Key Takeaways:

• The PSHB Open Season is from November 11, 2024, to December 9, 2024. Prepare now for a seamless transition.
• If you’re a USPS employee or annuitant, understanding PSHB enrollment is essential to ensure your health coverage in 2025.

PSHB Enrollment Is Here: What You Need to Know

Starting this November, Postal Service employees and annuitants have the opportunity to enroll in the new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) program. This marks a significant shift from the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) system to a plan specifically designed for USPS workers. With Open Season running from November 11, 2024, to December 9, 2024, you’ll want to be fully prepared so that your health coverage continues seamlessly from January 1, 2025.

Why PSHB Matters for USPS Employees and Retirees

If you’ve been covered under FEHB, PSHB might feel like a big change. But don’t worry—understanding the enrollment process and what PSHB offers will help you make informed decisions. This program is tailored to meet the needs of postal workers, retirees, and their eligible family members, ensuring coverage that aligns with their unique requirements.

Get a Head Start on PSHB Open Season

Mark Your Calendar
Open Season is your once-a-year opportunity to review, select, or make changes to your health plan. The 2024 PSHB Open Season runs from November 11 to December 9. This means you have four weeks to evaluate your options and secure the plan that suits you best. Any changes you make during this period will go into effect on January 1, 2025.

Automatic Enrollment: What It Means
If you’re currently enrolled in FEHB, you’ll be automatically transitioned into a comparable PSHB plan. While this may sound convenient, I strongly encourage you to double-check that your new plan meets your needs. Open Season is your chance to review your coverage and make any necessary adjustments.

How to Prepare for PSHB Enrollment

Step 1: Review Your Current Coverage
Before making any decisions, take a close look at your current FEHB plan. Think about your healthcare needs and whether your current benefits meet those needs. Make a list of your must-haves, such as specialist visits, prescription coverage, or family plans.

Step 2: Understand What’s Changing
PSHB plans have been created to reflect the specific healthcare requirements of USPS employees and their families. Some differences in coverage, network providers, and costs might apply compared to FEHB plans. It’s essential to be aware of these distinctions as you plan your enrollment.

Step 3: Compare Your Options
Don’t just settle for the automatic plan. Use the PSHB resources available during Open Season to compare the different plans on offer. Look at factors like:

• Coverage details: Make sure the plan covers essential services you need.
• Network limitations: Ensure your preferred providers are in-network.
• Out-of-pocket costs: Understand potential deductibles and co-pays for common services.

Important Considerations for Retirees

If you’re a USPS retiree, PSHB enrollment comes with an important stipulation: to maintain your PSHB coverage, certain Medicare-eligible retirees and their family members must be enrolled in Medicare Part B. However, this requirement does not apply to those who retired on or before January 1, 2025, if they are not already enrolled in Part B.

For retirees, this means evaluating your current situation with Medicare. If you’re nearing 65 or have already reached that age, make sure your enrollment in Medicare Part B is in place, or take the necessary steps to enroll if required.

Making Sense of the Enrollment Timeline

Initial Open Season (November 11 – December 9, 2024)
This is your prime window to make selections for PSHB. Use these weeks wisely by researching plan details, confirming your coverage needs, and making any changes before the December 9 deadline.

Coverage Activation (January 1, 2025)
After making your selections during Open Season, your new PSHB plan will become active on January 1, 2025. It’s essential to check that your updated coverage details are correct and that you’re aware of your plan’s start date to avoid gaps in coverage.

Tips for a Smooth Enrollment Process

Start Early
Don’t wait until the final days of Open Season to make your decision. Start reviewing your options as soon as Open Season begins on November 11. This will give you ample time to weigh your choices without feeling rushed.

Keep Your Information Up-to-Date
Double-check that your personal details with USPS are current. This includes your mailing address, contact information, and any dependents who might be covered under your plan.

Ask Questions
Don’t hesitate to reach out to the PSHB customer support team or visit the USPS benefits portal for answers to any questions you may have. Whether you need help comparing plans or understanding what changes might impact you the most, seeking help can simplify the process.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls During PSHB Enrollment

Skipping the Research
One of the most common mistakes is assuming your current FEHB plan will meet your needs under PSHB. Make sure to research each available plan’s benefits and provider networks to ensure you’re not caught off guard by changes.

Missing the Enrollment Period
Mark the dates in your calendar and set reminders to ensure you don’t miss Open Season. Missing this enrollment period could mean waiting until the next one or encountering coverage gaps.

Not Considering Future Needs
Think beyond your current health requirements. If you anticipate needing more comprehensive coverage for specific medical services or expect changes in your family’s health needs, factor this into your plan selection.

What to Do After Enrollment

Once you’ve completed your PSHB enrollment, don’t just set it and forget it. Make sure to:

• Review Your Enrollment Confirmation: Double-check that the correct plan has been selected and that all your details are accurate.
• Know Your Plan’s Start Date: Mark January 1, 2025, as the official start date of your new PSHB plan.
• Familiarize Yourself with Your Benefits: Take time to review your plan documents and understand your coverage. Knowing what’s covered, how to access services, and understanding any co-pays or deductibles can save you stress later.

Ready for 2025? Here’s the Next Step

PSHB enrollment doesn’t have to be stressful if you prepare ahead. By following the steps above and making use of the PSHB resources available to you, you can ensure that your coverage continues seamlessly into 2025 and beyond. Don’t wait until the last minute—use Open Season to your advantage to select the plan that’s right for you and your loved ones.