Author Archive

Kevin Moss

Kevin Moss

Senior Editor, GuidetoHealthPlans.org

Kevin Moss has for over 25 years worked for Consumers’ Checkbook, a nonprofit dedicated to helping consumers make informed decisions. He leads the production of Checkbook’s Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees, a decision support tool that helps almost 1 million federal employees from over 50 agencies select an FEHB plan. He shares his expertise as a regular contributor to GovExec and holds dozens of webinars throughout the year where he provides FEHB advice. Watch here for his latest advice: https://www.youtube.com/@CheckbookHealth/featured
Kevin Moss has for over 25 years worked for Consumers’ Checkbook, a nonprofit dedicated to helping consumers make informed decisions. He leads the production of Checkbook’s Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees, a decision support tool that helps almost 1 million federal employees from over 50 agencies select an FEHB plan. He shares his expertise as a regular contributor to GovExec and holds dozens of webinars throughout the year where he provides FEHB advice. Watch here for his latest advice: https://www.youtube.com/@CheckbookHealth/featured
Pay & Benefits

Open Season advice for annuitants

Federal annuitants often don't have the same flexibility as federal employees when it comes to offsetting their health insurance costs, making it important to keep certain strategies in mind when weighing Open Season enrollment.

Pay & Benefits

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.

Pay & Benefits

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.

Pay & Benefits

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.

Pay & Benefits

Coverage for gender-affirming care will be eliminated from FEHB plans in 2026 

The federal HR agency removed all coverage of gender-affirming care from its health benefits program, barring three exceptions, following two recent executive orders.

Pay & Benefits

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.

Pay & Benefits

OPM unveils its major plans and policy goals for federal health care in 2026

The Office of Personnel Management's 2026 Federal Employees Health Benefits program roadmap focuses on cutting red tape for feds and retirees while staying committed to key health care priorities—here’s what it could mean for you.

Pay & Benefits

Last-minute advice for the 2025 open season

Things you need to consider before the annual window when federal employees can enroll in or make changes to their health benefits closes on Dec. 9.

Pay & Benefits

Medicare Part D may benefit most federal annuitants next year

COMMENTARY | Not only are there more options to choose from, but there are also benefit changes that may make Part D more convenient and a better value, according to Kevin Moss of Consumers’ Checkbook.

Pay & Benefits

Infertility benefit coverage from FEHB plans in 2025

Federal employees will have even more options for plans offering IVF coverage, including another national PPO plan.

Pay & Benefits

A closer look at 2025 FEHBP premiums

Open Season is just a few weeks away, and costs are increasing this year. What does that mean for federal employees?

Pay & Benefits

How to decide if Medicare Part D is right for you

Although most federal annuitants might benefit from keeping Part D, there are three instances where you could benefit from opting out.

Pay & Benefits

Health Savings Account contribution limits to rise in 2025

Federal employees looking for ways to save on out-of-pocket healthcare costs might benefit from using a high deductible health plan with an HSA.

Pay & Benefits

Are Consumer Driven Health Plans the right FEHB plan for you?

These are one of the lowest cost FEHB plan types for both active federal employees and annuitants.

Pay & Benefits

Are High Deductible Health Plans the right FEHB plan for you?

For most federal employees, HDHPs will be the cheapest FEHB plan type. Here’s how they work.