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.
Feds Health Insurance Premiums to Increase 3.8 Percent
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced on September 29, 2021, that federal employees will pay 3.8 percent more to healthcare premiums next year as a result of specialty drugs, treatments for chronic illnesses, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.”