Key Takeaways:

• The PSHB Open Season (November 11 – December 9, 2024) is your last chance to switch or lock in the right health plan before the big transition to the Postal Service Health Benefits program.

• Failing to act during Open Season could mean paying more for less coverage or losing out on important benefits that fit your needs.

What’s Happening with PSHB in 2024?

The Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) program is rolling out with a major shift starting January 1, 2025. If you’re a postal worker or retiree, this change is important. You’ve probably heard about it, but now the moment is finally here—the PSHB Open Season runs from November 11, 2024, to December 9, 2024. This is your one-time window to make sure you’re covered correctly for the upcoming transition.

Open Season isn’t just a routine task you can brush off this year. It’s your last opportunity to lock in a health plan that will suit your specific needs under the new PSHB system. When the clock strikes midnight on December 9, your choices will be sealed for the year ahead, so take this moment seriously.

Why This Open Season is Different

You might be familiar with the annual Open Season for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, where you review and adjust your health coverage. But this year is different. The Postal Service Health Benefits program is replacing FEHB for postal employees and retirees starting in January 2025. That means, whether you’ve stuck with the same plan for years or changed it recently, you need to reevaluate everything to ensure your health plan fits your 2025 needs.

Even if you feel like your current plan works fine, it’s worth diving into the details again. With the transition, premiums and coverage levels may shift. If you don’t take action during Open Season, you could be automatically assigned a plan, and that plan might not offer the best coverage for your situation.

What’s Changing with PSHB?

The PSHB program largely mirrors FEHB coverage, but there are some key adjustments to be aware of. While specific prices for private plans can’t be discussed, general costs may increase, especially as new rates for the 2025 plan year are finalized. Some plans under PSHB may come with higher premiums than what you’re used to, and others may offer more or less coverage depending on your circumstances.

PSHB is designed to tailor coverage to the unique needs of postal workers and retirees. That means you’re getting a plan specifically focused on postal employees. While it’s comforting to know the benefits are aligned with your line of work, it also means you have a responsibility to understand exactly what’s being offered.

The Risk of Doing Nothing

It’s easy to think you can skip Open Season and everything will be fine. Not this time. If you don’t take the time to review your options and actively choose a plan, you’ll be automatically enrolled in a PSHB plan. Sure, auto-enrollment is designed to make the process simpler, but it doesn’t guarantee you’ll end up with the best coverage—or the most affordable option.

Imagine going through 2025 with a health plan that doesn’t meet your needs, only to find out you’re paying for services you don’t use or that the coverage you need isn’t sufficient. That’s the risk of not acting during Open Season. It’s a decision that could affect not only your peace of mind but also your wallet.

Medicare Part B and the PSHB Connection

For many postal retirees, the transition to PSHB also means reevaluating your relationship with Medicare. If you’re turning 65 in 2025 or beyond, enrolling in Medicare Part B becomes a requirement to maintain your PSHB coverage. Missing out on Medicare Part B could result in you having to pay a late enrollment penalty, which could increase your monthly premiums for the rest of your life. Ouch.

On the flip side, coordinating Medicare with PSHB can actually help you reduce some out-of-pocket costs. By pairing PSHB with Medicare, you could end up with lower premiums and more comprehensive coverage, which makes this transition a potential win for retirees—if you plan accordingly.

Take Advantage of Available Resources

Making health plan decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when things are changing fast. But you’re not alone in this. USPS is rolling out tons of resources to help you navigate this transition smoothly. From webinars to digital brochures, you have access to plenty of tools to make sense of the options available.

Take the time to go through these resources. USPS has designed them with postal employees in mind, so you won’t be bogged down by irrelevant details. Get in touch with helplines or even attend a virtual seminar to get your questions answered. There’s no reason to go into Open Season unprepared when these tools are right at your fingertips.

Open Season Key Dates

Let’s zoom in on the timeline:

• Open Season starts: November 11, 2024
• Open Season ends: December 9, 2024
• New coverage begins: January 1, 2025

That’s a tight window—just under a month—to figure out your best health plan option. Mark your calendar, because these dates are critical. If you miss the December 9 deadline, you’ll have to wait until next year to make changes, and by then, it might be too late to get what you really need.

What Happens After You Enroll?

Once you’ve locked in your plan during Open Season, you can relax knowing your coverage is set for the upcoming year. Your new PSHB plan will take effect on January 1, 2025. At that point, any medical expenses you have will be processed through your new provider, so make sure you have your new insurance cards handy.

After enrolling, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on how your plan is working for you. Throughout 2025, track any unexpected costs or changes in coverage. This will help you be even better prepared for next year’s Open Season, so you can adjust if needed.

Time to Take Action

With all of the changes happening, there’s no time to sit on the sidelines. You’ve got one shot at securing the right health plan for 2025, and Open Season is it. Dive into the resources USPS has made available, take a hard look at your healthcare needs, and make the choice that’s right for you.

Postal workers and retirees are in a unique position with this transition to PSHB, and while change can be daunting, it also comes with opportunities. By acting now, you can ensure that your health coverage is set up to meet your needs, keep costs manageable, and protect your well-being in the coming year.

How to Secure Your PSHB Coverage

With just a month to make your decision, here’s a step-by-step approach to securing your PSHB coverage:

1. Review your current coverage: Look at your current health plan and see what’s working and what’s not. Does it cover all your healthcare needs, or are you paying for services you don’t use?

2. Compare PSHB plans: USPS will provide a range of plan options specifically designed for postal employees. Compare these with your current coverage to see where adjustments need to be made.

3. Factor in Medicare: If you’re close to turning 65, think about how Medicare Part B can be coordinated with your PSHB coverage for maximum benefit.

4. Use the resources: Whether it’s attending a webinar or reading a brochure, make sure you fully understand your options before locking in your choice.

5. Enroll by December 9, 2024: Don’t wait until the last minute. Once you’ve decided, get your enrollment done early to avoid any mishaps.

Making the Most of PSHB in 2024

This is it—the final push before the PSHB transition becomes reality in 2025. If you’re a postal worker or retiree, Open Season is your golden opportunity to make sure you’re covered with a plan that fits your life. By reviewing your options carefully and acting now, you’ll head into 2025 with confidence, knowing you’ve made the best decision for your health and wallet.