Some, maybe many, feds don’t like their health plan. They think the government should pay a larger share of their premiums and are upset because dental benefits, like in most health plans, are nothing to anything to smile about.

That attitude inspires a range of emotion, from laughter to outrage, from people who are dying (literally) to get into the Federal Employee Health Benefits program. The irony is that many of the people who are most grateful for the FEHBP never worked for Uncle Sam, and consider themselves lucky to get in even though their premiums for the same coverage are 70 percent higher than federal workers and retirees. Call them members of the Full Freight Club.

The FFC’s membership includes the divorced spouses of active and retired feds. Also dependent children who lose their family plan coverage (unless they are disabled) at age 22. The FFC are also temporary workers who qualify for FEHBP coverage but who must pay the entire premium. For working feds and retirees, the government pays about 70 percent of the premium “average” of the major plans. Postal workers pay even less (and the USPS pays more) thanks their union contract.

Example: A single federal worker who enrolls in the Blue Cross-Blue Shield Standard option for 2009 will pay about $1,820 in premiums. A single postal employee will pay $1,210 for the same plan. But the ex-spouse or others who qualify for FEHBP coverage will pay about $5,850 in premiums next year. That can also include a surcharge of up to 2 percent.

Insurance Question? Ask The Expert

Tomorrow at 10 a.m. EST on our Your Turn with Mike Causey show, insurance expert Walton Francis will talk about best-buys in the FEHBP. He’s author of CHECKBOOK’s 2009 Guide To Health Plan. He’s also happy to answer questions, from you.

You can hear us live at www.federalnewsradio.com anywhere in the world. In the DC area we are also on 50,000 watt station WFED at AM 1500. Call in if you have a question. Our local number is 202-237-1037 or toll-free at 1-866-468-1050.

Earth To White House, Please Respond

Will nonpostal federal workers get Dec. 26th off as a bonus holiday? In the past, when Christmas fell on a Thursday they have often (but not always) gotten the day after off. If that doesn’t happen, it could force some Maryland to DC commuters a little grief. How come? Consider this item from a regular railroad commuter:

With respect to the debate as to whether the President will act to grant a “bonus” holiday….note that MARC has announced that it will provide NO service (not even the more basic “holiday” service) on Friday, December 26th.

They have also announced NO service on Friday, November 28th.

“Holiday” service will be offered on Wednesday, December 24th, and on the 29th, 30th, 31st, as well as the 2nd of January.” J.B.

        Read more: Mike Causey

For the track record on bonus holidays, click here.

Nearly Useless Factoid

Publisher HarperCollins says its chosen a word suggested by the public to be in the dictionary’s 30th anniversary edition, to be published next year. It’s an expression of indifference or boredom, or an adjective meaning mediocre or boring. The word is “meh.” Other suggestions included jargonaut, a fan of jargon; frenemy, an enemy disguised as a friend; and huggles, a hybrid of hugs and snuggles.

To reach me: mcausey@federalnewsradio.com

Copyright © 2024 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.