Q: I have 31 years of federal service and am eligible for retirement under CSRS. When did BCBS federal switch to “standard and basic” options versus “standard and high” options? I have always had the standard family option since I married in 1985 and have paid the lesser of the two premiums. I just noticed I pay the higher premium now. I didn’t realize there was a “basic” option available and I didn’t have it.
A: That change happened 10 years ago and was highlighted both in OPM’s open season material and in the plan literature sent to enrollees by Blue Cross-Blue Shield.
