Some Benefit Ideas Could Resurface

The White House budget plan could repeat proposals raised last year regarding FEHB—the addition of new plan designs, higher premium rates for enrollees who do not participate in certain wellness programs, and coverage of domestic partners. Those ideas received a brief look last spring after being proposed but the administration never put out details and the focus of civil service leaders quickly shifted to other issues. Another staple of White House budgets has been initiatives to control costs in the FECA injury compensation program; that may have a better chance this year since government-wide FECA reform plans already are part of a bipartisan Senate postal reorganization bill.