Key Takeaways

• In 2025, USPS employees and retirees must rely on LiteBlue and KeepingPosted.org to manage health coverage, retirement benefits, and plan changes under the new PSHB Program.

• These platforms are essential for accessing official updates, managing Medicare integration requirements, and ensuring continued eligibility for benefits.

Your Benefits Hub Is Changing

The transition to the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program in 2025 marks one of the most significant changes to your healthcare coverage in recent history. With this shift comes a greater need than ever to stay informed and proactive. That’s where LiteBlue and KeepingPosted.org come in.

If you are a current USPS employee, LiteBlue remains your go-to portal. If you are retired, KeepingPosted.org is now your main channel for accessing benefits information. These platforms are not just convenient—they are critical for ensuring you meet enrollment deadlines, understand your health coverage options, and receive accurate retirement updates.

What LiteBlue Does for USPS Employees in 2025

As an active USPS employee, you have access to LiteBlue, a secure online portal that consolidates your employment and benefits information. In 2025, LiteBlue is central to:

• PSHB Open Season Enrollment: Each year, from November to December, you use LiteBlue to review and make changes to your PSHB plan.

• Reviewing Medicare Requirements: If you’re nearing retirement or age 65, LiteBlue outlines whether you must enroll in Medicare Part B to keep PSHB coverage.

• Updating Personal Information: Your address, contact details, and dependent information can all be updated here.

• Viewing Employment Records: Service history and earnings are used to calculate retirement eligibility and annuity payments.

Because 2025 is the first year PSHB replaces FEHB for USPS workers, timely access to LiteBlue matters more than ever. You need to ensure your selections are correct and up to date before deadlines pass.

What KeepingPosted.org Means for Retirees

As a retiree, your needs shift, and so does your online access. KeepingPosted.org is your main platform for monitoring your benefits, including:

• Health Coverage Updates: PSHB information, including how Medicare integration affects your plan.

• Open Season Plan Comparisons: A tool for evaluating different PSHB options during Open Season.

• Premium Payment Information: Review how much you’re paying monthly and what the government contributes.

• Medicare Part D Coordination: If you’re enrolled in Medicare, your drug coverage is now managed through an Employer Group Waiver Plan (EGWP).

• Eligibility Resources: If you’re unsure whether you were exempt from enrolling in Medicare Part B, KeepingPosted.org outlines your eligibility.

If you retired on or before January 1, 2025, and are not enrolled in Medicare Part B, you may be exempt. But to maintain full coverage and avoid service disruptions, it’s important to verify your status using KeepingPosted.org.

Why Both Portals Are Crucial in 2025

LiteBlue and KeepingPosted.org serve different but equally important groups. The rollout of PSHB adds layers of complexity to what used to be a single system under FEHB. Without staying plugged into your respective platform, you could miss out on:

• Required Medicare enrollments

• Notifications about prescription drug coverage changes

• Critical plan updates during Open Season

• Premium adjustments or payment notices

• Dependent eligibility changes

Missing deadlines or failing to update information could result in higher out-of-pocket costs or even coverage lapses.

Timelines You Must Know

In 2025, several dates and durations are essential:

• Open Season: Runs annually from November to December. You must log in to LiteBlue or KeepingPosted.org to confirm or change your PSHB plan.

• Medicare Part B Enrollment: For some, especially retirees who were not already enrolled in Part B by 2024, a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) was offered from April 1 to September 30, 2024. If you missed it, your options are now limited.

• EGWP Enrollment: Automatically takes effect for Medicare-eligible retirees through PSHB plans. If you opt out, you lose drug coverage and face restrictions on rejoining.

These timeframes are not flexible. Missing them can lead to penalties or coverage issues.

What Happens If You Don’t Use the Portals

If you neglect LiteBlue or KeepingPosted.org in 2025, you risk serious consequences:

• Losing Drug Coverage: Opting out of Medicare drug coverage without understanding the implications could leave you uncovered.

• Paying More Out-of-Pocket: Without staying updated, you may default into a plan that costs more or covers less.

• Being Out of Compliance: Some plans require Medicare enrollment to maintain full benefits. If you don’t comply, your plan may drop certain benefits or raise your costs.

• Not Receiving Notifications: All updates about changes to premiums, eligibility, and benefits are shared through your portal.

Medicare and PSHB: The New Coordination Rules

2025 introduces mandatory Medicare coordination for many Postal retirees. Here’s how it works:

• You Must Enroll in Part B: Unless you fall under a specific exemption (e.g., retired before Jan 1, 2025), you need Part B to keep your PSHB plan.

• Drug Benefits Are Integrated: If you’re Medicare-eligible, you receive prescription coverage through EGWP automatically unless you opt out.

• Out-of-Pocket Caps: PSHB plans now align with Medicare Part D rules, including the $2,000 cap on drug spending in 2025.

• Benefits for Enrolling in Part B: Many PSHB plans reduce deductibles or copayments for those with Part B.

To confirm how your coverage integrates with Medicare, visit your respective portal. You can also check what happens if you delay or decline enrollment.

How to Log In and What to Check First

Here’s how to get started on either portal:

LiteBlue (for employees):

• Visit liteblue.usps.gov

• Use your Employee ID and USPS Self-Service Password

• Check: PSHB plan info, retirement eligibility, personal contact details

KeepingPosted.org (for retirees):

• Visit KeepingPosted.org

• Create or access your account with your annuitant ID and personal information

• Check: Medicare requirements, drug plan status, plan comparison tools, premium breakdowns

Ensure your contact info is accurate to receive email alerts or mailings.

What If You’re Planning to Retire Soon?

If you’re approaching retirement in 2025, you fall into a unique window. Here’s what to do:

• Use LiteBlue to Review Retirement Eligibility: Confirm your service history and expected annuity.

• Plan for Medicare: If you’ll be 65 or older soon after retiring, enroll in Medicare Part B during your initial enrollment window to avoid penalties.

• Switch to KeepingPosted.org: Once retired, you’ll use this site to manage your ongoing health coverage and view updates.

Planning ahead prevents unnecessary disruptions in your coverage.

How to Stay Ahead of Mistakes

With so many changes in 2025, it’s easy to overlook something. To avoid missteps:

• Log in Monthly: Even if no changes are expected, it helps to catch updates early.

• Set Calendar Alerts: Mark Open Season, Medicare deadlines, and birthdays that trigger enrollment periods.

• Contact a Licensed Agent: When in doubt, speak to someone who can guide you through PSHB and Medicare integration.

• Print Out Confirmation Pages: Keep records of any plan selections or updates made.

Even small delays can result in costly consequences.

Your Central Tools for 2025 and Beyond

LiteBlue and KeepingPosted.org are no longer just conveniences—they’re essential tools for every USPS worker and retiree navigating the new PSHB landscape. From enrolling in health plans to confirming Medicare requirements, these portals are the key to safeguarding your benefits.

If you’re unsure how the 2025 changes affect you, or if you’re facing a Medicare decision, don’t go it alone. Get in touch with a licensed agent listed on this website for professional guidance tailored to your situation.