Author Archive
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.
- Kevin Moss
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.
- Kevin Moss
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.
- Kevin Moss
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.
- Kevin Moss
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.
- Kevin Moss
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.
- Kevin Moss
Pay & Benefits
Health Savings Account contribution limits will rise in 2026. Here’s what federal employees need to know about High-Deductible Health Plans
For many federal employees, an HDHP can be the most cost-effective plan option.
- Kevin Moss
Pay & Benefits
How new executive orders will impact FEHB coverage next year
Pay and benefits news you may have missed.
- Kevin Moss
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.
- Kevin Moss
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.
- Kevin Moss
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.
- Kevin Moss
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.
- Kevin Moss
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?
- Kevin Moss
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.
- Kevin Moss
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.
- Kevin Moss
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.
- Kevin Moss
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.
- Kevin Moss
Pay & Benefits
Here's what federal employees need to know about their dental benefits
Navigating your dental benefits shouldn't be like pulling teeth
- Kevin Moss
Pay & Benefits
What USPS annuitants need to know about the Medicare Part B special enrollment period
Some postal annuitants may be able to avoid paying a penalty.
- Kevin Moss
Pay & Benefits
The Postal Service Health Benefits program, prescription coverage and Open Season 2025
The federal health care enrollment period is months away, but you can start preparing now.
- Kevin Moss