Expert’s View

One of the hottest topics in the federal health benefits arena is the Postal Service’s proposal to leave the Federal …More

On April 11, Joseph A. Beaudoin, president of the National Association of Federal Employees and Retirees, testified before the House …More

Over the last three weeks, I’ve described the origin of the Federal Employee Health Benefits program, focused on how premiums …More

Over the last two weeks, I’ve described the origin of the Federal Employee Health Benefits program, focused on how premiums …More

Last week I wrote about the origin of the Federal Employee Health Benefits program and focused on how premiums are …More

"The time has come," the walrus said, "To talk of other things Of shoes and ships and sealing wax Of …More

One aspect of federal retirement policy often hits uninformed retirees like a bolt from the blue, and routinely results in …More

Here we go again with an example of the kind of "I’ve been told" question on military deposits that I …More

On and on the false facts parade goes, picking up nuts the squirrels have left behind. This time I won’t …More

There’s nothing more infuriating than a know-it-all. Especially one who not only is wrong, but occupies a position in which …More

Here’s another entry in the false facts series. This one is about the common misunderstanding among retiring employees about when …More

While many of the misconceptions floating around the government are the result of mischievous rumors or personal desires that have …More

It’s amazing how many bits of pure nonsense make their way like a brushfire through the federal employee population. And …More

Social Security increases, like cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs), are based on annual changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage …More

For the second year in a row, Social Security recipients and most federal retirees received a cost-of-living adjustment effective with …More

OMB has issued a memo instructing agencies on how to respond to uncertainty about the amount of funding available for …More

Two of the most frequently asked questions I get from employees are these: "Is my agency going to offer early …More

Questions have arisen since last July when OPM revised eligibility policies for insurable interest annuities. Let’s begin at the beginning …More

The 2012 leave year ends on Saturday, January 12, 2013, and the 2013 leave year begins on Sunday, January 13. …More

We’re all familiar with the term "counting your pennies." Well, the up-coming cost-of-living adjustment for retirees, survivors and Social Security …More

The federal government has a diminishing number of CSRS employees. However, from the mail I’m receiving (e- and snail), many …More

A reader recently asked if his birthday was the earliest date on which he would meet the age portion of …More

Last week while describing what kinds of pay are included in a lump-sum payment for unused annual leave at retirement, …More

Among the many benefits of being enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program is the protection it offers when …More

First, a reminder. The 2012 benefits open season runs from Monday November 12 through Monday December 10. During that time …More

As I pointed out last week, the 2012 benefits open season runs from Monday November 12 through Monday December 10. …More

Today I want to give you a head start on Open Season. Every year it begins on Monday of the …More

I guess it’s not surprising that I’m being inundated with e-mails from employees ready to jump ship who want to …More

Over the past two weeks I’ve walked you through the phased retirement portion of the “Moving Ahead for Progress in …More

Last week I highlighted one feature in the "Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act" that has fired …More