For tens of thousands of federal couples news that health premiums are going up an “average” of 6.4 percent next year comes as no surprise. But many of them will still be able to save money in 2016 by switching to the new self-plus one coverage option.

The self-plus one option will be available along with the self-only and self-plus family plan options during the upcoming Federal Employees Health Benefit Plan (FEHBP) open season. Many couples will be able to save money by picking self-only over either a family plan or buying two self-only plans. But it will definitely pay to shop around.

Self-only plans cover one person. Self-plus family covers two or more people. Couples in the self-plus family plan pay the same premiums as large families. Many feds and retirees who are childless, or whose children are grown object to paying the same premiums for (two people) as if they were in a family of five or 10 people. Congress finally agreed and directed that the new option be offered this open season, Coverage will be effective in January 2016.

The big question is will self-plus one premiums be less expensive than two self-only plans? In many instances they will. For now. But over the years that could change if a large number of older, more medically expensive people pick up the option. To check out the new premiums, click here.

For more on the new self-plus one option, click here.

Premiums, Shutdowns & Retirement Prep

The next couple of months will busy — in some was critical — for federal and postal workers. Many health premiums are going up, the 1.5 percent pay raise is pending and there is a due Dec. 11 shutdown deadline. Also December and January are favorite months for feds to retire. So listen to our Your Turn radio show today at 10 a.m. ET. Greg Standford and Katie Maddocks from the Federal Managers Association will be talking about the new self-plus one option, and that possibility of a government shutdown in December. Benefits expert Tammy Flanagan will go over retirement prepping both for new and mid-career workers as well as short-timers. The show is streaming at 10 a.m. on Federal News Radio and also available in the D.C. area at 1500 AM.

Nearly Useless Factoid

By Michael O’Connell

Baskin-Robbins’ original 31 flavors of ice cream were: Banana Nut Fudge, Black Walnut, Burgundy Cherry, Butterscotch Ribbon, Cherry Macaroon, Chocolate, Chocolate Almond, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Fudge, Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Ribbon, Coffee, Coffee Candy, Date Nut, Egg Nog, French Vanilla, Green Mint Stick, Lemon Crisp, Lemon Custard, Lemon Sherbet, Maple Nut, Orange Sherbet, Peach, Peppermint Fudge Ribbon, Peppermint Stick, Pineapple Sherbet, Raspberry Sherbet, Rocky Road, Strawberry, Vanilla and Vanilla Burnt Almond.

Source: Los Angeles Times

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