Federal Employees: Switch to BCBS Basic for Savings During FEHB/PSHB Open Season
Federal employees and retirees can now make changes to their health benefits during the FEHB/PSHB Open Season. Retirees must submit form SF 2809 to OPM to ensure their FEHB enrollment change is processed. Postal Service employees and annuitants will be automatically enrolled in the PSHB program starting January 1, 2025.
The BCBS Basic option (Plan 113 Self Plus One) is now available for $593.97/month, offering a $238.42/month saving compared to the BCBS Standard option. With this plan, Medicare will be the primary payer for preferred providers, with enrollees paying a $0 copay for covered services. Additionally, members can receive up to $800 back per spouse enrolled in Medicare Part B for paying Part B premiums.
Automatic enrollment in PSHB will place enrollees in the BCBS Service Benefit Plan FEP Blue Focus (35A/35B/35C) if their current FEHB plan is not available under PSHB. Retiring on December 31, 2024, will allow for a smooth transition to the PSHB upon retirement, but retiring employees should note that they will lose the entitlement to pensionable service under PSHB for the year 2025 if they decide immediately rather than waiting until they are insured under PSHB.
During the FEHB/PSHB Open Season, active and retired federal and postal employees can switch to the BCBS Basic option for significant savings. Retirees must complete and submit form SF 2809 to OPM to ensure their enrollment change is processed. Postal Service employees and annuitants will be automatically enrolled in the PSHB program starting January 1, 2025. The BCBS Basic option offers attractive benefits, including a $0 copay for covered services with Medicare as the primary payer.
