open season
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Crushing medical bills are the leading cause of bankruptcy. But you can avoid that by choosing one of the many federal health plans, and picking one that limits your maximum out-of-pocket costs, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.
November 12, 2013 -
Open Season, the time when federal employees and retirees can comb through more than 250 plans of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and make changes, kicks off today and runs through Dec. 9. Find some key pieces of information for the current Open Season and links to more information. Plus, benefits experts offer their three most important tips for Open Season.
November 09, 2013 -
Do you have a colleague who is always so upbeat, so happy that it gets on your nerves? If so, there is a sure-fire way to make him or her lose that grin, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.
November 07, 2013 -
As part of our open season coverage, host Mike Causey will talk with Mike Davis, president and chief operating officer of Dominion Dental Services, and Andy Medici from the Federal Times will bring us up to date on issues affecting feds and retirees. November 6, 2013
November 06, 2013 -
Tony Vergnetti will host a roundtable discussion of open season and the options available for federal workers. November 1, 2013
November 01, 2013 -
Health insurance premiums on average are going up next year. While the increase isn't as high as many experts predicted it will still be a jolt to feds who have been on a pay raise diet for the past three years, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says. Then there is the question of whether that "average" increase is 3.7 percent or more like 4.4 percent?
September 26, 2013 -
Health premiums for federal employees are going up an average of 3.7 percent, according to the Office of Personnel Management. Postal Service employees, who separate negotiating rights over premiums, will see, on average, a 3.8 percent increase.
September 24, 2013 -
OPM is planning to add four new insurance carriers to the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) for 2014. Premium rates and benefits coverage of the new plans would be announced later this year ahead of the annual federal health-insurance Open Season.
June 21, 2013 -
Usually when people say the end is near, they are either kidding or wrong. But if you are in the federal health program or would like to join up the end is near. As in today. Still looking for the best deal? Check out Senior Correspondent Mike Causey's "best buy" shopping list, especially if you are married to another federal worker.
December 10, 2012 -
Carmen Middleton talks about overcoming stereotypes at the CIA. Paul Wormeli of IBM talk about how new technology is improving communication between law enforcement agencies. Registered employee benefit consultant Ed Zurndorfer offers tips for last minute Open Season choices.
December 07, 2012 -
Did you ever hear of the Nixon curse? Are you sick of having people push you to shop around for a health insurance plan? If so, rejoice, because Monday is the deadline for picking your 2013 health plan. After that, you won't have all those confusing options to kick around anymore for a long time, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.
December 07, 2012 -
Insurance expert Walton Francis will answer your questions and emails about federal benefits. December 5, 2012
December 05, 2012 -
The health-insurance hunting season ends next Monday. When shopping around, this is a case where it pays to go postal if you can, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.
December 05, 2012 -
Benefits consultant Walton Francis offers top tips for federal employees considering a new health plan. Open Season runs from Nov. 12 to Dec. 10.
December 03, 2012 -
For most federal workers and retirees going over the fiscal cliff in January isn't the problem du jour. If you or a family member gets really sick, or has a serious accident in the new year that is reality, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says. That, rightly so, will be your No. 1 problem. And whether you come out of it alive and kicking or financially strapped could depend on what you do between now and next Monday.
December 03, 2012