Pay & Benefits

Federal Long-Term Care Premium Spike Isn't Scaring People Away

OPM says so far more than 96 percent of enrollees have either accepted the Nov. 1 rate increase, or reduced their coverage.

Pay & Benefits

TRICARE Lowers Mental Health Care Co-Pays, Expands Treatment Options

This month retirees and dependents started paying $13 less per visit for outpatient care and substance abuse treatment.

Management

Both Political Parties Believe Next Administration Should Prioritize Performance Management in Agencies

An evidence-based, data-driven approach to policy is the best way to ensure government is operating efficiently and effectively, say current and former government officials.

Pay & Benefits

Retirement Backlog Is Back Down

OPM processed roughly 2,000 more applications in September than in August, bringing the total number of applications in the queue to 15,146.

Management

McCain Says He Will Scrap Change to Veterans’ Preference

Provision that would have limited the federal hiring advantage to a one-time use won’t be in final NDAA, says senator.

Management

Agencies Prepare For Hurricane Matthew

FEMA and the Pentagon have teams and supplies in place in the southeastern U.S. to respond to the storm if necessary.

Management

Longer Probationary Periods For New Defense Hires

New civilians in the competitive service and senior executives hired or appointed after Nov. 26, 2015, are on probation now for two years instead of one.

Management

Vets Are More Civically Engaged Than The Rest of Us, Research Finds

Report shows that those who served are more likely than non-veterans to volunteer, vote, and actively participate in their communities.

Management

VHA Still Needs More Doctors and Nurses

New watchdog report finds that more of the agency’s health care professionals are resigning than retiring.

Oversight

Congress Votes to Keep Government Open

The continuing resolution passed both chambers and funds agencies through Dec. 9.

Management

Congress Reaches Tentative Deal to Avoid Government Shutdown

At the last-minute, lawmakers seem to have resolved the major sticking point involving funding to deal with the Flint water crisis.

Pay & Benefits

2017 FEHBP Premiums to Be Unveiled Wednesday

Enrollees paid an average of 7.4 percent more toward their health insurance premiums in 2016.

Management

Federal Agencies Once Again Prepare For A Possible Government Shutdown

Fiscal 2017 starts Saturday; the Senate is expected to vote Tuesday on a short-term CR before sending it to the House.

Management

Congress to Vote Early Next Week on Shutdown-Avoiding Measure

With just days left before the start of fiscal 2017, Senate likely will vote Monday on CR before it heads to the House.

Management

Clinton Says Creating Affordable Housing Should Be A ‘National Commitment’

New York Times op-ed briefly puts issues of poverty and housing – typically ignored on the campaign trail – into the spotlight.

Pay & Benefits

Congressional Hearing on Long-Term Care Premium Spike Likely After November Election

Despite outrage from feds over triple digit rate increases set to take effect soon, lawmakers haven’t yet held a public hearing on the issue.

Pay & Benefits

TSP Preps For Influx of Service Members in 2018

The agency is doing a preliminary assessment now of its IT and business systems to ensure a smooth transition for auto-enrolling service members into the government’s 401(k) style benefit.

Pay & Benefits

OPM Wants to Boost Death Benefits For Feds By $90K

Payout for civilian employees killed on the job would increase from $10,000 to $100,000 if legislation is passed.

Pay & Benefits

Outlook Is Decent For a 2017 COLA

We won’t know for sure until Oct. 18, but the latest data show federal retirees on track for a small cost-of-living adjustment.