OPM Issues Directives Concerning Administrative Leave, Hiring & Work Flexibility in Crises
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) set a few directives in motion last week, concerning COVID-19 administrative leave, flexibilities during emergency situations, and hiring authorities.
FEHB Premiums to Rise 8.7% This Open Season
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recently released details concerning the upcoming open season and participants are likely to see a significant increase in their health premium costs.
Houses Passes Most Significant Postal Reform in 20 Years, Moves to Senate
The House approved the Postal Reform Act (H.R. 3076) with a vote of 342 to 92—a bipartisan bill that would overhaul the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and address non postal services within federal agencies.
Postal Service Reform Act Could Raise Health Insurance Premiums for Federal Workforce
The Postal Service Reform Act of 2021, introduced in the House by House Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Ranking Member James Comer (R-KY), could raise health insurance costs for both employees and retirees in the federal workforce. A Senate companion bill was also introduced by Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Gary Peters (D-MI) and Ranking Member Rob Portman (R-OH).
Federal Health Insurance Plans Are ‘Essential’ During Government Shutdowns
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released a final rule on April 2, 2021 that states federal employees will not lose their health benefits during government shutdowns. The OPM rule implements provisions within the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2020 to make certain federal health and life insurance services “essential.”
FEHB Plans with Medicare Reimbursement
With only a few days left of Open Season, you still have a chance to reduce your health insurance costs. Let the federal benefits experts at NARFE help you save money!
FEHBP Rates Announced as Open Season Approaches
Participants in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) can expect to pay higher premiums in 2021, with an expected average increase of 4.9%. On average, federal employees will pay $7.89 more toward their health premiums per biweekly pay period next year. This hike is lower than that of last year, which was an increase of 5.6%.
OPM Releases Proposed Rule on Continuation of Benefits, Services During Government Shutdown
In a proposed rule submitted to the Federal Register on July 20, the Office of Personnel Management implements provisions within the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (FY 2020 NDAA) that ensure the continuation of certain federal benefits and services in the event of a lapse in appropriations. The FY 2020 NDAA names certain Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) services as emergency services under the Antideficiency Act.