Key Takeaways
- The 2024 Open Season for health benefits runs from November 11 to December 9, 2024, so this is your time to review and select the best plan for you.
- The new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program will replace the FEHB for postal workers in 2025, with automatic enrollment in corresponding plans for those already enrolled in FEHB.
What’s New in the 2024 Open Season for Postal Workers?
Welcome to the 2024 Open Season, postal workers and retirees! This year brings major changes for you, with the new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program taking the spotlight. If you’ve been used to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, know that this year’s Open Season marks your transition to PSHB, with new options and requirements to consider.PSHB Basics: What Is It, and How Does It Affect You?
The PSHB Program is specifically designed for postal employees and annuitants, unlike FEHB, which covered both postal and federal workers. The shift to PSHB will affect how you choose, enroll in, and manage your health coverage. For anyone currently enrolled in FEHB, the PSHB Program will automatically transfer you into a comparable PSHB plan. That’s a big help, but don’t take it as an automatic green light to stick with the transfer.Note: The automatic enrollment doesn’t mean that every aspect of your new PSHB plan will mirror your old FEHB plan. So it’s a good idea to take a look at the details to be sure your new coverage meets your needs.
Open Season Timelines and Key Deadlines
The 2024 Open Season runs from November 11 to December 9, 2024. During this period, you can review your PSHB options, decide whether to stay with your automatically assigned plan, or make a change. Here’s the timeline for what happens and when:- November 11: Open Season begins, and you can access information on available PSHB plans.
- December 9: Open Season ends. All changes you make will be locked in after this date.
- January 1, 2025: Any adjustments to your health coverage will go into effect with your new PSHB plan.
Pro tip: Missing this Open Season window means waiting until the next one, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). So, mark these dates!
Medicare and the PSHB Program: Important for Some Postal Retirees
For postal annuitants who are Medicare-eligible, there’s another layer of requirements to be aware of. If you (or an eligible family member) are Medicare-eligible, enrolling in Medicare Part B will be necessary to maintain PSHB coverage. However, there are exceptions. If you retired on or before January 1, 2025, and aren’t already enrolled in Medicare Part B, you aren’t required to sign up.Why Medicare Part B?
Medicare Part B coverage is designed to coordinate with PSHB benefits, which can help reduce out-of-pocket costs for medical expenses. The purpose here is to create a more comprehensive system where Medicare acts as primary insurance for certain costs and PSHB provides secondary support.What If I Don’t Enroll in Medicare Part B?
Failing to enroll in Part B as required could impact your eligibility for certain PSHB benefits, which means you might end up with more out-of-pocket expenses. The PSHB Program is structured to work best with Medicare enrollment, so if you’re required to have Part B, it’s in your interest to comply.A New Health Benefits Structure: Know Your Options
The PSHB Program offers a broad range of options tailored to postal workers’ needs. Here are some points to keep in mind as you review your choices:- Variety in Coverage: PSHB includes several plan types, each with different levels of coverage for services like hospital care, prescription drugs, and routine visits.
- Plan Networks: Different plans may have different networks, so if you want to keep your current doctors or specialists, confirm they are covered under the plan you select.
- Cost Considerations: Evaluate premium costs and out-of-pocket expenses to get a clear picture of what your annual health expenses could be.
Quick Tip: Plan documents should break down details about what’s covered, annual deductibles, and maximum out-of-pocket limits. Make sure to compare these aspects, especially if your medical needs vary from year to year.
Family Members and PSHB Eligibility
If you have family members on your health plan, you’ll need to double-check their eligibility and benefits under the new PSHB system. Eligible dependents—such as spouses and children up to age 26—will continue to be covered under your PSHB plan, similar to how they were under FEHB. But since each plan is structured differently, it’s worth reviewing the benefits that will apply to them.Special Situations
If you’re supporting a family member with significant health needs or complex conditions, make sure to compare which PSHB plans offer the best coverage for specialty care and prescription drugs. Some plans may have stronger benefits for these needs than others.Special Enrollment Periods (SEP): Changing Your Plan Outside Open Season
Sometimes, life throws curveballs that can impact your coverage needs. If a major life change happens after Open Season, you might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which allows you to change your plan. Events that can trigger an SEP include:- Moving to a new area with different PSHB options
- Getting married or divorced
- Losing other health coverage
How to Review Your Options and Choose the Best PSHB Plan
With all the options on the table, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right PSHB plan. Here’s a checklist to make the process easier:- List Your Health Priorities: Identify your top healthcare needs, such as specialist visits, prescription medications, or frequent outpatient care.
- Check Plan Networks: Make sure your preferred healthcare providers and specialists are covered.
- Review Premiums and Out-of-Pocket Costs: Balance the cost of premiums against your estimated annual out-of-pocket expenses.
- Evaluate Prescription Coverage: If you take medications, confirm that your plan includes them on its formulary.
- Think Long Term: Consider if your health needs are likely to change in the coming year and choose a plan that can adapt to those changes.
Reminder: For those enrolled in Medicare, look for PSHB plans that coordinate effectively with Medicare to reduce out-of-pocket costs further.
How Automatic Enrollment Works (and Why You Should Double-Check It)
If you’re currently in the FEHB Program, you’ll be automatically assigned to a corresponding PSHB plan. This transition is designed to ensure you don’t experience any lapse in coverage as the switch to PSHB takes effect. However, it’s still important to review the details of this new plan. Here’s why:- Coverage Details May Differ: Your new PSHB plan might not cover every service exactly as your FEHB plan did.
- Network Changes: Some networks may have differences, so double-check that your providers are still covered.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Make sure your PSHB plan’s deductible and coinsurance align with your financial and health needs.
Making Changes During Open Season
During the November 11 to December 9 window, you can adjust your PSHB enrollment if you decide the automatic transfer doesn’t meet your needs. You’ll need to log into your postal benefits account and follow the instructions to make your changes.Heads-up: Once Open Season closes, you can’t make changes unless you qualify for an SEP, so make any final adjustments before December 9.
Making the Most of Your Benefits in 2025
With your PSHB coverage set for the new year, make sure to use all available benefits. Most plans provide preventive services like check-ups and screenings, which can help catch health issues early. Utilize these services to get the most out of your coverage, and take note of any perks or additional services your plan may offer.Tip: Some PSHB plans may include wellness programs or telehealth services, so be sure to explore all the resources available to you.
