FEHB 2010 Open Season

**XL-entLady** · 10-15-2009, 10:29 PM

Don't know if you all have heard yet or not, but 2010 health benefits open season will run from November 9 through December 14, 2009.

Our HR dept says that OPM has posted all of the Open Season guides and brochures electronically to their website.

www.opm.gov/insure/openseason

Because my health insurance gets such a workout I always do in-depth research every year. I'll post my findings here. I realize that what is best for me won't necessarily be best for you. Health insurance is a highly individualized matter.

But I would greatly appreciate it if you would post your findings and comments on the open season in this thread so that we can all learn together.

Thanks!

Lady

**Steadygain** · 10-15-2009, 11:06 PM

Originally Posted by XL-entLady

But I would greatly appreciate it if you would post your findings and comments on the open season in this thread so that we can all learn together.

Thanks!

Lady

That's an EXCELLENT IDEA !!

My Insurance Company dropped Federal Employees .... will follow up

Thank You !!!

**jeepcj258** · 10-15-2009, 11:48 PM

This is a great idea.

**grandma** · 10-16-2009, 12:03 AM

Originally Posted by Steadygain

That's an EXCELLENT IDEA !!

My Insurance Company dropped Federal Employees ....

What do you suppose the chances are that the companies that eliminated Fed employees are the ones that covered the bulk of congress??
Our Elected Elite do have access to the same plans our different agencies have, right? (I am aware that the different agencies may have different companies' offerings.)
Or do they have a Special Company ...I know they are not included to have to follow the rules put to the rest of the feds, or anyone as far as that goes, under the Obama Stealth Plan.
'twould be sweet justice, methinks, if they should all have to scramble....

**James48843** · 10-19-2009, 06:35 PM

PLan Information booklets are now posted for every state.

http://opm.gov/insure/health/planinfo/index.asp

I'm rummaging through the changes to my plan now........

**grandma** · 10-19-2009, 06:45 PM

Originally Posted by James48843

PLan Information booklets are now posted for every state.

http://opm.gov/insure/health/planinfo/index.asp

I'm rummaging through the changes to my plan now........

Thanx for the link ! Now to see if I can understand the changes - & do I want something different? So far, it seems like MHBP has `done me right,' But that is w/o comparing it to another plan.
What I already know, is rates are going UUuuup !

**Viva La Migra** · 10-19-2009, 08:42 PM

Originally Posted by James48843

PLan Information booklets are now posted for every state.

http://opm.gov/insure/health/planinfo/index.asp

I'm rummaging through the changes to my plan now........

I use my wife's healthcare benefits. They're better than the government's. I'll go back on the government plan when I get within five years of retirement, so I can keep the coverage into retirement. Of course, if they go to single payer, then I probably won't need it, since I'll only be given pain pills until I die!

**Silverbird** · 10-19-2009, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by Viva La Migra

I use my wife's healthcare benefits. They're better than the government's. I'll go back on the government plan when I get within five years of retirement, so I can keep the coverage into retirement. Of course, if they go to single payer, then I probably won't need it, since I'll only be given pain pills until I die!

Wow, that's interesting. I assumed most of us were on the silver handcuffs (FEHB) plan. Are company plans getting better, or FEHB just getting too pricey?

**Frixxxx** · 10-19-2009, 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by Silverbird

Wow, that's interesting. I assumed most of us were on the silver handcuffs (FEHB) plan. Are company plans getting better, or FEHB just getting too pricey?

I was in the private sector for a few years. I paid, at most, $150/month out there.....

I was shocked when I came back to Federal Service and saw the price tag. But I needed the job!

**Viva La Migra** · 10-19-2009, 10:49 PM

Originally Posted by Silverbird

Wow, that's interesting. I assumed most of us were on the silver handcuffs (FEHB) plan. Are company plans getting better, or FEHB just getting too pricey?

She works for a health insurer. We pay no premiums, have a $5 copay for doctor visits, and $5 prescriptions.

This is one of many "Cadillac" insurance plans Obama wants to put the tax on! Oh well, it's been a good run.

**Frixxxx** · 10-20-2009, 12:35 AM

Originally Posted by Viva La Migra

She works for a health insurer. We pay no premiums, have a $5 copay for doctor visits, and $5 prescriptions.

This is one of many "Cadillac" insurance plans Obama wants to put the tax on! Oh well, it's been a good run.

Nice Plan!

**XL-entLady** · 11-04-2009, 04:26 PM

From an article in Fedsmith today:

"...federal employees have help when it comes to evaluating their options. For instance, OPM has a plan comparison tool on its Web site; other federal agencies provide Consumers Checkbook; most health plans have tools that detail their benefits; and the PlanSmartChoice decision support site is available free to all federal employees.
Fifteen minutes on a decision support Web site will help federal employees to become better health care consumers. By devoting a small amount of time to evaluating options, federal employees can ensure that they've chosen the medical plan that best meets their individual needs...."

http://www.fedsmith.com/article/2178...ling-your.html

I moved from Blue Cross Blue Shield to Aetna last year. And I did end up saving a bundle. But as I look at the coverages and what I am expecting to use next year, I may have to change insurances again. Study, study, study!

Lady