Benefits
House Dems urge Trump administration to act on health insurance claim denials
Reps. Bobby Scott, D-Va., and Mark DeSaulnier, D-Calif., call on the Labor Department’s EBSA to strengthen staffing, improve data collection and enhance appeals protections as claim denials continue to harm participants and beneficiaries.
Use this checklist to make the most of 2026 FEHB Open Season
From rising premiums to fewer plan choices, this guide walks you through reviewing benefits, checking provider networks and using tax-advantaged accounts to keep your healthcare costs in check next year.
FEHB costs are climbing in 2026. Here’s what that means for feds
From higher premiums to new IVF coverage, many plans are shifting next year. Here’s how to find out what’s different in your plan and what it will cost you.
Growth slowed in most TSP funds in October
Despite a slowing rate of return, last month still marked the third consecutive month in which all portfolios in the Thrift Savings Plan all increased in value.
Two judges block Trump administration from cutting SNAP benefits
A pair of rulings have temporarily paused White House plans to halt funding to the food assistance program during the government shutdown.
What FEHB changes mean for your 2026 health coverage
Premiums are shifting, and the government contribution varies. Here’s what to know to avoid surprises and save where you can.
What to know when your child ages out of federal health coverage
Children can stay on a parent’s FEHB or PSHB plan until 26, but understanding the 31-day extension, conversion options and Temporary Continuation of Coverage is key to avoiding gaps.
Federal and postal workers to see double-digit health care premium increases again next year
Federal employee groups decried the second consecutive year of premium increases eclipsing 10 percent amid a government shutdown and a proposed 1% pay raise for non-law enforcement personnel.
TSP funds continue to tick upward in September
For a second consecutive month, all of the funds in the Thrift Savings Plan increased in value.
Your guide to pay and benefits during a shutdown
A lapse in appropriations looked likely after Senate Democrats rejected a plan to keep federal agencies open past Sept. 30, while the House is not expected to return to Washington until next month.
Virginia lawmaker takes over advocacy for federal workforce bills
Rep. James Walkinshaw this week formally assumed lead sponsorship for a series of bills introduced each year by his predecessor, the late Rep. Gerry, Connolly, D-Va.
Lawmakers sound alarm on administration of USPS health care program
The Office of Personnel Management still has less than half of the IT staff needed to support postal workers’ employer-sponsored health insurance program as it prepares for its second-ever open season this fall.
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All TSP funds were back in the black in August
The Thrift Savings Plan’s international investments rebounded last month after lagging behind other portfolios in July.
Veterans Affairs reduces claims backlog at record rate
The Veterans Affairs Department processed more disability compensation and pension claims in fiscal 2025 than any other previous year.
TSP funds post mixed returns in July
While domestic investments in the federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement savings program posted gains last month, its international fund faltered.
How to avoid Medicare Part B late enrollment penalties
Planning to retire soon? Here’s what to know about timing your Medicare enrollment to steer clear of costly penalties.
Trump’s hiring freeze has jeopardized postal workers’ health care, IG says
OPM told its agency watchdog that it has taken steps to ensure the Postal Service Health Benefits Program remains adequately staffed and funded but failed to provide any evidence that it had actually done so.
Reconciliation bill includes measure to help civilian intel analysts cover moving costs
The policy aims to ease the financial burden on non-military intelligence workers by aligning their moving expense tax benefits with those already afforded to military personnel.
All provisions targeting federal worker benefits, unions stricken from Senate reconciliation package
The Senate parliamentarian previously ruled that most of the proposals aimed at cutting federal employees’ retirement benefits and civil service protections violated a rule to ensure reconciliation bills are budgetary in nature.
Senate strips most retirement cuts from reconciliation, but anti-civil service provisions remain
Under language released by a Senate panel Thursday night, new federal workers who decline to serve as at-will employees will pay nearly 15% of their paycheck toward their pension benefit.
Oversight Dems: Commerce reneged on probationers’ health benefits
Some recently fired probationary workers have also been unable to access their personnel records to show to insurance companies and prospective employers.
