Key Takeaways

• In 2025, misinformation about the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) program is common, especially from unofficial sources. Relying on trusted, official resources is essential for accurate decision-making.

• Whether you’re a current USPS employee or a retiree, understanding where and how to find correct PSHB information can directly affect your benefits, costs, and healthcare access.

Why Getting Accurate PSHB Information Matters

The PSHB program is now fully in effect for 2025. This marks a significant shift from the long-standing Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program for USPS employees and retirees. The transition comes with updated requirements, enrollment procedures, integration with Medicare, and benefit adjustments.

Word-of-mouth advice, social media threads, or even well-meaning friends often spread outdated or incorrect information. These mistakes can cost you financially or result in a loss of coverage. That’s why knowing where to find accurate PSHB details is critical.

Official Resources You Should Prioritize

You don’t need to guess or gamble when it comes to your healthcare. The USPS and Office of Personnel Management (OPM) have created several official channels to guide you.

1. OPM’s PSHB Resource Page

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) maintains a dedicated PSHB portal that includes:

• Plan brochures and comparisons

• Enrollment instructions

• Eligibility guidelines

• FAQs and contact tools

This is the most centralized and up-to-date source available.

2. KeepingPosted.org for Retirees

If you’re a USPS annuitant, KeepingPosted.org is your main hub for all things retirement-related, including PSHB updates. You can:

• Review plan options

• Access Medicare integration details

• Find answers to your enrollment questions

• Learn about annuitant premium contributions for 2025

3. LiteBlue for Active Employees

Active USPS employees should use LiteBlue, the secure internal portal, to:

• Review plan availability based on your zip code

• Enroll or change plans during Open Season

• View your biweekly premium contributions

Remember, the 2024 Open Season ran from November 11 to December 9. If you missed it, you must wait for a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) or the next Open Season.

4. PSHB Navigator Help Line

Call 1-833-712-7742 to speak with a trained benefits representative. This helpline is sponsored by OPM and USPS and provides reliable answers to:

• Plan comparisons

• Enrollment processes

• Medicare coordination

• Premium questions

This line is especially useful for retirees who need more personalized assistance.

How Medicare Coordination Affects PSHB

Medicare integration is one of the most significant changes under PSHB in 2025. If you’re eligible for Medicare Part B and receive PSHB coverage, you’re now expected to enroll in Part B unless you meet one of the listed exceptions:

• You retired on or before January 1, 2025

• You were at least age 64 as of January 1, 2025

• You live abroad

• You receive healthcare through the VA or Indian Health Services

If you don’t meet these exceptions and decline Medicare Part B, you may lose your PSHB plan coverage.

What to Expect When You Combine PSHB and Medicare

• Lower out-of-pocket costs for many services

• Waived or reduced deductibles in some plans

• Automatic enrollment in Medicare Part D-equivalent drug coverage through an Employer Group Waiver Plan (EGWP)

These benefits only apply if you maintain both PSHB and Medicare Part B. That’s why getting your facts straight is vital.

Special Enrollment Periods and Their Time Limits

If you missed enrolling in Medicare Part B during your initial eligibility, you had a one-time Special Enrollment Period (SEP) from April 1 to September 30, 2024. This allowed late enrollees to avoid lifetime penalties and maintain PSHB eligibility.

Now, in 2025, unless you qualify for another SEP due to a life event, you may have to wait until the next General Enrollment Period for Medicare (January 1 to March 31), with coverage starting in July and potential penalties.

Make sure you confirm any enrollment timelines with official resources. Misjudging these dates can cost you more than just peace of mind.

What to Avoid When Seeking PSHB Information

Social Media and Online Forums

While community posts can be helpful for hearing experiences, they often contain outdated information or misinterpretations of official policies.

Unverified News Sources

Third-party websites or financial blogs sometimes offer healthcare summaries, but unless the information is pulled directly from OPM or USPS, it’s best to double-check.

Misinformation from Colleagues

Even seasoned USPS workers may not have updated information post-2025 PSHB rollout. Benefits changed considerably with this new program, and what was true under FEHB may not apply now.

Common Questions You Should Know the Real Answers To

1. Do I automatically stay enrolled in my old FEHB plan?

No. For 2025, you were automatically mapped into a PSHB version of your previous FEHB plan if available. However, you were still encouraged to review and confirm your plan during Open Season.

2. Is Medicare now mandatory for retirees?

Only for certain retirees. If you retired after January 1, 2025 and are eligible for Medicare Part B, you must enroll or risk losing PSHB coverage.

3. Can I opt out of the Medicare drug plan?

You can opt out of the EGWP plan if you have other creditable drug coverage. But doing so means you lose all prescription drug coverage under PSHB, and re-enrollment may be restricted.

4. Does PSHB affect my FEDVIP or FEGLI?

No. Dental, vision (FEDVIP), life insurance (FEGLI), long-term care (FLTCIP), and FSAFEDS accounts are not affected by the switch from FEHB to PSHB.

What to Do If You’re Still Unsure

If you feel overwhelmed or unsure where you stand, start by writing down:

• Your retirement status and date

• Your current Medicare enrollment

• Your PSHB plan name

• Your coverage type (Self Only, Self Plus One, or Self and Family)

Then, reach out through one of the official channels mentioned earlier. It’s far better to confirm early than scramble during the next Open Season or miss a key deadline.

Don’t Let Rumors Lead Your Healthcare Decisions

Now that the PSHB program is officially live, you can’t afford to rely on rumors or vague advice. Make sure you’re getting information from the right places so you can:

• Maintain uninterrupted healthcare coverage

• Keep your costs under control

• Avoid penalties for late Medicare enrollment

• Understand your full range of benefits in 2025 and beyond

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with a licensed agent listed on this website for help reviewing your options and ensuring your benefits stay aligned with your needs.