How to Pick The Best FEHB and Medicare Plan as a Federal Retiree

Full Length FEHB Article with Resources:
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OPM’s FEHB Comparison Tool
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Checkbook’s FEHB Comparison Tool
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You can check out this link to see if your agency already gives you free access to Checkbook:
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HSA and FSA (Tax Savings!)
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Free Copy of My Book: Building Wealth In the TSP: Your Road Map To Financial Freedom as A Federal Employee:
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FREE WEBINAR: "The 7 Biggest FERS Retirement Mistakes":
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I am a practicing financial planner, but I'm not your financial planner. Please consult with your own tax, legal and financial advisors for personalized advice.

[@stevensmith2236]

Please do video on the fehb advantage plans. Pros and cons. Thx

[@markdaniels7724]

I’d love to see a comprehensive video explaining the advantages and pitfalls of the FEHB Medicare advantage plans. The brochures look and sound great but sometimes the devil is in the details. Please consider a video discussing these plans. Thanks!

[@aec062859]

Again, no one like You Sir. You are the best advisor/presenter.

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Much appreciated!

[@cietranan3966]

Blue cross blue shields is high to me in retirement if you are under 62/65. The government covers their share, but your share is still substantial.

[@dotted8-]

Dallen , this was one of your better videos in my opinion. My Medicare window opens next month and have been watching videos, taking classes and reading all about it for the past two years to learn everything about it and you covered it in 10+ minutes. Nice job. Even had someone call me today trying to sell me a supplemental plan and told them, I don’t need it, I have FEHB to work as my supplemental plan (BCBS basic).

[@tioswift3676]

Except that’s not like a supplement plan. It’s completely different.

[@randyscrafts8575]

The system is always complicated. Dallen is a great resource to figure it out. I've recommended this channel to several co-workers.

[@CKWelch-uz8ij]

An important note, I think is this. If a Federal employee (or retiree) also has Tricare AND Medicare Part A & Part B AND they have an FEHB plan, (my understanding is), they should SUSPEND NOT CANCEL their FEHB plan when they no longer want FEHB. Reason is that once they cancel their FEHB plan, they can't get it back. But if they suspend FEHB instead, they do have the option of returning to FEHB in the future if they want to. Thanks for this informative video. Oh, great channel for Federal employes/retirees in my opinion.

[@glenjones3911]

Dallen, In the private sector, people who choose a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan often find it does not work as well after they age and start to have more health issues. When they want to switch back to Original Medicare plus a Medigap Supplement, the Supplement may be very expensive or denied due to age and pre-existing conditions. This major obstacle does not exist for Federal retirees with FEHB who want to turn off the MA option at some point in the future.

[@jrgardmore]

That was a concern of mine. I’m glad you clarified that…with FEHB MA plan, one can switch back!! Thanks

[@user-ko7qj8fp4u]

I sincerely believe this is one of the best, most informative videos I’ve seen on You Tube. Your presentation skills are exceptional, efficient, and effective. Thank you very much.

[@zigsawyisapal-ue1re]

Great info. I will continue to work beyond 65 as a federal employee and my wife would retire from her private sector at 62. Question does she must join Medicare at 65 or she can remain under my FEHB until I retire and enroll in Medicare together?

[@NovaDeb]

Will you do a video for postal workers retirees. The new laws are requiring an entirely new Department to handle their benefits. The nee department will only handle US postal workers benefits including their health benefits. There are a lot more decisions to be made than there was previously, before the end of 2024. The new change is going to affect January 2025.

[@2True007]

Health Insurance is so expensive! Still don’t think it’s fare that we already paid into Medicare yet there is still a premium for Medicare.

[@homesale146]

awesome presentation keep posting us all the updates..

[@Jennyhaw]

Thank you! Would you please provide the information about the new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program?

[@jdtexas2048]

I need to know what is going to be best plan - OPM is making us who are now under FEHB go to PSHB - and take Medicare or not which we don’t have now - saying they will put us in a similar plan to FEHB but don’t have any info on costs or coverage YET - and we have to decide whether to take Medicare or NOT

[@luckypenny4263]

The best video for our retirement future thank you

[@fessit]

Thank for the info. I didn't know that ESA goes away. This was enlightening.

[@joghog]

Good to know that we can just ignore all the offers with which we have been inundated via the mail. I was curious about it. That's a load of research off my mind. Thanks a bunch!

[@ceecee-thetransplantedgardener]

So - this was great for me personally. Truthfully, I have 4 years and some change before I am looking to retire - but haven't gone down the rabbit hole just yet on Medicare. (Truthfully, have been kind of avoiding it - don't judge. 🙃). This is so helpful. Thank you!

[@wanderjahren]

Retirees' FEHB premiums are deductible on Schedule A, subject to the same limitations as other medical expenses. Unfortunately, this means there won't be a tax benefit for most people. But the premiums are deductible.

[@stacyjohnson7395]

Thank you!! 😊

[@SuperB719]

This was great. I am eligible in a year and looking for information. Thx

[@delpurslow1180]

Another great video, thank you for all the retirement information. I was wondering since we are a TRICARE family, after we start Medicare, does TRICARE become the second payer?

[@markmorris2517]

Dallen, when you retire and are on Medicare you can no longer contribute to an HSA but you can still use your leftover HSA (saved from previous years but not used yet) to pay for Medicare premiums and other qualified medical expenses, right?

[@jacquelinebouvier3920]

Thank you!

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Thank you for your commenting and support!

[@michaelvadney5803]

Thank you VERY much Dallen. Nice video! I'm a retired Fed and my wife is 10 years behind me in the private sector. How does that work with me being on Medicare and FEHB? Thanks!

[@mikebradt4004]

Great video. I am turning 65 next year and was wondering if I needed part D or not. No expensive meds for me. So just A and B as well as Blue Cross Basic. Love your videos keep up the great work! Thanks

[@DeniseW618]

Blue Cross now has a part D drug plan. I’m going to a NARFE webinar about it next week. My understanding is you’ll automatically be enrolled in it at 65 unless you opt out. My GUESS is that it is no extra cost, but I don’t know what is included and what is not. I

[@clarkindee]

That was my plan too but I'm looking at Aetna Direct instead of BCBS Basic. They provide a larger Pt B reimbursement and their premium is cheaper. Look to cover most of everything BCBS Basic does, so......why not?

[@richardlindsay8256]

I thought this was a very good presentation. I am still 3 years away from Medicare and I think the focus of your presentation is more near term even though you do encourage folks to plan for the future. I think you should be highlighting the upcoming Postal Service exceptions in the same way you highlight the Tricare exceptions.

[@andrews1368]

Will the new Postal Employee Health Benefit (PEHB) plan operate the same way? At 65 employees under that plan have to buy into Medicare Part B.

[@jojowhite9296]

First, I'm a retire USPS employee. Being a USPS employee, I was automatically enrolled in Medicare and if I chose not to enroll, I had a form that I needed to fill out and I think I even needed to have the form notarized. I have the N.A.L.C. FEHB (CIGNA). My wife is not 65 and so, I have to keep that plan for her. The N.A.L.C. has a deal where if I have their High Plan, my wife keeps our present insurance, but I switch over the Aetna and get $75/mo. to apply towards the Part B premium. It also gives me a dental plan, eye care plan and free gym membership through the Silver Sneakers program. I don't turn 65 until March, so this plan will nit kick in until March 1st of 2024.

[@jimhuff1292]

If you have Tricare it covers parts C and D.

[@normawoodard8753]

18:00 thank you very much. Great info. Could you add veterans benefits to next update on this? Specifically those rated 100%. Thanks.

[@christopherthompson8084]

Does Medicare work differently for Postal Service employees?

[@DesignBuildFixReview]

As a federal employee with FEHB and I join medicare A at 65 and still working does medicare A become primary or does that only happen whe medicare B is taken?

[@heymoe1179]

"lets dive right in"..."long story short"...anyway, thanks for the valuable info on Fed health benes and Medicare...and how they relate to each other.

[@TomTerrific]

Do the FEHB Advantage Plans have the same disadvantages that other Advantage Plans have? They might not allow a specific procedure even though Medicare approves it, you have to go to a specific doctor or hospital rather than a Medicare doctor - etc.

[@DesignBuildFixReview]

I was thinking the same, I am really worried about these advantage plans FEHB is coming up with. I feel like it will wash Away the benefits of a true FEHB with A and B and save us pennies. I can see us losing advantage some might say. I bet FEHB forces you into those advantage plans by making the others so expensive. The FEHB is the only reason I don't quit right now.

[@elainenilsson5472]

A might be free but what are the deductibles?

[@RB-tm7ox]

Please do a video on retired LEO, FERS, collecting SSDI and not yet 62. Is there a penalty for declining Medicare Part B… until full retirement age? When does SSDI switch to regular retirement?

[@maryfrazier8827]

How about if ur spouse die and he retired from the government she has Blue cross and blue shield does she have to enroll to Medicare and pay more money or she doesn't have to

[@bigblue3568]

How long has say BlueCross Basic offer their $800 something benefit to pay towards Medicare Part B? And IF they stopped can you cancel Medicare Part B?

[@andreawales1938]

Two exceptions on “jumping on Medicare while working”: Even if you don’t have an HSA, you shouldn’t go on Medicare while still working if you are on or are considering certain medications to treat a condition. Medicare often has a direct say on what meds you take. If you are still working and not on Medicare, consider how Medicare will affect your medication-selection process.

[@DesignBuildFixReview]

If one chooses FEHB advantage having A and B in retirement, can you switch out of FEHB advantage to FEHB full cover at any time? Or are you stuck in FEHB advantage forever?

[@jimmyowens954]

I called OPM abs asked that question. I was told I can change back during open season.

[@symboan8]

My Blue Cross standard plan gives me the flexibility to see Doctors without referrals., Would I have the same flexibility on Medicare and blue cross basic? In my opinion, I’d rather pay higher premiums and have the flexibility to choose my Doctors and get 2nd opinions if needed..

[@nelliebolusan4332]

I am on FERS and still working . I did not get medicare B when I turned 65. Am I penalized for not getting Medicare B at 65.

[@alanlajoie7307]

Quick ? My wife retired as CSRS she is currenly 67 and I retired as a FERS employee Currently 63 I am under her FEHP plan Self Plus 1 When I sign up for Medicare A how does FEHP know that it is only me (FERS) Also how and where does my wife (CSRS) sign up for Medicare A and again how is FEHP know she has Medicare A but still will continue with our FEHP Thanks

[@INJURYCOMP]

For Medicare Part B When you say "still working" does that mean your Federal Position only? If one Retires from their Federal Job and then continues to a private employer that is paying into Social Security, does the window for enrolling Medicare B (without a penalty) "close" upon Retirement from the Federal Job or can one wait until they stop working their private employer job?

[@DeniseW618]

If the job you move to has heath insurance and you are covered under that health insurance when you turn 65, you don’t have to get Medicare at 65. There is also some rule about the size of the company or policy also, so you’ll need to get processional advice. If you are covered under FERS and get a job with another company that you’re not insured under, then you have to get Medicare at 65 or pay the 10% penalty for each year you are not covered by medicare. But, as I said, get professional advice.

[@INJURYCOMP]

@@DeniseW618 Thank you! I wondered about that and your answer makes perfectly good sense.

[@SibongileBNLynch]

You forgot to mention that you have to have the same provider for the last 5 years of employment to carry it over after retirement. Can you change providers during open enrollment once you have retired?

[@DeniseW618]

You don’t have to have the same provider. You just have to have an FEHB plan.

[@user-ic1ey5nl7u]

I am a retired postal worker and retired military who is married and will turn 65 next year. Neither have any major medical issues. Is it necessary to have an active Fehb plan if tricare for life kicks in at 65. Tricare is free but requires us to enroll in part b of Medicare. Now what?

[@foxmaiman]

FEP Blue Focus best option with Medicare A&B?

[@FBone-pj7ov]

How come?

[@libbysherrill713]

I have a question about the FEHB Advantage Plan. If you go with an FEHB Advantage Plan instead of Medicare A and B, how hard is it to go back to Medicare A and B. I heard that was very hard to do.

[@juanabauza3732]

Going by what he said, you select the FEHB Advantage Plan on top of Medicare A and B.

[@user-qw8cg6ud6c]

What if only my spouse is turning 65? Should I sign up for Medicare A and B both for him?

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Great question! There's a lot of factors that can affect what the best decision for you is. If you would like a personal appointment with us to talk about your federal retirement, here is the link: hawsfederaladvisors.com/work-with-us/

[@davidmonroe865]

Hello im a retired fed employee , (i still work in the private sector ) i have me and my spouse on blue cross basic , this year I have to take medicare does that affect her on blue cross ? she wount be 65 for 2 yrs ,do i stay on blue cross and have medicare i need to find out how this is going to go and what to do .thx

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Great questions. We would love to sit down with you (virtually) and talk about all the factors that come into play when considering what decision to make. Here's the link: hawsfederaladvisors.com/work-with-us/

[@joyfulone1]

If a federal retiree becomes an expat should they not enroll in part B so that they can have health care insurance around the globe? Or if they do enroll in part B should they also purchase FEHB coverage so that after Medicare denies a foreign healthcare claim the secondary insurance will pay the claim?

[@nunyabidness-y2r]

Yes, answer this one!

[@johnkeith1964]

Kaiser’s Medicare advantage provides worldwide coverage for emergency and urgent care if you are fortunate to be in a Kaiser coverage area. Plus they reimburse for part B. You just need to cover routine, such as office visits.

[@rickpress6642]

As long as the spouse that is turning 65 is covered under another healthcare plan their Medicare can be delayed without penalty, and save those premiums until the younger spouse has to file?

[@joghog]

The spouse needs to sign-up for Part A as soon as he/she turns age 65 because it doesn't cost anything. If he/she is still WORKING & doesn't want to buy Part B until retirement, then there won't be the 10% per year penalty...if still working. I don't think the younger spouses' age or working status has anything to do with it. That's how I understand it. (My husband & I have the same situation.)

[@rickpress6642]

For each 12-month period you delay enrollment in Medicare Part B, you will have to pay a 10% Part B premium penalty, unless you have insurance based on your or your spouse’s current work (job-based insurance) or are eligible for a Medicare Savings Program (MSP).

[@joghog]

​@@rickpress6642My husband is over 65; I'm under 65; both of us are still working (me with FEHB insurance for both of us). My husband didn't purchase Part B because he doesn't get a 10% penalty since he is still working. If he were to retire, I think he could start to incur the penalty should he delay Part B whether or not I'm still working. By choice, we will have FEHB insurance until we die. We will never have just Medicare coverage.

[@mehmetramazanoglu4173]

Thanks!

[@mehmetramazanoglu4173]

When you say Advantage plan do you mean Aetna Advantage plan?

[@franciscotorres-dw5iz]

Best Fehb plan for Medicare retires is Aetna Direct, they have an pard D plan added that is the best from all the the others. Original Medicare is the best along with Aetna Direct.

[@MikeyV-xz1lf]

You said 'Aetna Direct, they have an part D plan added'. Do you mean it's extra or included? BC Basic part D is included (I believe).

[@franciscotorres-dw5iz]

Included, Aetna Medicare scripts has benn included for 2024 it’s a Medicare part D plan at no cost

[@user-xl2gv3eu7q]

Are the FEHB Medicare Advantage plans always a good deal? They seem advantageous, but I keep looking for the catch. What don’t they cover that Medicare plus GEHA, for example, covers?

[@DeniseW618]

You have to use their provide 18:00 rs just like HMOs. You have to get precertified by the insurance company to see anyone but your primary care doctors. That’s typical with HMOs. 18:00 They are usually region specific, though I don’t know about the FEHB Advantage plans. I’ve never looked into FEHB HMOs because I’ve always had problems with them prior to govt service. So I’m biased. Lots of people live them. And finally, many doctors and hospitals are no longer taking people on Advantage plans because the insurance keep denying coverage. It’s been on the news. I have no idea if FEHB Advantage plans are the same. By the way, I’m just someone whose done a lot of research, sat through webinars and watched KZbin videos to bone up on this. So you probably should verify with professionals. But this should at least be food for thought.

[@oceancon]

@@DeniseW618I'm not sure that's the way it would work with GEHA advantage as while they offer better participating provider benefits you can see any doctor, facility etc. That's what I believe after reading their website but I'm not sure about going that way at this point (will be 65 next March)

[@jrgardmore]

My FEHB advantage plan does not work like HMO. It is a PPO and I don’t need pre certifications. I have no co-pays when I visit doctors, urgent care and my one RX med. The ability to switch back to a supplemental medi gap plan in the future under FEHB advantage plan seals the deal for me. Oh yes, I get free gym membership too, a real help with staying healthy, which is my goal.

[@tonyg3772]

Ive read dozens of opm and professional advisor articles on fehb/medicare when you reach age 65. My conclusion, medicare b is not necessary. Dont forget, even with a fehb plan that reimburses you for the partial amount of medicare b premium, at a minimum, you will be paying $1100 more in premiums each year if you take medicare b. That amount will cover alot of copays/coinsurance with just your fehb plan. My policy has a $5000 catastrophic max, and Im ok with that.