Pay & Benefits
Feds Petition President for Paid Holiday on Christmas Eve
When Christmas last fell on a Friday in 2009, Obama gave employees a half day off on Dec. 24.
Benefits
Congress votes to ensure funding for VA hospitals
The Senate passed a bill July 30 to permit the Department of Veterans Affairs to continue funding health care for veteran facilities and services under the VA's Community Care program.
Benefits
VA to host major events focused on women vets
The Department of Veterans Affairs said it will hold a series of one-day events in major metro areas to provide women veterans with an overview of the services and benefits available to them.
Benefits
Extended APWU-USPS labor talks fall through
The American Postal Workers Union and the U.S. Postal Service ended contract negotiations on May 27 without coming to an agreement, the parties announced.
Benefits
Bill lets vets go local for care not offered by nearest VA facility
The Senate last week passed a bill that amends the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 to allow a veteran to use local health care when a Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility within 40 miles driving distance does not offer the care the vet requires.
Benefits
Workers' comp again in the bull's eye
A House panel on May 20 held a hearing to examine possible reforms to the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA), which many in Congress and the administration alike believe is designed in a way that encourages beneficiaries to stay onboard even when their disability has passed.
Benefits
Bill would reform pricing methods for FEHBP drug benefits
Employee groups are throwing their support behind a bill that aims to impose better cost controls on Federal Employees Health Benefits Program prescription drug benefits.
Benefits
Alaskan USPS employee sentenced in disability fraud
A U.S. Postal Service employee working in Anchorage, Alaska, was sentenced last week to two-and-a-half years in prison for faking disabilities and collecting federal disability payments.
Benefits
Veterans service groups sue VA over new filing procedure
Two veterans service organizations filed a joint lawsuit against the Department of Veterans Affairs in hopes of compelling VA to alter a new claims submission procedure.
Benefits
Free smoking cessation program open to Tricare beneficiaries
Tricare beneficiaries looking for an opportunity to quit smoking may be eligible to participate in a new research study that could help them do just that.
Benefits
Legislation seeks to lower FEHB drug costs
A House member sponsored a bill that would cut the costs of prescription drugs to help lower premiums for federal employees and retirees.
Benefits
White House supports some changes in military compensation
President Obama on April 30 notified Congress of his support for 10 of the 15 recommendations issued by the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission in January, but maintained that the remaining ones require further study.
Benefits
VA course helps local healthcare providers treat vets
As it expands access to care through community healthcare providers, the Department of Veterans Affairs also has launched a training initiative to prepare those providers to address veterans' needs.
Benefits
Veterans Choice Program change now in effect
The Department of Veterans Affairs said it has finalized its previously announced change to how it calculates eligibility to participate in the Veterans Choice Program.
Benefits
Senator urges colleagues to protect feds in budget conference
Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) is urging the leaders of the Senate Budget Committee to protect federal pay and benefits during the budget resolution conference with the House.
Benefits
Gov't auditors: FRTIB security lacking
Government auditors contend that the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board has “significant holes” in its security system, leaving account holders vulnerable to hackers.
Benefits
Bill would extend law enforcement retirement to FPS officers
The union that represents Federal Protective Service officers cheered a bill sponsored by an Indiana lawmaker that would extend law enforcement retirement coverage to those employees.
Benefits
OPM releases new leave guide for childbirth, adoption
The Office of Personnel Management last week released a new online guide that details employee leave policies related to having a baby, adopting a child or becoming foster parents.
Benefits
VA medical malpractice award highest in state's history
A medical malpractice lawsuit in New Hampshire will cost the Department of Veterans Affairs more than $20 million, making it the largest individual personal injury judgment in the state’s history.
Benefits