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▲ 22 r/FederalEmployee

Federal employees who are also in the National Guard/Reserves

It looks like we are going to see another insane premium hike this year, and for those of you that are also military members I think it may be worth calling your congressman to express your support (assuming you do support it) the following bill: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3547/text/ih?format=txt

In short it would amend current federal law and allow those you us that are guard/reserve members the ability to choose from both FEHB health plans and military health plans. If it passes it seems like it would be a short term bandaid solution that may help some of us, but give the bill a read for yourself and see if you support it.

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u/Available-Abrocoma-1 — 5 days ago
▲ 31 r/FederalEmployee

In Lieu of holidays

I work 4 x 10s and my group was informed that instead of having an “in lieu of” additional day off when the holiday falls on our RDO, we will now get holiday pay on that day instead of the additional day off starting in 2027.

Wondering if this has happened to anybody else or any other agencies? Maybe we were on borrowed time already?

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u/gardenupstairs — 12 days ago
▲ 33 r/FederalEmployee

2027 healthcare premiums

Saw the new rates and have stickers shock. Waiting for all the info to come out so I can compare and make decisions. Switched from BCBS to MHBP for this year and was so happy. Now with that rate almost doubling for me, it is not going to work. What other plans are worth considering? Am in PA as an annuitant. Not old enough for Medicare yet. Have two dependents… not a lot of health issues. Am ok with higher deductibles if copays are reasonable.

Just looking to hear others experiences with other plans. Specifically looking at FEP Blue Focus.

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u/cindydoes — 12 days ago
▲ 1 r/FederalEmployee+1 crossposts

Keeping FEGLI Option B in retirement? $500K of coverage costs $3,120/month at 80

Most Federal Employees don't look at what Option B costs after retirement until the bill shows up. Here are the actual numbers from OPM's FEGLI calculator.

The example:
$100K salary, Option B at 5x = $500,000 of coverage. Retire at 60 and elect No Reduction to keep all of it.

  • Age 60–64: $433.50/mo
  • Age 65–69: $520/mo
  • Age 70–74: $931.50/mo
  • Age 75–79: $1,950/mo
  • Age 80+: $3,120/mo ($37,440/yr)

While you're working, that same coverage runs about $90 per pay period at 55 and $200 per pay period at 60. The big jump comes after you retire, when the premiums keep climbing every 5 years.

Your options at retirement:

  1. Reduce or drop Option B. If the kids are grown, the house is paid off, and your spouse is covered by survivor benefits, you may not need $500K of life insurance at 75.
  2. Keep Basic. It's priced the same regardless of age, and with the 75% reduction it's free after 65. It's the best value in FEGLI for many people.
  3. Replace Option B with private level term if you still need coverage. Level term locks your premium for 10, 20, or 30 years instead of raising it every 5 years. For a healthy 60-year-old, that can cost a fraction of what Option B costs in your 70s but the costs ultimately depends on approval, health, and underwriting.

Where term doesn't make sense:

  • It's medically underwritten and FEGLI isn't. If your health has changed, FEGLI may be your best option.
  • It has an end date. A 20-year term bought at 60 ends at 80. If you need coverage for life, look at other options.
  • It gets more expensive the longer you wait.

The one rule: never cancel FEGLI until your replacement coverage is approved and in force. Once you drop Option B in retirement, you can't get it back.

FEGLI isn't bad, and term isn't always better. The point is to know your numbers before you're locked in.

If you want your own numbers run side by side, we do free 30-minute FEGLI reviews: https://retire.independencebenefits.com/fegli

Otherwise, drop your questions below. Happy to help either way.

u/IndependenceBenefits — 14 days ago
▲ 2 r/FederalEmployee+1 crossposts

Budget Analyst Job Series Veterans Affairs

In a job announcement for VHA, it mentions that a classification consistency review that may result in a change in title, series, and/or grade if determined by the Office of Personnel Management was being conducted. Is this affecting all current and future Budget Analysts at VA (VHA, VBA, and Cemetery)? Is this government wide for all agencies for Budget Analysts and stay away from the 0560 Budget Analyst series?

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u/Glittering-Prize8926 — 12 days ago