Q. I requested an estimate from DLA to include keeping my FEPBlue coverage for my spouse and me. I am covered under FERS. I was told that in order to keep my insurance that I would be required to take Medicare Part B. Is that the case? I plan to retire in January 2016 and don’t want to miss any important deadlines for Part B.
Browsing: HEALTH INSURANCE
Q. I’m a 24-year veteran of the Postal Service at the age of 58. Due to a recommended fourth surgery, I am considering resigning from the Postal Service later this year but want to postpone receiving my annuity until I’m 60-years-old (about 17 months from now) so (according to a human resources representative) I can avoid the 5 percent reduction per year as I would have reached the 60/20 retirement plateau. I realize I would not be eligible for the “special supplement,” but my wish is to work in the private sector and delay receiving social security until my mid-60s. My finances are in order to do this. So…
Q. I am retiring at age 62 under the FERS retirement system. The health care coverage I have is FEHB family coverage. When my spouse turns 65, will she need to sign up for Medicare A and B? I would be 63 and ineligible for Medicare while my wife WOULD be eligible. How would that affect my FEHB family coverage and costs? Should my wife sign up for Medicare A & B at age 65 even though I retired at age 62?
Q. When I turn 65 and start medicare coverage, will I be able to drop my FEHBP to get a secondary coverage plan, and is this a good idea? A. Yes, you can drop your FEHB coverage. No, it isn’t a good idea.
Q. I am a federal retiree and my wife is a federal employee. I pay for family coverage under FEP Blue. When our only child turns 26, should we both go to individual coverage? A. That’s entirely up to you. You’ll need to compare the premium costs with the co-pays, deductibles and catastrophic limits which will apply to both enrollments.
Q. I am 48 and will be eligible to retire in two years as I will have over 20 years in federal law enforcement. I am signed up for a family plan under FEHB which covers my 42-year old wife and a three-year-old daughter. My wife just started a Federal job that will also give her access to FEHB. As I understand it, we will continue to be covered under my FEHB for life, and my wife would just decline enrollment when she starts her job. Does this make financial or prudent sense? We don’t believe she will work long…
Q. I am enrolled in the Federal BCBS (self + family plan) and wanted to drop our 18-year-old daughter from the plan as she has moved out and does not associate with the family any longer. My local rep said this wasn’t possible but couldn’t state exactly why I couldn’t drop her … just said it couldn’t be done. I wasn’t comfortable with this answer and lack of explanation. If I am unable to drop her, who is responsible for the costs associated with her lifestyle?
Q. I am 53-year-old female who retired on disability from USPS in 2007. My husband still works at USPS, and I am on his Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance. We are divorcing, and I need my health insurance due to my disability. I need to know if I am eligible for insurance through the USPS since I am a former employee under FERS. Any info will be helpful.
Q. When you stop working and start receiving pension benefits I know Federal taxes can be withheld, but I am not sure if Medicare and Social Security are still deducted. Are they?
Q. I was a Miltec for the army and I took a postponed retirement in 2008. Up to that point I had medical coverage under the FEHB program for five years. I have reentered Miltec status and have medical coverage, but will retire before I have five years of medical coverage for this period of service. Will I still have medical coverage after retirement or will I lose it because I didn’t have medical coverage for this period of service for 5 consecutive years?