Key Takeaways

• You’ve got more control than ever when comparing PSHB plans in 2025, but it all starts with knowing where to look.

• The best resources for making sense of costs and coverage aren’t always obvious—but they’ll save you major time and headaches if you know how to use them.

Start Here: Why Comparing PSHB Plans in 2025 Matters More Than Ever

If you’re a Postal Service employee or retiree, 2025 is a big year for your health coverage. With the full rollout of the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) program, you’re now working with an entirely new set of plan options tailored just for USPS folks. This means more choices, more savings potential—but also more things to compare.

Whether you’re still working or collecting an annuity, finding the right plan isn’t just about premiums. It’s about coinsurance, deductibles, networks, drug coverage, and how well a plan plays with Medicare (if you’re eligible).

1. OPM’s PSHB Plan Comparison Tool

Let’s kick things off with the most official resource out there: the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) plan comparison tool. It’s updated for 2025 and completely tailored for the PSHB transition.

Why it’s useful:

• Lets you compare multiple plans side-by-side

• Includes estimated annual out-of-pocket costs based on your usage

• Updated with 2025 plan structures, coinsurance percentages, and in-network limits

• Offers filters based on ZIP code, family size, and Medicare status

Tip:

Don’t just sort by monthly premium. Look at total estimated yearly costs based on your own usage—especially prescriptions and specialist visits.

2. PSHB Plan Brochures (PDFs You’ll Actually Use)

Every PSHB plan must publish a detailed brochure each year. These aren’t flashy, but they’re goldmines of information.

What to look for:

• Summary of Benefits chart (usually in the first few pages)

• Specifics on deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and network rules

• Details on what’s covered with and without Medicare Part B

• Prescription drug tiers and formulary rules

How to use it:

Download brochures for 3–4 plans you’re considering. Search (Ctrl+F) for keywords like “deductible,” “urgent care,” or “Medicare Part B” to get to the meat quickly.

3. The PSHB Medicare Coordination Info Sheets

If you’re 65 or older (or will be during 2025), coordination with Medicare is a huge factor. Many PSHB plans offer reduced cost-sharing or lower out-of-pocket maximums if you’re enrolled in Medicare Part B.

Where to find this info:

• OPM’s website has plan-specific Medicare coordination summaries

• Each PSHB brochure has a section on “When Medicare is Primary”

Things to check:

• Are your deductibles waived if you have Part B?

• Do your copayments drop?

• Are your prescriptions handled through a Medicare Part D Employer Group Waiver Plan (EGWP)?

4. PSHB FAQs and Help Centers

The PSHB change has sparked a ton of questions—and there’s now a dedicated FAQ section on the official OPM website just for Postal employees and retirees.

What you’ll find:

• Eligibility rules for family members

• Medicare enrollment timing for PSHB

• What happens if you do nothing during Open Season

• Switching plans due to qualifying life events

Bonus:

You can also find downloadable cheat sheets and plain-language summaries if brochures feel too dense.

5. Plan Comparison Charts From Union and Employee Associations

Postal employee unions and associations often release their own comparison charts each year—and these are super helpful because they cut straight to what matters most.

Why they’re useful:

• Usually highlight real-world differences like urgent care copays or how well a plan handles chronic conditions

• Give you quick-reference visuals to see how costs stack up

• Sometimes include commentary on customer service or claims processing

Just make sure the chart is for the current 2025 PSHB offerings, not leftover from FEHB.

6. Out-of-Pocket Cost Calculators

Not every resource lives on a government site. There are independent tools (usually plan-neutral) that let you plug in usage estimates—like number of doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays—and get projected costs.

How they help:

• Give you a broader picture of total spending, not just premiums

• Useful if you’re deciding between a high-deductible plan with an HSA and a low-deductible plan with higher copays

• Some calculators factor in Medicare coordination too

Use these in combination with the official PSHB data, not as a replacement.

7. Medicare Plan Finder for Drug Cost Comparisons

If you’re eligible for Medicare, drug coverage becomes a more complex puzzle. PSHB plans coordinate with Medicare Part D through EGWP coverage, but not all plans are equal.

What to do:

• Use the Medicare Plan Finder to estimate drug costs based on your prescriptions

• Cross-reference these with the PSHB plan’s EGWP description

• Check for coverage gaps, step therapy requirements, or prior authorization rules

Even if your PSHB plan includes drug coverage, knowing how it interacts with Medicare will save you money and stress.

8. Open Season Webinars and Info Sessions

During the November–December Open Season, you’ll have access to webinars and virtual sessions hosted by:

• OPM

• Your local union

• HR reps

Why they’re worth your time:

• You get live Q&A to clear up confusion

• Presenters walk through 2025 plan changes

• You can see screen shares of how to use comparison tools effectively

Try to attend one early in the Open Season so you have time to research.

9. Printed PSHB Guides Mailed to Your Home

Yep, the old-school way still works. Every eligible Postal employee or retiree should get a printed PSHB guide delivered by mail before Open Season starts.

What to look for:

• Breakdown of changes from FEHB to PSHB

• Timeline for enrolling or switching

• Summary of top plan offerings in your region

• Medicare enrollment guidance if you’re 64 or older

Keep this guide handy throughout Open Season—it’s often the quickest way to confirm deadlines and requirements.

10. Talking to a Licensed Agent (Still One of the Best Options)

When all else fails—or if you just want someone to walk you through your choices—licensed agents can be incredibly helpful.

What they can do:

• Explain differences in PSHB plans in plain language

• Help you figure out whether Medicare Part B is worth it for your situation

• Offer comparisons tailored to your specific health needs and financial goals

Make sure the agent you talk to is familiar with the 2025 PSHB rules. Not every insurance agent is.

What to Prioritize When Comparing Plans in 2025

With all these resources, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. So here’s what to prioritize based on your situation:

If You’re Still Working:

• Check premiums and deductibles first

• Look at network size and telehealth coverage

• Review how family members are covered

If You’re Retired:

• Focus on Medicare coordination benefits

• Look at drug costs under EGWP

• Compare annual out-of-pocket maximums

For Everyone:

• Use multiple resources—not just one

• Take notes during Open Season webinars

• Call or email for clarification when in doubt

Don’t Let Open Season Sneak Up On You

Open Season runs from November to December each year—but don’t wait until the last week. Plan comparison takes time, especially with the new PSHB setup.

Get a jump on things:

• Start reviewing brochures and calculators in early November

• Attend at least one info session

• Talk to a licensed agent if you’re on the fence about which plan to choose

Changes you make during Open Season go into effect January 1, 2026, so you’re committing for the full year.

Make the Most of These Tools Before You Choose

Choosing the right PSHB plan in 2025 doesn’t have to be a guessing game. The tools are out there—you just need to know where to find them and how to use them effectively.

If you’re unsure about any part of your plan choice or need help comparing coverage details, get in touch with a licensed agent listed on this website for personalized guidance.