Walt Francis
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You may be the healthiest person in the IRS or the most organic couple with the EPA, but that doesn't let you off the hook when it comes time to hunt for a health plan, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.
November 13, 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 -
Tony Vergnetti will host a roundtable discussion of open season and the options available for federal workers. November 1, 2013
November 01, 2013 -
On the Federal Drive show blog, you can listen to our interviews, find more information about the guests on the show each day, as well as links to other stories and resources we discuss.
October 28, 2013 -
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) introduced a bill that would open up the federal health program to all Americans, but one federal employee union has come out to oppose it and benefits experts question how much it would cost.
October 24, 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 -
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 -
Wouldn't it be great if you could get Jimmy Choo shoes or Savile Row suits at Payless Shoes or Wal-Mart? The hitch is you can't, and it's a reality federal workers and retirees need to consider when picking their 2013 health plan, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.
November 27, 2012 -
In inspirational movies, a heroic general often says things like, "failure is not an option." And that's silly, of course, because failure is always an option and that's especially true for millions of current and former federal workers - some of whom are sleepwalking their way through the health insurance hunting season, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.
November 21, 2012 -
When it comes to picking a federal health plan, two cannot live as cheaply as one - you want to be the Lone Ranger, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.
November 20, 2012 -
There are several ways to select your 2013 federal health plan: You can do nothing, and stay where you are. You can let your pet chimp or clever goldfish make the selection. Or, you can do a little homework and save yourself $1,000 or more next year. It's your call, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.
November 14, 2012 -
The Office of Personnel Management announced 2013 premiums for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program are set to increase 3.4 percent. That's slightly below last year's increase of 3.8 percent, which had been the lowest since 2008. In 2010, premiums rose 7.3 percent.
September 20, 2012 -
In a recent letter to insurers, the Office of Personnel Management requested some changes to federal health plans. Brace yourselves: It's mostly good news. The Federal Drive talked to health-benefits expert Walt Francis to get the details.
April 06, 2012 -
Federal employees have until Dec. 12 to decide on a health plan during this year's Open Season. Benefits expert Walt Francis has advice for feds.
December 07, 2011