Yes that’s exactly what I read today on the liteblue faq page. We will have to pick the new PSHB plan during open season in 2024 that will go into effect in 2025.

Another issue here. If your NOT on part B, most will be able to elect this PENALTY FREE and get on 1 of the new plans offered under the PSHB. BUT, the bad news is we won't know the carriers, or plans or premiums until AFTER the SEP is over. Son once your on part B, you HAVE to keep it & pay the premiums. The plans offered by PSHB will be VERY similar to what we have now, BUT again only for the 1st year. After that, the carriers can do what they want & you have NO say, except to scramble & find yet another plan next open season. B-I-G mess I see coming & currently OPM is of little use and doesn't answer many questions at this time. In other words, they don't know what they are doing & don't have a clue as to how this is " supposed" to work out. Sad state of affairs, poor planning & certainly NOT enough time yo enroll about 1.7 MILLION people in these plans during the roughly 3 week open season !! Probably huge failure coming our way.

Thanks Janet. That was my concern.If retirees who did not sign up for Medicare B upon retirement would be able to sign up for part B penalty free under the new plan.

@TBrown0440 The "tricky" of all of this is you have to decide & sign up for part B during the SEP, however we won't know until AFTER that window closes about the carriers and plans +cost that will choose to participate in this new PSHB. Bad planning on their part I think, do MANY will not know which way to go. Maybe more info in October 2023 , but ???

It will be all Fouled up just like they Fouled up TSP

You are correct. That is how this new plan is set up

Yes, this year 2023 we will select plans as usual under FEHB for the 2024 season.. after that It won't be until late in 2024 that we again select new plans under the new PSHB. We will no longer be able to go with any plan under the FEHB. BUT,you have to decide about joining medicare part B from 4/1/24 through September 30,2024

@@JanetVaughn-cm3et It would be good if we could switch this year (as an option) before it becomes mandatory next year.

@GaryS1001a A lot of us feel that way, but the bill isn't effective till 2025, so like all government rules & laws we are in the " hurry up & wait mode"

YES. You are right

Yes

@@JanetVaughn-cm3et I am retired and already have BCBS. Are you saying I have to enroll again during open season to retain BCBS? Or do I automatically retain it? I can't really see any overall benefit in enrolling in Med Part B with an additional $350/month premiums for my wife and myself.

@randallcolvin6006 Yes, you MUST enroll AGAIN in what ever plan that is offered where you live. The plan you have now may not be offered so you can pick another. If it is offered there could be changes in it's premium & what it covers. But you MUST re enroll in that plan under the PSHBP. The plan you have now will expire on 12/ 31/2024. The new plan may have a different code under the new plan so you must enroll in that plan.

@@JanetVaughn-cm3et Thank you!

This only effects postal employees, and Only postal employees can use this new plan. If your NOT a postal employee or retiree you CANNOT use any plans under the new PSHB. I guess you will have to find another plan outside this new plan.

To be clear, if your under FEHB & in a postal plan, that will no longer be offered to you during open season 2024. Just like postal employees can't be in any FEHB during that same time, you can't be in ANY postal plan under the PSHB. The plans offered under FEHB probably will be similar, but not same # or benefits or premiums, as the ones under PSHB. Carriers that participate in both the FEHB & PSHB will probably offer similar plans. The difference is only postal employees can pick PSHB plans, & the rest of all federal employees HAVE to pick a plan offered under FEHB. Sad, but this is how it is.

Pick the NALC plan it is fabulous

Great question. Feel free to schedule a meeting with us to get a personalized answer: app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/whatservicemakessense

From what I understand, the Medicare Part B requirement is for those still working on 1/1/25 and under age 65 on that date.

I'd like to know that, also.

Great question, here is a link to all the PSHB updates: www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/pshb/#:~:text=During%20Open%20Season%20in%202024%2C%20eligible%20individuals%20must%20enroll%20or,retirement%20from%20the%20Postal%20Service.

@martycain8366 I'M going to do the same thing this fall. OPM told me that once your fehb is SUSPENDED you can stay in your medicare advantage plan & DO NOT NEED to enroll in the PSHBP as it will continue to carry over the suspension. So IF later years you want to participate in 1 of their plans you can come back, no problems. But I seriously doubt they will EVER offer anything we would want or pay for. I'm going with suspension and get a 0 premium medicare advantage plan this fall.

Yes!

Yes, you can still be eligible for full social security benefits

I think the poster was referring to their WEP reduced Social Security benefits. ​@@PlanYourFederalBenefits

Great question. There's a few things to consider here. You can schedule a meeting with us to talk about a solution that works great for you. Here's the link: app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/work-with-us