The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has released a notice of proposed rulemaking to clarify and introduce additional requirements for the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program. Established under the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022, the PSHB Program aims to ensure proper implementation starting in 2025. The proposed rule addresses several key areas including eligibility decisions, Medicare Part B enrollment, allocation of reserve credits, financial reporting, and premium payment prioritization.
Key Proposed Changes
Eligibility Decisions and Reconsideration
OPM proposes new standards for reconsidering PSHB eligibility and enrollment decisions, incorporating existing Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) standards while addressing PSHB-specific processes.
Medicare Part B Enrollment
The proposed rule clarifies the requirements for Medicare Part B enrollment, including exceptions and specific scenarios such as residency abroad.
Allocation of Reserve Credits
A methodology is proposed for allocating reserves from 2024 FEHB plans to 2025 PSHB plans based on premium income attributable to Postal Service enrollees.
Government Contribution Alignment
Adjustments are proposed to align government contributions with the calendar year plan, starting January 1 each year, to avoid discrepancies in premium payments during overlapping pay periods.
Financial Reporting and Actuarial Calculations
Amendments are proposed to ensure accurate calculations for payments to the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund, reflecting the funded status of pension and health obligations.
Premium Payment Prioritization
The proposed rule prioritizes health benefit premiums over Medicare Part B late enrollment penalties when utilizing the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund.
Medicare Part D Integration
Ensuring PSHB plans provide Medicare Part D benefits, the proposed rule allows for automatic group enrollment but provides an opt-out option for eligible individuals.
Public Participation
Comments on the proposed rule must be received by June 24, 2024. Feedback can be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at regulations.gov. All comments should include the agency name and docket number or Regulation Identifier Number (RIN) for the document. OPM may redact personal or sensitive information before posting comments for public viewing.
For further information, contact Cameron Stokes, Senior Policy Analyst, at (202) 936-2847 or Cameron.Stokes@opm.gov.
Optimize Your Knowledge: Stay Informed on the PSHB Program Updates!
Stay updated on the latest developments regarding the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is taking steps to ensure the effective implementation of PSHB, impacting Postal Service employees and their families. Learn more about eligibility, Medicare integration, financial management, and more. Visit regulations.gov and participate in the rulemaking process by submitting your comments by June 24, 2024. For any inquiries, contact Cameron Stokes at Cameron.Stokes@opm.gov.
The proposed rulemaking seeks to ensure smooth implementation and operational efficiency of the PSHB Program. By addressing eligibility, Medicare integration, financial management, and premium prioritization, OPM aims to provide clarity and stability for Postal Service employees, annuitants, and their families. Public feedback is crucial to finalize these regulations effectively.
Keep this page bookmarked for the latest news and updates on the PSHB Program. Request a meeting below for futher information.
