Posted on Monday, 18th November 2013 by

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Another year is almost over! The older I get the faster the days go by and at an alarming rate. Christmas is around the corner and It seems like I just completed our 2012 taxes and sure enough I’m starting to compile information and purchasing Turbo Tax for 2013.

Each year I register for OPM’s FEHB Open Season Online at https://retireefehb.opm.gov and review the open season changes. This service is reserved for annuitants and you can either review the plan brochures online or have them send copies in the mail. This year I requested 9 brochures and may end up changing plans since I’ll turn 65 next year and will be eligible for Medicare. Active federal workers that are retiring soon can print out a copy of this article so they will have this information available when they leave. The two websites listed in this article help annuitants manage their retirement.

Many private sector insurers are canceling coverage or health insurance premiums are increasing dramatically because of the Affordable Care Act.  All FEHB plans qualify as minimum essential coverage (MEC) and meet the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s individual shared responsibility requirement for each individual covered under the FEHB plan.  Costs are increasing an average of 4% this year; not bad considering the horror stories we hear about plan costs increasing 30 to 100 percent or more in the private sector.

Open Season Online allows you to chat with a customer service representative using Live Help, send a webmail message which will be answered by a customer service representative, and review and have hard copies of health plan brochures sent to you via regular mail.

In order to access Open Season Online, you must register every year. To create a user ID and password you will need your annuity claim number (CSA or CSF), and your social security number or email address that is on file with OPM. Once you register or sign in you can perform many functions including enrollment changes, review all of the information you will need to evaluate plans, review dependent information,  change your address, view transaction history, and use OPM’s health care plan comparison tool.  You can access the site 24/7 except for scheduled maintenance on Sundays from 12:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Central Time. If you experience difficulties using Open Season Online you can call Open Season Express at their toll-free number, 1-800-332-9798, to complete your transaction.

I also go to https://www.servicesonline.opm.gov during open season to update my password and this year you can receive your IRS 1099R, annual mailer, and other informational alerts electronically. This site also allows you to print out Annuity statements, set up allotments, and much more.

Request a FREE Retirement Benefits Summary & Analysis from a local adviser. A sample analysis is available for your review. Includes projected annuity payments, income verses expenses, FEGLI, and TSP projections.

Helpful Retirement Planning Tools Distribute these FREE tools to others that are planning their retirement

Visit our other informative sites

The information provided may not cover all aspect of unique or special circumstances, federal regulations, and financial information is subject to change. To ensure the accuracy of this information, contact your benefits coordinator and ask them to review your official personnel file and circumstances concerning this issue. Retirees can contact the OPM retirement center. Our article is not intended nor should it be considered investment advice and our articles and replies are time sensitive. Over time, various dynamic economic factors relied upon as a basis for this article may change. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation and this service is not affiliated with OPM or any federal entity. You should consult with a financial or human resource professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher or author shall be liable for any loss or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

Last 5 posts by Dennis Damp

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Posted in BENEFITS / INSURANCE, ESTATE PLANNING, RETIREMENT CONCERNS, SOCIAL SECURITY / MEDICARE, SURVIVOR INFORMATION | Comments (0)


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