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

[@stevensmith2236]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@JohnSutton-r7n]

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.

[@randyscrafts8575]

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

[@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?

[@c.christman9649]

Lots of great info for those looking towards or are new to Federal Retirement. You mentioned your video applied to Only one type of retirement plan- FERS. Your info also applies to the original CSRS, which was the option until 1982 FEHB legislation.

[@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!

[@Psuedo-Nim]

Every friend I have who is a doctor posts on their personal social media page how they hate Medicare advantage plans and how hard it becomes to help their clients who have these terrible plans.

[@aec062859]

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

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Much appreciated!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@luckypenny4263]

The best video for our retirement future thank you

[@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?

[@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?

[@carmenanico2786]

Would like more honest info regarding FEHB advantage plan. Pro's and cons. Especially if it's cost effective. Thanks

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@fessit]

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

[@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.

[@jimhuff1292]

If you have Tricare it covers parts C and D.

[@homesale146]

awesome presentation keep posting us all the updates..

[@christopherthompson8084]

Does Medicare work differently for Postal Service employees?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@normawoodard8753]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@SuperB719]

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

[@carmenanico2786]

Other than blue cross what others are cheaper and medicare friendly. How will FEHB advantage plans work? Will we loose Medicare original A and B with those kind of plans.

[@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.

[@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.

[@MarkReynolds-s8z]

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?

[@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..

[@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

[@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.

[@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?

[@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?

[@lindahammond7759]

A is primary for hospital. Your plan through employer is primary for outpatient and doctors PLUS hospitals deductibles on hospital which Medicare A will not pay. When you retire, B become primary. I add the plan by my employer so I don’t have any bills but RX.

[@lindahammond7759]

I retired from USPS age 70 . Got A at age65. Got B at 70 when I retired Working - your employees health insurance is primary but not at hospital. Medicare A is for hospital. When you get B, it will become PRIMARY. If you want your employer insurance or other. They become secondary.

[@DesignBuildFixReview]

@@lindahammond7759 Thanks for info, so no reason to not take Part A at 65 and working it. Here is an odd question are you getting the kickback money [Reimbursement] back from the fehb insurer for having A and B as well? I am looking into that. It is like $800-$2000 back per year per person if you have all three with different insurers. However a few of them appear to be medicare advantage type programs and I want nothing to do with those. If they want to reimburse me and it makes me medicare advantage I would never do that.

[@SabrinaKurucz]

A question I can not seem to find the answer to: My situation is retired postal worker at age 62 and non-federal spouse is 67 on Medicare A/B What would be the best approach for a hybrid coverage cost wise? From what I have researched you can not suspend FEHB/PSHB for non federal spouse to sign up for Medicare C Plan , Could I opt for Self Only and spouse opt a Medicare C Plan and return to PSHB plan next open season Self plus One, the risk I see is if upon death under self only the spouse would loose PSHB before you could change back to Self plus One. Does this make sense or should you just have a BCBS Basic Self plus one and spouse keep Medicare A/B, or with the new PSHB Medicare Adv plans one be on self BCBS and spouse on PSHB Medicare ADV self only ?

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Great question. Feel free to schedule a meeting with us to get a personalized answer here: app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/whatservicemakessense

[@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

[@Psuedo-Nim]

I'm looking at the cost-in todays dollars, even with Blue Cross Basic defray costs, and I think I'm changing my mind. That's 2500 plus a year more for Medicare. Pocketing that difference in my retirement savings sounds way more attractive. BCBS cover a lot, and with a 15k maximum yearly cost, saving and investing that amount will get more more than 15k in 7 years, even with 1000 dollars of copays and fees per year for us both. Over insuring doesn't seem worth the cost.

[@elainenilsson5472]

A might be free but what are the deductibles?

[@jacquelinebouvier3920]

Thank you!

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Thank you for your commenting and support!

[@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.

[@stacyjohnson7395]

Thank you!! 😊

[@mehmetramazanoglu4173]

Thanks!

[@mehmetramazanoglu4173]

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

[@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.

[@ParulPatel-w4l]

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/

[@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.

[@lindahammond7759]

No you are fine. I kept working to 70. I got A at 65. U have to talk to a knowledgeable SS clerk. You will not be penalized. You will have 6 or 8 months to take B after retiring without any penalty. You have to submit proof that you were working and your employer insurance is primary for outpatient. When you retire, your health insurance throuh your employer’s becomes secondary. Then Medicare part B becomes primary. I retired from USPS AT 70. While still working. I kept my federal insurance which was Basic BCBS AND It was primary except my Medicare A was primary at hospital. I did take Medicare A at 65 and I had surgery at age 69, Medicare A paid hospital and my BCBS paid the deductible on the hospital bill. I had to pay the surgeon and anesthesiologist $200, each out of my pocket after BCBS. Then at 71 I had surgery and Medicare A&B along with the BCBS I carried after retiring PAID all bills. I paid nothings except drugs after surgery discharge to take home I applied with Social Security and file for get Medicare B 3 months before I retired so I was covered the day I retired.

[@lindahammond7759]

When you go to doctors while still working tell them 0:34 that your employer health insurance is primary. When you retired and get B, then tell them now B is primary. Some know the rule but some don’t know. They must refile your bill. Don’t let a SS clerk tell you can’t get B on retirement, just ask for their supervisor. This happened to me.

[@lindahammond7759]

You will not be penalized. Talk to,SS supervisors if necessary to get your B without penalty

[@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

[@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/

[@foxmaiman]

FEP Blue Focus best option with Medicare A&B?

[@FBone-pj7ov]

How come?

[@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.

[@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.

[@StephenKelly-i6k]

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.

[@gomerspileH3]

Yikes! Why on earth are you even discussing advantage plans? They're not a good deal if you consider how they decline, decline, decline treatments and medications should, God forbid, you actually get really sick with something that's not common. Sure, hip replacements, strokes, heart attacks will likely be fine. Rarer cancers? Unlikely to have good coverage. Basically, if you need a doctor with subspecialties, they're not going to be in-network and then you are screwed.