A smaller number of plans are set to participate in the PSHB than currently are in the FEHB, but those that will participate cover the large majority of enrollees. Image: Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffPlans that will participate in the new Postal Service Health Benefits program, which will replace the FEHB for postal employees and retirees effective in January, will offer largely the same options they have offered in the FEHB, a fact sheet recently posted by the USPS shows.
The fact sheet refers to the issue of automatic enrollment in the PSHB by those who currently are in the FEHB and who do not make a new plan election for next year during the open season that this year will run November 11-December 9. Enrollees of an FEHB plan that also will be available in the PSHB who make no enrollment choice during that period will be automatically enrolled in the same option of that plan, if the PSHB plan offers that option.
If the PSHB plan does not offer that option and they make no other choice they will be put in the option of the same PSHB plan most like their current FEHB plan option, in terms of costs and coverage.
The posting shows that for plans approved to participate in the PSHB, each will offer the same options except for CareFirst Blue Choice, which in the FEHB offers a high deductible option, a standard option and a “Blue Value Plus” option. There will be no standard option in that plan in the PSHB, meaning that those currently enrolled in it would be enrolled by default in the Blue Value Plus option, if they make no other election.
It further notes that enrollees of a current FEHB that does not participate in the PSHB “will be automatically enrolled in the PSHB nationwide plan option with the lowest self-only premium that is not a high deductible health plan and does not charge a membership fee.” That policy mirrors the practice regarding automatic enrollment in the FEHB regarding plans that drop out, if those who have been enrolled in them make no new election.
The posting does not specify which plan that would be, but for the last several years in the FEHB it has been the GEHA “Elevate” option—which will be an offering in the PSHB.
While a much smaller number of plans are set to participate in the PSHB than currently are in the FEHB, those that will participate cover the large majority of enrollees, including the largest national plans and HMOs available in many city areas.
The announcement of rates and coverage terms in both programs could come at any time.
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