Key Takeaways

• You have several reliable sources to check for the most up-to-date Postal Service health benefits, including official government websites and printed materials.

• Staying informed about deadlines, Medicare integration, and plan changes is crucial as USPS transitions fully into the PSHB system in 2025.

Understanding Your Health Benefits as a USPS Employee or Retiree

Whether you’re still working or you’ve already retired, understanding your health coverage is essential. In 2025, the U.S. Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program officially replaces the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program for Postal Service employees and retirees. This transition makes it more important than ever for you to know where to find accurate and timely information.

What Changed in 2025?

Before diving into where to get updates, it helps to understand why you need to stay in the loop. As of January 1, 2025:

• The PSHB Program officially took over as the health benefits system for USPS employees and annuitants.

• If you’re eligible for Medicare Part B, you may be required to enroll to maintain full PSHB coverage.

• Prescription drug coverage for Medicare-eligible enrollees is now integrated with Medicare Part D through an Employer Group Waiver Plan (EGWP).

Understanding these changes helps you know what kind of updates to watch for and what to double-check.

1. USPS Employee and Retiree Portals

Your first stop for accurate health benefits information should always be the official USPS portals designed for active employees and retirees.

LiteBlue for Employees

If you’re still working for USPS, use the LiteBlue portal:

• Log in at LiteBlue.usps.gov

• Navigate to “My HR” and choose “Benefits”

• Review PSHB details, upcoming deadlines, and plan comparison tools

KeepingPosted for Retirees

If you’re retired, KeepingPosted.org is the designated source for annuitants. Here, you can:

• View Open Season dates and updates

• Learn how to coordinate PSHB with Medicare

• Access contact info for benefits support

2. U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

The OPM website remains a reliable place for health benefits documentation and enrollment information. In 2025, OPM provides a dedicated section for the PSHB Program:

• Plan brochures and summaries

• Eligibility criteria and enrollment steps

• Comparison tools and FAQs

Even though the FEHB system no longer applies to most USPS employees, the PSHB Program is managed through OPM, so this site remains relevant.

3. PSHB Navigator Help Line

To talk directly with someone, the PSHB Navigator Help Line is a useful resource. It’s especially helpful if you’re navigating complex issues such as:

• Medicare Part B enrollment exceptions

• Plan disenrollment concerns

• Transitioning coverage for family members

The Help Line offers guidance on timing, paperwork, and what to expect if you opt out of certain benefits.

4. Open Season Notifications

Every year, from November to December, you have a chance to review or change your PSHB plan. Leading up to this Open Season period, watch for:

• Mailers from OPM or your current plan

• Notifications in LiteBlue or KeepingPosted

• Plan comparison tools made available before Open Season starts

If you’re retired, you’ll also receive instructions by mail, particularly if you don’t use digital access. Stay alert for these so you don’t miss enrollment deadlines.

5. PostalEase Enrollment System

PostalEase remains the primary tool for enrolling in or changing your PSHB coverage if you’re an active employee. You can access it via LiteBlue:

• Enroll during Open Season

• Make Qualifying Life Event (QLE) changes

• Review your current elections

For retirees, enrollment changes are handled via mail or through instructions on KeepingPosted.org.

6. Medicare Integration Resources

If you’re approaching Medicare eligibility, you’ll need more than just PSHB information—you’ll need to understand how it interacts with Medicare Part B. Resources include:

• Educational materials in KeepingPosted and LiteBlue

• Medicare.gov for general Medicare rules

• PSHB plan brochures for Medicare-specific coordination details

As of 2025, most Medicare-eligible annuitants and family members are required to enroll in Medicare Part B to keep PSHB coverage. Some exceptions apply, so it’s important to verify your status.

7. Union Resources and Retiree Associations

Postal unions and retiree groups often publish:

• Newsletters with plan updates

• Reminders about deadlines

• Webinars or informational sessions during Open Season

While these aren’t official sources, they’re a great supplement and often easier to digest. Just make sure you double-check any new information with OPM or USPS.

8. Plan Brochures and Summary of Benefits

Each PSHB plan provides a detailed brochure and a Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC). These documents help you understand:

• What’s covered and what’s not

• Your copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance

• Prescription drug tiers and coverage phases

Make sure to read these documents carefully every year, especially if your healthcare needs or family situation changes.

9. Human Resources Shared Services Center (HRSSC)

If you can’t find what you need online or through printed materials, contact the HRSSC. They can:

• Help resolve technical issues with LiteBlue or PostalEase

• Clarify benefits eligibility questions

• Direct you to appropriate PSHB contacts

Keep in mind that response times may be longer during Open Season or other high-volume periods.

10. Email and Postal Mail Notifications

Even in the digital age, USPS and OPM send out key information through regular mail and email:

• Open Season reminders

• Confirmation of plan changes

• Updates about Medicare coordination

If you’ve recently changed your address or email, make sure both USPS and OPM have your current contact info so you don’t miss anything.

Timing Is Everything: Deadlines to Watch in 2025

Staying informed is only half the job. You also need to act on what you learn—on time. Key dates include:

• November to December: Open Season for 2026 plan year elections

• January 1, 2025: PSHB officially replaces FEHB for Postal employees and annuitants

• Throughout the year: Medicare enrollment windows if you’re turning 65 or newly eligible

Missing deadlines can mean lapses in coverage or higher costs. Be proactive.

Final Thoughts on Staying Informed in 2025

As the PSHB system continues to evolve in 2025, you’ll need to keep an eye on multiple resources to stay fully informed. Whether you’re working or retired, accurate and timely information is key to making the right decisions about your health benefits.

Make it a habit to check LiteBlue or KeepingPosted regularly, and always review mailed notices. If you’re unsure or facing a complicated situation, speak with a licensed agent listed on this website for professional guidance and peace of mind.