Retiree Reg Jones, a charter member of the senior executive service, has spent over 16 years in the U.S. Office of Personnel Management before retiring six years ago. As an assistant director, he oversaw recruiting and examining, white and blue collar pay, retirement, insurance, and other issues. In his current Medicare part A only plan (not B), Reg is currently with BCBS Standard (106) as self plus one.
As he approaches his next Open Enrollment season, Reg is considering switching to GEHA High (313) in hopes of saving money on his health benefits plan. However, he wonders if this would be a simple switch or if there are any details that he may have overlooked. Moreover, he is curious about whether it’s possible to switch back to BCBS if he decides not to like GEHA after the transition period ends. Lastly, Reg wants to know what percentage of retirees use FEHB and Medicare part A only compared to those who enroll in Part B.
As an expert on retirement and the federal government at Federal Times, Reg believes that one of the great advantages of the Federal Employees Health Benefits program is its flexibility during the annual Open Enrollment period. NARFE reports that most retirees don’t need Part B because they already have adequate coverage through their employer-sponsored plans or private insurance options. If you have any questions for Reg Jones or would like more information on retirement planning or healthcare benefits for federal employees, please email fedexperts@federaltimes.com