GovernmentExecutive.com

LATEST NEWS

• Federal employees have fewer health insurance choices this year (11/06/09)
  As Open Season begins, choices are more limited than before as several plans leave the federal program or reduce their coverage.
• Legislators clash over health care reform's impact on FEHBP (11/04/09)
  Republicans say bill could force feds out of their current insurance plans, while Democrats decry claims as scare tactics.
• Budget chief says administration is 'changing the culture in Washington' (11/03/09)
  In NYU speech, OMB director cites contracting reform and weapons systems cuts as steps to curb excessive government spending.
• Hidden cost hikes aren't new to federal benefits programs (10/30/09)
  Premium jumps in the long-term care insurance program are the latest example of stealthy rate increases.
• House health care tax provisions are friendly to feds (10/29/09)
  Democratic leaders propose raising revenue by taxing high-income individuals rather than insurers, who could pass on the cost through hikes in FEHBP premiums.
• Cooking classes teach feds the ingredients of a strong immune system (10/26/09)
  A popular how-to series helps employees prepare foods that will prevent cancer and other diseases such as diabetes.
• FEHBP open season nears as Congress considers major health care reform (10/23/09)
  Click here for our guide to Open Season 2009.
• OPM extends window for long-term insurance changes (10/22/09)
  Enrollees now have until Feb. 15, 2010, to modify their plans.
• Lawmakers say Senate health care bill could hit feds with new taxes (10/21/09)
  FEHBP plans would be subject to a 40 percent tax beginning in 2013 under the proposal.
• GAO: Debt could break record in 10 years (10/16/09)
  Report cites health care costs and demographic trends as main contributors.
• Legislation would keep kids in FEHBP longer (10/16/09)
  Dependents of federal employees would receive five more years of health insurance coverage under the House health care reform package.
• Officials say cost of domestic partner benefits is affordable (10/15/09)
  A bill that would extend coverage to the partners of gay and lesbian federal employees could reach Senate floor by December.
• Senators blast long-term care insurance premium hikes (10/14/09)
  Promotional materials were misleading, lawmakers say.
• Insurance providers drop out of federal employee health program (10/09/09)
  Thirty-two health plans are either leaving FEHBP altogether, or lowering their coverage in certain areas across the country.
• Transition begins to new long-term care contract (10/02/09)
  Certain enrollees will face hefty premium hikes in January unless they elect to change their benefits.
• Key players debate how to lower prescription drug costs for feds (09/30/09)
  Allowing OPM to negotiate a single drug benefit for FEHBP enrollees was among proposals discussed during private meeting on the Hill.
• Gimme My Discount! (09/29/09)
  A directory of deals on travel, entertainment and more for frugal federal employees, retirees and members of the military.
• Federal employees' health insurance premiums to rise 8.8 percent (09/29/09)
  Personnel officials have started meeting with major insurance carriers to explore ways to drive down prices.
• Committee leader scales back proposal to end FEHBP (09/25/09)
  Modified language would allow, but not require, federal employees to leave the government's plan; GOP senator continues to advocate stronger version.
• Gala recognizes top civil servants (09/24/09)
  Dr. Janet Kemp of the Veterans Affairs Department is named federal employee of the year for her work on suicide prevention.