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[TSPStrategy] Health Insurance Options for Veterans

[TSPStrategy] Health Insurance Options for Veterans

Health Insurance Options for Veterans

There are lots of choices, especially for those who have joined the civilian federal workforce.

As we continue to celebrate National Veterans and Military Families Month, I remember a quote by President Obama: "It's about how we treat our veterans every single day of the year. It's about making sure they have the care they need and the benefits that they've earned when they come home."

According to a 2021 Interagency Veterans Advisory Council report, about 500,000 military service veterans currently work as civilian federal employees across government. Retired service members who are currently employed or retired from federal civilian employment get a special set of health benefits. 

Retired military members are typically eligible for TRICARE health insurance. Other former service members are generally not, with one notable exception: Medal of Honor recipients and their families. Benefits for the reserve component are somewhat harder to navigate because eligibility rules and plan options are based on the military member's service status, which can change multiple times throughout their career. 

There are two main types of TRICARE beneficiaries: sponsors (active duty, retired, and Guard and Reserve members) and family members (spouses and children registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System). Unmarried biological children, adopted children and stepchildren are eligible for TRICARE until age 21 (or 23 if in college). TRICARE covers almost 10 million current and former military members and their dependents. 

According to the Military Benefit Association, there are the following types of TRICARE benefits available to retired service members and their families:

These plans offer generous coverage for medical care and prescriptions with relatively low out-of-pocket costs. TRICARE has health maintenance organization and preferred provider options. Health benefits advisers are available to provide information about the plans to authorized personnel and beneficiaries. 

TRICARE and FEHB 

The option of using TRICARE, the Federal Employees Health Benefits program or both is available to federal employees who are TRICARE-eligible. If you're covered by both TRICARE and FEHB, the FEHB plan will pay first and TRICARE will be the secondary payer. If you are employed and also enrolled in Medicare, then the primary payer will be FEHB with Medicare as secondary payer. TRICARE pays last.

If you're enrolled in an FEHB plan on the date of your retirement from federal civilian employment, you can continue FEHB coverage into retirement. Once retired, you can suspend your FEHB coverage, but can cancel the suspension during any future open season period. See information below regarding suspending FEHB coverage in retirement. TRICARE coverage qualifies under the five-year test to continue FEHB coverage in retirement as long as you're enrolled in an FEHB plan on the date of retirement. 

TRICARE for Life and Medicare

TRICARE For Life is Medicare-wraparound coverage if you're TRICARE-eligible and have Medicare Part A and B. You can get health care services from Medicare-participating and non-participating providers, as well as from providers who have opted out of Medicare. 

As the primary payer, Medicare approves health care services for payment. If Medicare does not pay because it determines that the care is not medically necessary, TFL also does not pay. You can appeal Medicare's decision and if Medicare reconsiders and provides coverage, TFL also reconsiders coverage. If a health care service is covered by both Medicare and TFL, but Medicare won't pay because you have used up your Medicare benefit, TFL becomes the primary payer. In this case, you're responsible for your TFL deductible and cost shares.

If TFL is the primary payer, you must visit TRICARE-authorized providers and facilities. You'll have significant out-of-pocket expenses when you get care from opt-out providers. Veterans Affairs providers can't bill Medicare and Medicare can't pay for services received from VA. If you're eligible for both TFL and VA benefits, you'll have significant out-of-pocket expenses when seeing a VA provider for health care not related to a service-connected injury or illness. To learn more about TFL benefits and coordination with Medicare, see the TFL Handbook

Federal employees who reach age 65 before retirement can use one of the FEHB plans and wait to enroll in TFL and Medicare Part B at retirement using the Special Enrollment Period for Part B. If you choose to delay enrollment in Part B and rely solely on your employer-sponsored coverage, sign up for Part B before you retire or during your Special Enrollment Period. Your TFL coverage begins on the first day you have both Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. 

Other Health Insurance

If you have any health insurance other than TRICARE, it is called "other health insurance" or OHI. This can be Medicare or an employer-sponsored health insurance such as FEHB. By law, TRICARE pays after all other health insurance, other than a few exceptions such as Medicaid or TRICARE supplements. This means your OHI processes your claim first. Then, you or your doctor files your claim with TRICARE.

FEHB Open Season

This year's FEHB open season runs from Nov. 14 to Dec. 12. If you're enrolled in FEHB, whether you're actively employed or retired, take advantage of this annual event to reevaluate your health care coverage to be sure you're in a plan that is both cost-effective and comprehensive. OPM reminds everyone that unexpected accidents and illnesses can be expensive. Even routine doctor visits and prescriptions can add up.

Thank you to all the veterans who have served our nation—and in some cases continue to serve as civilian federal employees. Do yourself and your family a favor by learning about your insurance benefits so you can continue to protect yourself and your loved ones.

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[TSPStrategy] Retiring - When to stop TSP allotment

[TSPStrategy] Retiring - When to stop TSP allotment

I am retiring 12/31/2022
Do I need to worry about zeroing out my TSP allotment or will it just happen automatically?
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Re: [TSPStrategy] 2023 TSP Allotment to make change

Re: [TSPStrategy] 2023 TSP Allotment to make change

Thanks for the Info - I knew it was around somewhere.

So make TSP changes during PP Dec 4-17 for effective 2023 PP1
To Max out with Catch-up Contributions it's a total of $30K or $1,154 per PP
To Max out Regular Contributions it's a total of $22.5K or $865 per PP

Thanks All,

Tim
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Re: [TSPStrategy] 2023 TSP Allotment to make change

Re: [TSPStrategy] 2023 TSP Allotment to make change

For 2023, limits have increased to $22,500 for annual elective deferral, and $7,500 for the catch-up contributions limit.
The limit on annual contributions to an IRA increased to $6,500. The IRA catch‑up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and over remains $1,000.
Thanks,
Jason

On Tue, Nov 15, 2022 at 1:30 PM Liechty, John M (FAA) via groups.io <john.m.liechty=faa.gov@groups.io> wrote:
  • December 4 – 17, 2022 (PP26) – Make your 2023 Thrift Savings Plan election/changes in EEX
  • The TSP limits for 2022 are $20,500 for regular and $6,500 for catch-up contributions. Roth IRA contributions are capped at $6,500 in 2023.
  • You should adjust your TSP contribution during pay period 26 (Dec. 4-17, 2022) if you want to contribute up to the limit to ensure you receive the maximum agency matching contribution. Your election will be effective in pay period 1, and be reflected on the January 10, 2023 paycheck.
  • TSP moved to the "Spill Over" method for catch-up contributions in 2021. This means there is no longer a separate election specifically for catch-up contributions. For those 50 and over who want to contribute both regular and catch-up contributions, you will make one combined election.

 

 

Regards,

 

John

 

From: TSPStrategy@groups.io <TSPStrategy@groups.io> On Behalf Of Tim via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2022 3:21 PM
To: TSPStrategy@groups.io
Subject: [TSPStrategy] 2023 TSP Allotment to make change

 

Does anyone know what PP this year to initiate the change for TSP on First Pay Period of 2023.  
I also think the Limits have gone up for both regular and Catch-Up - would anyone know off hand what the total is.
Thanks



--
Scholar. Warrior. Fool.
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Re: [TSPStrategy] 2023 TSP Allotment to make change

Re: [TSPStrategy] 2023 TSP Allotment to make change

  • December 4 – 17, 2022 (PP26) – Make your 2023 Thrift Savings Plan election/changes in EEX
  • The TSP limits for 2022 are $20,500 for regular and $6,500 for catch-up contributions. Roth IRA contributions are capped at $6,500 in 2023.
  • You should adjust your TSP contribution during pay period 26 (Dec. 4-17, 2022) if you want to contribute up to the limit to ensure you receive the maximum agency matching contribution. Your election will be effective in pay period 1, and be reflected on the January 10, 2023 paycheck.
  • TSP moved to the "Spill Over" method for catch-up contributions in 2021. This means there is no longer a separate election specifically for catch-up contributions. For those 50 and over who want to contribute both regular and catch-up contributions, you will make one combined election.

 

 

Regards,

 

John

 

From: TSPStrategy@groups.io <TSPStrategy@groups.io> On Behalf Of Tim via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2022 3:21 PM
To: TSPStrategy@groups.io
Subject: [TSPStrategy] 2023 TSP Allotment to make change

 

Does anyone know what PP this year to initiate the change for TSP on First Pay Period of 2023.  
I also think the Limits have gone up for both regular and Catch-Up - would anyone know off hand what the total is.
Thanks

[TSPStrategy] 2023 TSP Allotment to make change

[TSPStrategy] 2023 TSP Allotment to make change

Does anyone know what PP this year to initiate the change for TSP on First Pay Period of 2023.  
I also think the Limits have gone up for both regular and Catch-Up - would anyone know off hand what the total is.
Thanks
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Re: [TSPStrategy] Off Topic . . . Looking for info on keeping FE health insurance vs going onto Medicare

Re: [TSPStrategy] Off Topic . . . Looking for info on keeping FE health insurance vs going onto Medicare

With MHBP Consumer Option, $200 of my monthly premium goes into an account that can be used to pay all of Medicare Part B and other medical expenses.  Give MHBP a call to explain how the plan works with Medicare.

-------- Original message --------
From: dls1958@gmail.com
Date: 11/15/22 2:53 AM (GMT+08:00)
To: TSPStrategy@groups.io
Subject: [TSPStrategy] Off Topic . . . Looking for info on keeping FE health insurance vs going onto Medicare

Greetings and apologies, I know this is off topic. I am turning 65 next year and am hoping some folks can provide info regarding the pros and cons of keeping federal employee health insurance vs. going onto Medicare. I am single so possible insurance through a spouse is not a factor. Thanks.
Re: [TSPStrategy] Off Topic . . . Looking for info on keeping FE health insurance vs going onto Medicare

Re: [TSPStrategy] Off Topic . . . Looking for info on keeping FE health insurance vs going onto Medicare

The thing that made me stay with FEHB and Medicare (my husband is getting Medicare now, me in 2 years) was the ability to choose.  I've heard it's not always so easy to go from one supplement or advantage plan to another to cover that 20% extra.  We can do it pretty easily each year if we're unhappy.




On Nov 14, 2022, at 11:36 AM, barry6591 <barry6591@gmail.com> wrote:


Check out Tammy Flanagan's articles on the web. I actually paid them to help me with the analysis. It involves calculating premiums vs total out of pocket. There are break even points depending on what you anticipate needing. Also depends on which providers you have and if they take Medicare. Some plans (bcbs basic) offer incentive if you have Medicare b and that plan.

The Medicare B cost is about $160 per month or much more, depending on salary. 

We have somewhat great options compared to many others but the complexity is a uniquely US monstrosity. (Yes, editorial comment is necessary!)

On Mon, Nov 14, 2022, 2:27 PM Bill Steele Sr. via groups.io <bill_steele_sr=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:
Hi,

I'll retire soon from The Fed Gov too, and I've asked the same question numerous times- seeking many answers to be sure I make the right decision. The consensuses is anyone lucky enough to be able to bring private insurance into retirement- with their employer still paying a large chunk, should hang onto it with both hands. Medicare Part A is free. Part B is about $180 per month and doesn't cover drugs or much else. If you want to get the same coverage offered by your federal insurance (BC/BS?) you have to get a private plan that groups together all of the other Medicare Parts to include drugs, etc. That per-month premium equals or exceeds your share of what you'll pay for your Federal insurance... and your federal insurance, if you have a good plan is 100 times better than anything offered by Medicare. Others are more knowledgeable than I am but I think that I've given you the important general facts.

Re: [TSPStrategy] Off Topic . . . Looking for info on keeping FE health insurance vs going onto Medicare

Re: [TSPStrategy] Off Topic . . . Looking for info on keeping FE health insurance vs going onto Medicare

Check out Tammy Flanagan's articles on the web. I actually paid them to help me with the analysis. It involves calculating premiums vs total out of pocket. There are break even points depending on what you anticipate needing. Also depends on which providers you have and if they take Medicare. Some plans (bcbs basic) offer incentive if you have Medicare b and that plan.

The Medicare B cost is about $160 per month or much more, depending on salary. 

We have somewhat great options compared to many others but the complexity is a uniquely US monstrosity. (Yes, editorial comment is necessary!)

On Mon, Nov 14, 2022, 2:27 PM Bill Steele Sr. via groups.io <bill_steele_sr=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:
Hi,

I'll retire soon from The Fed Gov too, and I've asked the same question numerous times- seeking many answers to be sure I make the right decision. The consensuses is anyone lucky enough to be able to bring private insurance into retirement- with their employer still paying a large chunk, should hang onto it with both hands. Medicare Part A is free. Part B is about $180 per month and doesn't cover drugs or much else. If you want to get the same coverage offered by your federal insurance (BC/BS?) you have to get a private plan that groups together all of the other Medicare Parts to include drugs, etc. That per-month premium equals or exceeds your share of what you'll pay for your Federal insurance... and your federal insurance, if you have a good plan is 100 times better than anything offered by Medicare. Others are more knowledgeable than I am but I think that I've given you the important general facts.

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Re: [TSPStrategy] Off Topic . . . Looking for info on keeping FE health insurance vs going onto Medicare

Re: [TSPStrategy] Off Topic . . . Looking for info on keeping FE health insurance vs going onto Medicare

Hi,

I'll retire soon from The Fed Gov too, and I've asked the same question numerous times- seeking many answers to be sure I make the right decision. The consensuses is anyone lucky enough to be able to bring private insurance into retirement- with their employer still paying a large chunk, should hang onto it with both hands. Medicare Part A is free. Part B is about $180 per month and doesn't cover drugs or much else. If you want to get the same coverage offered by your federal insurance (BC/BS?) you have to get a private plan that groups together all of the other Medicare Parts to include drugs, etc. That per-month premium equals or exceeds your share of what you'll pay for your Federal insurance... and your federal insurance, if you have a good plan is 100 times better than anything offered by Medicare. Others are more knowledgeable than I am but I think that I've given you the important general facts.
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[TSPStrategy] Off Topic . . . Looking for info on keeping FE health insurance vs going onto Medicare

[TSPStrategy] Off Topic . . . Looking for info on keeping FE health insurance vs going onto Medicare

Greetings and apologies, I know this is off topic. I am turning 65 next year and am hoping some folks can provide info regarding the pros and cons of keeping federal employee health insurance vs. going onto Medicare. I am single so possible insurance through a spouse is not a factor. Thanks.
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[TSPStrategy] An Open Season Checklist for Federal Employees

[TSPStrategy] An Open Season Checklist for Federal Employees

An Open Season Checklist for Federal Employees

With the largest premium increase in the last 10 years, federal employees should consider whether their existing health insurance plan is still the best fit.

It's open season for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, and participants have until December 12 to choose a health plan for 2023. The employee share of premiums will increase an average of 8.7% next year, the biggest jump in 10 years, which makes this year better than most for employees to consider switching FEHB plans.

Even if you don't want to make a switch, you should confirm your plan is still best for your family's needs. This Open Season checklist will guide you through the process.

Big Premium Increases

On average, the enrollee share of premiums will increase 8.7% in 2023, but this doesn't apply to every plan. Next year, premiums will decrease in 56 plans, stay the same in nine plans, increase below the average in 119 plans, and increase at or above the average in 78 plans.

Here are a few examples that show how widely the premium changes can vary: A Nevada plan's premium is decreasing 36.5%, a plan in New Mexico is raising premiums 49.5%, and a plan in Illinois is raising premiums 34.2%, which will cost self-only enrollees an extra $6,510 for the year.

It's important to see how your FEHB plan's premium changed. Even if you're satisfied with your existing coverage, there might be a better bargain available. While we don't recommend selecting an FEHB plan based on premium alone, it's a for-sure expense that should factor into your decision.

Shopping for a New Plan

Total cost is a better approach when selecting a new plan. It's the combination of for-sure expenses (premiums) and likely out-of-pocket costs you'll face based your family's age, size, and expected health care usage.

Checkbook's Guide to Health Plans ranks plan options based on total cost estimates, and there are big differences in 2023. For the sample six FEHB Washington, D.C.-area plans below, a family of four could save $4,280 in estimated total costs by switching from BCBS Standard to Kaiser Standard. If the same family didn't want to switch to an HMO, they could keep PPO coverage and save $3,760 by switching from BCBS Standard to GEHA Elevate.

Depending on your current plan, where you live, and your eligibility to join restricted plans, the amount you could save will vary. But if you haven't looked in a few years, take time to see if there's an option that can offer you better value than your existing plan. Most federal employees can save a thousand dollars or more switching to a lower cost plan.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Only 20% of federal employees participate in a program that guarantees savings on out-of-pocket health care expenses. Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) allow employees to contribute as little as $100 per year and as much as $3,050 a year in 2023. The money you set aside is taken from your paycheck pre-tax in equal installments throughout the year. By avoiding payroll taxes on FSA contributions, you see a savings of about 30% for qualified health care expenses.

There are many FSA-eligible health care expenses you might not be aware of. The CARES Act passed during the COVID-19 pandemic brought back over-the-counter items such as allergy and pain relief medications as qualified expenses. Previously, such items needed a prescription from a doctor to be FSA eligible.

Everyone has some predictable health care expenses in the upcoming year like dental and vision care, known prescription drug medications, and doctor co-pays. Keep in mind that your budget doesn't have to be perfect. Up to $610 in unused funds in a given plan year will roll over to the next plan year if you stay enrolled in the FSA program.

This a no-brainer way to save money next year on health care expenses.

Plan Benefit Changes

The FEHB plan you had in 2022 might not be the same in 2023. The best place to look for changes is in Section II of the official FEHB plan brochure under "How Your Plan Will Change in 2023."

You might find that your plan, or a plan you're considering, is adding new benefits. For example, all Aetna plans added acupuncture coverage in 2023. A handful of plans added infertility coverage for assisted reproductive technologies, including the Indiana University Health Plan with a $20,000 per year infertility benefit, UPMC Standard with a $25,000 lifetime infertility benefit, and Foreign Service with a $5,000 per year infertility benefit.

You'll also find some benefits will cost more. For example, the out-of-network catastrophic limit in the United HDHP plan is almost doubling next year from $6,850 per year for self only coverage to $12,000 per year.

Make sure you check your plan's brochure and any plan you're considering so you don't experience any unwelcome surprises in 2023.

Provider Directory and Formulary Updates

It's possible for a doctor to leave a plan network at any time during the year. Likewise, a prescription drug could be removed from a plan formulary at any time. We recommend checking to make sure your current doctor(s) are still planning to participate next year. You'll always pay less by staying in-network, and some FEHB plans don't provide out-of-network coverage.

Most FEHB plans maintain updated online provider directories and prescription drug formulary lookups. Check the plan website or call your existing doctor(s) to confirm plan participation in 2023.

Dental and Vision Care

Standalone Federal Employee Dental and Vision Insurance Program plan premiums will mostly stay unchanged in 2023, with dental plan premiums increasing an average of 0.21%, and vision plan premiums decreasing an average of 0.41%. And new for 2023, there are no longer any orthodontic waiting periods with any of the FEDVIP dental plans.

Before considering joining a FEDVIP plan, consider how much dental care you'll need in the upcoming year and what dental coverage your FEHB plan might provide. Enrolling in a FEDVIP plan becomes a wise financial decision when you anticipate average to high dental care costs next year. If you anticipate fewer expenses, there are several FEHB plans that offer free or low-cost preventative care either as an official FEHB benefit or as part of an unofficial benefit. These unofficial dental savings programs, if available, can be found in in the non-FEHB benefit section of the official FEHB plan brochure.

Keep in mind that dental coverage provided by a FEDVIP plan or FEHB plan will have provider restrictions. Before joining any plan, make sure you check that your current dentist will be in-network.

The Final Word

Less than 2.5% of federal employees change their health plan during Open Season. With the largest premium increase in the last 10 years, more federal employees should consider whether their existing FEHB plan is still the best fit.

Even if you aren't considering switching plans, you should check key details like benefits, provider network, and prescription drug coverage to confirm your existing plan hasn't materially changed in 2023.

Finally, take advantage of easy ways to save money. All federal employees should have an FSA to save on out-of-pocket health care costs. For employees that haven't done so before, start out with a couple hundred dollars. There is no risk of losing those funds with the roll-over allowance.

The FEHB, FEDVIP, and FSA Open Season starts November 14 and ends December 12.

Kevin Moss is a senior editor with Consumers' CheckbookCheckbook's "2023 Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees" is available to many federal employees for free. Check here to see if your agency provides access. The Guide is also available for purchase and Government Executive readers can save 20% by entering the promo code GOVEXEC at checkout.


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[TSPStrategy] The Benefits of Working After Retirement

[TSPStrategy] The Benefits of Working After Retirement

The Benefits of Working After Retirement

Does an encore career suit you?

For some federal employees, retiring from government service doesn't mean an end to working. It just serves as a launchpad for a new kind of work.

Let's look at some of the benefits—and the potential pitfalls—of embarking on an encore career.

By returning to work after retirement from federal service, you might be able to delay withdrawals from your Thrift Savings Plan account, allowing for continued growth or recovery from recent losses in the stock market. You may be able to fund an IRA or a new employer's 401(k) to add to your nest egg of savings for future years.

One of the benefits of the three-tiered Federal Employees Retirement System (government pension, TSP and Social Security) is that you don't have to turn on all your benefits at the same time. Delaying TSP withdrawals and adding more to your retirement savings can increase your financial security in later years. 

By continuing to pay Social Security taxes, you may be able to boost your average lifetime wage amount, on which your benefit is based. For those under the Civil Service Retirement System, an extra year or more of Social Security-covered wages can reduce the impact of the Windfall Elimination Provision

Of course, another benefit of working after retirement is to have extra cash to do fun things when you aren't working. You can save up the earnings from your second career for a new car you couldn't afford before or turn your kitchen into one that any chef would be excited to cook in.

One thing that is important to avoid in a second career is failing to realize that the job will someday come to an end, along with the extra income. Be sure that the resources you have available at that point will be adequate. Try to continue to live within your means even while working your second career, and think about using your extra income to:

  • Pay down debt 
  • Increase savings 
  • Put aside emergency funds
  • Plan for long-term care in case you need it
  • Make home modifications to allow for you to age in place 

There are special circumstances to be aware of if your second career involves returning to the federal government as a rehired annuitant. In some situations, you can get a dual compensation waiver allowing you to continue to receive your full retirement benefit along with a new federal paycheck. In other cases, your new federal salary must be offset by the amount of your retirement benefit, so that you're only working for the difference between the two.

I recall a story about a federal judge's secretary who had retired and was later asked to return to work for as a reemployed annuitant. After the offset to her salary, she was basically volunteering for the same job that she was previously paid to do. She could have earned a supplement to her retirement benefit by working as a reemployed annuitant for 18 months or more, but since she only returned until a replacement was found to fill her position, she didn't get any reemployment benefits.

A second career is not for everyone, but it can be a way to make your eventual full retirement more financially secure. And this chapter of life might turn out to be both rewarding and lucrative.

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