Don’t make the $2,000 mistake … again

Other than the obvious, what do workers at the Congressional Budget Office, Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation, Social Security Administration, Departments of Health and Human Services and Department of Education have in common?

Whatever you guessed is probably wrong.

Their are two links all of these folks — despite the vast differences in their agencies missions — have in common:

• They have access to what is arguably the best group health plan in the nation. A program where the boss pays anywhere from 71 percent to 75 percent of the premium, where they have scores of choices, no barriers to enrollment and where retirees get the same coverage, at the same price, as healthy young workers.

• Many agencies, including those listed above, have made it possible for their employees to shop online, at home or the office, for the best deals for their 2016 coverage. The link is to Consumers Checkbook’s 2016 Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees & Annuitants. Using it, individuals can compare plans, and benefits and — this is important — make sure their favorite doctor(s) are part of the plan network.

The open enrollment period (for health insurance and other benefits) opened last week. It will run through Dec. 14. If your agency doesn’t subscribe for you, you can do it yourself ($9.95 for the book, or $7.99 for the online service) at www.guidetohealthplans.org.

Despite the help and financial encouragement from the boss, many federal workers and most retirees won’t do anything. They will stick with the plan they’ve been in for years, even if its premiums have gone up and benefits have changed.

Walton Francis, who writes the Checkbook Guide each year, says families can easily save $2,000 next year by avoiding out-of-pocket costs. If they shop around and if they pick the right plan for them.

Plans that can save you big bucks include many of the HMOs. And most of the CD and HD (consumer driven and high deductible) plans. He also urges people to look at Blue Cross-Blue Shield’s basic (not Standard) option. And the NALC, Foreign Sercvice high option plans and GEHA’s standard option.

Nearly Useless Factoid

By Michael O’Connell

A gorilla in your dreams may symbolize your own insufferable behavior. It might also be a warning against communicating with a mean person.

Source: Globe-Views

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