November 16, 2011 — The open season started Monday and will run through mid-December.

Premiums are going up an “average” of 3.6 percent, which means some will rise a lot more, some less, a few will actually reduce premiums.

Walton Francis, author of “The Checkbook Guide to Health Plans,” says all of the FEHBP plans are good. But some are too costly. Others could force a family of three to pay as much as $27,000 out of pocket before the catastrophic limit is reached.

Francis says that picking the right plan for you (and your family) could save you $1,000 to $2,000 next year.

The good news/bad news is there are so many choices.

Health Maintenance Organizations can be a very good deal – one-stop shopping, low premiums, low co-payments, minimal paperwork. But, there are times when a national fee-for-service plan (APWU, NALC, SAMBA, Mail Handlers, GEHA) is what you need.

So how do you know what plan is best for you?

Francis gives us his “best buy” ratings based on both coverage and premiums.

Also on the show…

Mike talks with Sean Reilly, reporter with the Federal Times, about the Office of Personnel Management’s difficulty getting annuities to new retirees. They also discuss the supercommittee and whether it will reach a deal by its Nov. 23 deadline.

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