Key Takeaways

• USPS employees and retirees now have streamlined access to essential Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) information thanks to centralized platforms and simplified resources.

• Whether you’re actively working or already retired, new tools introduced by USPS and OPM in 2025 help you stay informed and make better health coverage decisions.

Understanding the Shift to PSHB

The transition from the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program to the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program marks a significant change for USPS employees and annuitants. As of January 1, 2025, this shift is fully in effect, meaning your health coverage is now governed by PSHB. The purpose behind this change is to create a program that specifically addresses the unique healthcare needs of the postal workforce and retirees.

You may have had questions or concerns during 2024 as USPS announced these changes. But in 2025, the dust has settled—and accessing reliable information is easier than ever.

Where to Get the Right Information in 2025

The biggest challenge for many has been simply knowing where to go. USPS has responded by consolidating the most critical resources in a few user-friendly places:

1. LiteBlue for Active Employees

If you’re a current USPS employee, LiteBlue remains your central hub. From this portal, you can:

• Review your current PSHB plan details

• Update family and coverage information

• Receive important plan notifications

• Access resources during Open Season

Keep your Employee ID and USPS Self-Service Password on hand to log in securely.

2. KeepingPosted.org for Annuitants

Retirees and survivors can now easily access plan materials, make coverage changes, and contact support through KeepingPosted.org. This platform replaces scattered mailers with a clean, centralized digital location for:

• PSHB plan brochures

• Contact information for carriers and help lines

• Instructions for Medicare integration

3. OPM’s PSHB Page

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) hosts a dedicated PSHB section that includes everything from enrollment instructions to cost breakdowns. This is your go-to if you want to:

• Understand how your benefits coordinate with Medicare

• Review plan comparison tools

• See eligibility details for you and your family

What’s Changed with Medicare Integration

If you’re eligible for Medicare in 2025, especially Part B, your PSHB plan likely requires you to be enrolled to maintain full benefits. USPS retirees who became eligible before January 1, 2025, are exempt from this requirement. But if you fall under the new rules, here’s what to know:

• Enrollment in Part B is mandatory for certain annuitants and family members

• Prescription coverage now aligns with Medicare Part D through an Employer Group Waiver Plan (EGWP)

• Opting out of Medicare Part B may limit your PSHB benefits and prevent you from re-enrolling later

The good news? USPS and OPM provide clear instructions on how to enroll and who qualifies for exceptions, including residents abroad or those using VA or Indian Health Services.

Timelines You Should Remember

Understanding key dates helps you avoid mistakes or missed opportunities:

• Open Season: Typically runs from early November to early December each year. For 2024, it ran from November 11 to December 9.

• Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Medicare Part B: Ran from April 1 to September 30, 2024, for those impacted by the PSHB transition.

• Ongoing Updates: Keep an eye on mailers, LiteBlue, and KeepingPosted.org for plan changes throughout the year.

What You Can Do Right Now

Whether you’re an employee or a retiree, these actions will help you stay informed and in control:

• Verify your current PSHB plan: Make sure it fits your current needs and anticipated medical usage.

• Check your Medicare status: If you’re approaching age 65 or are already eligible, confirm your enrollment in Part A and Part B.

• Update your contact information: USPS uses both email and mail to send vital updates.

• Bookmark your platforms: Save LiteBlue, KeepingPosted.org, and OPM’s PSHB page for regular check-ins.

What If You Missed Enrollment?

If you missed Open Season or failed to enroll in Medicare Part B when required, all is not lost—but you may face delays or limitations:

• Changes to your PSHB plan outside Open Season usually require a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) such as marriage, birth, or loss of other coverage.

• If you missed the SEP in 2024, the General Enrollment Period for Medicare Part B runs each year from January 1 to March 31, with coverage beginning July 1.

Check the OPM and Medicare resources to see if your situation qualifies for an exception or alternative.

How USPS Has Improved Communications

USPS has stepped up its communication game in 2025. You now benefit from:

• Simplified plan brochures written in clear, concise language

• Interactive tools that help you compare PSHB options by location and medical need

• Dedicated help lines and email support channels for both employees and annuitants

In addition, USPS and OPM are working together to offer webinars and recorded presentations that explain PSHB benefits and answer common questions.

Understanding Costs Without the Confusion

Although specific plan prices can’t be listed here, you should know that:

• Government contributions continue to cover about 70% of total premiums

• Out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance vary by plan

• Medicare-eligible enrollees often receive additional cost-sharing relief

Check plan brochures for your exact coverage level, and take note of any differences between Self Only, Self Plus One, and Self & Family tiers.

Where to Get Personalized Help

Sometimes even with all the information available online, you need a person to speak with. USPS retirees and employees can reach out to:

• The PSHB Navigator Help Line at 1-833-712-7742

• OPM’s Retirement Services for annuity and benefit-related questions

Additionally, licensed agents listed on this website can help walk you through options and give you personalized guidance tailored to your situation.

Stay Proactive Throughout 2025

It’s not just about reacting to changes. Staying proactive can help you avoid gaps in coverage, unexpected costs, and delays in claims processing. Here’s how:

• Set calendar reminders for Open Season and Medicare milestones

• Review your Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) to understand how your plan is working

• Engage with webinars or virtual info sessions if offered by USPS or OPM

• Talk to a professional before making major changes like opting out of Medicare or switching coverage tiers

Make Confident Decisions with the Right Tools

As a USPS retiree or employee, you now have more clarity and control than ever before when it comes to your health coverage under PSHB. With the proper platforms, timelines, and support, you can confidently make the decisions that fit your needs and your budget.

If you’re still unsure about any part of the process, reach out to a licensed agent listed on this website for professional guidance.