The rules also address numerous administrative matters such as aligning government and enrollee contributions. Image: Aaron of L.A. Photography/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffOPM has finalized, in an October 24 Federal Register notice, rules it proposed in May addressing numerous technical issues related to the Postal Service Health Benefits Program, including issues related to the program’s coordination with Medicare.
The rules expand on a set of general rules issued earlier this year on the PSHB, which takes the place of the FEHB for postal employees and retirees effective in January, “and is intended to provide greater detail and clarity necessary to properly implement PSHB in 2025 and beyond.”
For enrollees, issues addressed include: the general requirement, and its exceptions, for those retiring from USPS after this year to enroll in Medicare Part B to become, and remain, eligible in the PSHB; how that requirement applies to survivor annuitants; integration of Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage with the PSHB; and the process for challenging decisions on eligibility—including, potentially, forced disenrollments for not meeting the Medicare enrollment requirement.
The rules also address numerous administrative matters such as aligning government and enrollee contributions, management of the program’s financial reserves, and financial reporting and actuarial calculations.
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