understand how they affect your PSHB enrollment.

When to Call: Timing Matters

In 2025, several critical windows impact your benefits. The PSHB Help Line can guide you through what action—if any—you need to take depending on your situation:

Medicare Part B Enrollment Exceptions

If you are Medicare-eligible but missed previous enrollment windows, you might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). The SEP for Postal retirees ran from April 1 to September 30, 2024, giving those who were late another chance to sign up without a late penalty. If you’re unsure whether you enrolled during that SEP—or if you missed it—you should call to check where you stand.

Post-Open Season Changes

Open Season for 2025 health benefits ran from November to December 2024. If you didn’t actively make a selection, you may have been automatically enrolled in a corresponding PSHB plan. The Help Line can confirm your current plan or help you understand options for a future Qualifying Life Event (QLE).

Ongoing Support in 2025

Even though Open Season is over, the Help Line continues to serve as a resource throughout 2025. If you experience changes in family status, Medicare eligibility, or relocation, you’ll want to call to see if you’re eligible to update your plan under a QLE.

What You Can Expect When You Call

You won’t be speaking with a benefits provider or sales representative. The PSHB Help Line is designed to provide neutral, federal program-specific support.

Here’s what you can get help with:

• Step-by-step instructions for enrolling in Medicare Part B if required

• Help understanding cost-sharing for in-network and out-of-network services

• Assistance with plan terminology like deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums

• Clarification on drug coverage integration through Medicare Part D

• Information about timelines and documentation for making plan changes

Key Questions to Ask When You Call

Before you pick up the phone, it helps to have a list of questions prepared. Consider asking:

• Am I required to enroll in Medicare Part B to keep my PSHB coverage?

• If I retired before January 1, 2025, am I exempt from certain Medicare requirements?

• How does my plan handle prescription drugs under the new Part D integration?

• What are my current deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums?

• Can I add or drop family members from my plan mid-year?

Having your retirement documents, Medicare card, and any correspondence from OPM handy will make the call smoother.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

One of the most common mistakes retirees and employees make is waiting too long to act. Missing a deadline—even by a few days—can result in loss of drug coverage, higher premiums, or reduced access to care.

Use the Help Line proactively. It’s better to ask now than to fix costly mistakes later.

Medicare Integration Support

As of 2025, Medicare-eligible annuitants and their family members must enroll in Part B to stay in a PSHB plan—unless they meet specific exemption criteria:

• Retired on or before January 1, 2025

• Employed and age 64 or older as of January 1, 2025

• Living overseas

• Enrolled in Indian Health Service or VA benefits

The Help Line can review your status and tell you whether you must enroll in Part B or if you’re exempt. It can also explain what happens if you choose to opt out of integrated drug coverage—like losing access to your PSHB pharmacy benefits.

Pharmacy and Drug Coverage Questions

With the integration of Medicare Part D through Employer Group Waiver Plans (EGWPs), many are unsure about how drug coverage now works.

You might be wondering:

• What’s the $2,000 out-of-pocket cap for prescriptions, and how is it applied?

• Is insulin still capped at $35 under this new setup?

• Will my usual pharmacy accept the new plan?

• Can I opt out of the Part D integration and still keep PSHB coverage?

These are all valid concerns. The Help Line is trained to address them.

Special Cases Worth Calling About

Certain situations can add complexity to your health coverage. You should consider reaching out if:

• You’re moving to another state or relocating outside the U.S.

• Your spouse is not yet eligible for Medicare but you are

• You have dependents whose eligibility might change mid-year

• You receive both VA and PSHB benefits and need to understand how they interact

Tips to Make the Most of the Call

• Call during off-peak hours, such as mid-morning or mid-afternoon

• Keep all relevant paperwork nearby, including your annuity statement and any PSHB plan brochures

• Write down the representative’s name and the reference number for the call

• If you’re unclear about anything, don’t hesitate to ask for a recap or clarification

Long-Term Peace of Mind

The PSHB Help Line isn’t just for one-off issues—it’s a year-round tool that helps you:

• Avoid coverage lapses

• Understand changing benefits

• Get accurate answers without digging through long documents

• Prepare for future enrollment periods or family changes

As 2025 continues, staying informed will be key. You’ll want to keep track of eligibility windows, cost changes, and evolving coordination rules between PSHB and Medicare.

Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Word-of-Mouth Alone

With a change as significant as the shift to PSHB, well-meaning friends or coworkers might offer advice based on outdated or incorrect assumptions. What was true under FEHB in 2024 may no longer apply.

The PSHB Help Line gives you answers grounded in current regulations—not guesswork.

It’s Not Just for Retirees

While retirees make up a significant share of callers, active USPS employees should also take advantage of the Help Line, especially if they’re:

• Approaching age 64 and want to plan ahead

• Covering a spouse or family member who is Medicare-eligible

• Planning to retire within the next 12 to 24 months

These conversations can help you avoid surprises later.

What to Do After the Call

After using the Help Line, take time to:

• Review any notes or reference numbers you received

• Follow up on action items like enrolling in Medicare or submitting documentation

• Check back with your plan’s official materials to confirm what you were told

• If needed, consult a licensed agent listed on this website for more in-depth guidance

Get the Clarity You Deserve

The transition to the PSHB Program in 2025 comes with its fair share of confusion—but you don’t have to tackle it alone. The PSHB Help Line is designed to answer your questions, clear up misunderstandings, and help you feel confident about your healthcare choices.

Don’t wait until problems arise. Call now and, if you need personal support making decisions, speak to a licensed agent listed on this website for professional advice.