If you’re a USPS employee, there are significant changes to your health benefits coming in 2025.
Understanding what’s changing is crucial to making informed decisions about your health care, so we’ve distilled the situation down into an easy-to-understand reference page.
Shift to a New Health Insurance Plan
Starting in 2025, USPS will transition to a new health insurance plan under the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) program. This program will replace the traditional Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program for postal workers. The PSHB program is designed specifically for USPS employees and will offer tailored benefits that align with the unique needs of postal workers.
Cost Adjustments to Premiums
While the PSHB aims to provide comprehensive coverage, employees should be aware of potential changes in premium costs. The structure of premiums may vary compared to your previous FEHB plans. You should review your options carefully, as different plans may have different cost-sharing arrangements.
More Coverage Options
The PSHB program is expected to offer a wider range of coverage options. This includes enhanced benefits for preventive care, mental health services, and chronic disease management.
Focus on Preventive Care
A major emphasis of the new program will be on preventive care. Employees can anticipate better access to services like routine check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings, often at no additional cost.
Simplified Enrollment Process
To ease the transition, OPM is working to make the transition to PSHB as simple as possible by automatically enrolling postal workers into a PSHB plan based on their current FEHB enrollment. This table lists the plan options into which individuals will be automatically enrolled.
You also have the option to choose your PSHB plan during the Federal Benefits Open Season. This year, Open Season will run from November 11, 2024, through December 9, 2024. You will also have access to user-friendly tools and resources to help navigate your options and select the best plan for your needs.
Enhanced Mental Health Resources
The PSHB program will provide expanded access to mental health services, including counseling and support programs.
Preparing for the Changes
Here are some steps to take as the 2025 changes approach:
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on updates from USPS and OPM for the latest information about the PSHB program on OPM’s website.
- Review Options: You will be automatically enrolled in a PSHB plan based on your current FEHB health plan. So, review your current plan to make sure it meets your health care needs.
- Reach Out to HR: If there are specific questions or concerns, contacting your human resources department can provide valuable assistance.
As we move into 2025, it’s a great opportunity to reassess your health care needs and make sure you’re set up with the best coverage for you and your family. If you’re injured or ill, Federal Disability Retirement might be your best path forward. Want to learn more? Give our office a call to schedule a free consultation and explore all your options.
