Q. I am a 55-year-old USPS employee covered under the American Postal Workers Union health plan. If I take early retirement and work for a private-sector company, can I still carry my FEHB, or must I take any health plan offered by my new employer?
A. As long as you have been continuously enrolled in the FEHB progam for five years (or from your first opportunity to enroll) you can continue that coverage after you retire. I have no idea whether your new employer will require you to enroll in its health plan. If it does, that coverage will be primary and your FEHB coverage secondary.