In light of recent updates regarding Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB), it is important for federal employees to consider all avenues towards optimal benefits. The choices available aren’t so black and white as either cancelling or progressing one’s PSHB plan; members who enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan can suspend their PSHB plan instead of canceling it.
There are a number of reasons to suspend one’s PSHB plan to access MAPD options:
Increased premiums
BCBS increased 15% in tandem with the recent changes to PSHB.
Same coverage for less cost
MAPD options provide same coverages at a fraction of the price. This is a hard argument to debate when considering suspending PSHB for MAPD options.
Other things to consider about PSHB:
- You can opt out of the PSHB plan’s Part D EGWP prescription drug coverage, but you will still pay the same premium.
- If you are disenrolled from PSHB coverage, you will have a 31-day temporary extension of coverage and rights to conversion.
- You can request reconsideration of an initial decision to disenroll from PSHB coverage within 60 days of the OPM’s initial decision.
- If you lose or drop your PSHB coverage and go 63 days or longer without prescription drug coverage that is at least as good as Medicare’s, your Medicare Part D premium will increase.
To suspend coverage for the Postal Service Health Benefits Program (PSHB), you can contact the Employee Service Line at 1-877-477-3273. When prompted, select 5 for the HRSSC, then select Benefits to speak with a representative.
You can also fill out an FEHB suspension form here.
Remember: you can reactivate your PSHB plan if you cancel your Medicare Advantage plan during Open Season or if your Medicare Advantage plan is discontinued, but currently MAPD options are the best path forward for federal employees.
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