WANTED: P.32 P.24 FEDERAL CYBERSECURITY PROFESSIONALS TIME FOR MEDICARE? TIME FOR THE BIG PART B DECISION!

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1 NOV 17 P.32 TIME FOR MEDICARE? TIME FOR THE BIG PART B DECISION! Volume 93 Number 11 COVER STORY Open Season Report excerpted from the November 2017 issue of narfe magazine. WANTED: FEDERAL CYBERSECURITY PROFESSIONALS P.24

2 Open Season Report OPEN SEASON REPORT 2017 OPEN SEASON: NOVEMBER 13-DECEMBER 11 FEHB PREMIUMS The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced October 4 the 2018 premium rates for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. The enrollee share of premiums for non-postal employees and all annuitants will increase an average of 6.1 percent in (Postal employees pay a different rate because of collective bargaining agreements.) The average increase in the government share of premiums will be 3.2 percent. The overall average total premium will be 4.0 percent in Health maintenance organization (HMO) premiums will go up an average of 5.5 percent, while fee-for-service (FFS) plan rates will rise an average of 3.8 percent. Changes in FEHB coverage may be made during Federal Benefits Open Season, November 13-December 11. Also included in Open Season are the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Program (FED- VIP) (see p. 56) and the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS). There is no need for enrollees to re-enroll in FEHB and FED- VIP unless they want to change plans or their current plan ceases participation. However, employees must re-enroll in FSAFEDS every year to continue to participate. Enrollee Premiums. The tables on pages 43 and 44 list the six open-to-all, FFS plans, the four restricted FFS plans and the largest participating HMOs; the 2018 cost of each plan for both employees and retirees; and the increase/decrease from Rates listed are applicable to most non-postal federal employees as well as all retirees and survivors. For a listing of all premiums, go to gov/healthcare-insurance/ open-season/. Changes in FEHB enrollee premiums vary from plan to plan, but, on average, enrollees with Self Only coverage will pay $5.57 more per biweekly pay period; (Continued on p. 46) INCREASES CREATE FINANCIAL BURDEN FOR FEDS, NEW COLA CALCULATION NEEDED NARFE President Richard G. Thissen said that the 6.1 percent average premium increase is a reminder of the all-too-familiar cycle of low or no pay raises, small or nonexistent cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) and rising medical bills. Like most Americans, federal employees and retirees are middleclass taxpayers, continuing to feel the pinch on their wallets every day. Years of no or low COLAs and pay raises that lag behind the private sector have created a financial burden on the federal community, increasing the need for meaningful reform. As a solution, Congress should pursue a new formula to calculate COLAs that accurately reflects the health care costs of our nation s seniors, such as the CPI-E (Consumer Price Index for the elderly), Thissen said. This is just one step in the right direction to help account for the rising cost of FEHB and all health care premiums. 42 NOV 2017

3 2018 PREMIUMS FEE FOR SERVICE Plan Option Code Total Premium Gov t Pays Enrollee Pays KEY: Employees pay biweekly Annuitants pay monthly Enrollee Increase/ Decrease biweekly monthly biweekly monthly biweekly monthly biweekly monthly OPEN TO ALL APWU HEALTH PLAN High Self 471 $ $ $ $ $93.04 $ $-1.25 $-2.70 High Self & Family 472 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $-1.20 $-2.61 High Self Plus One 473 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $-1.94 $-4.20 CDHP Self 474 $ $ $ $ $63.97 $ $2.16 $4.69 CDHP Self & Family 475 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $5.19 $11.25 CDHP Self Plus One 476 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $4.76 $10.31 BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD SERVICE BENEFIT PLAN Standard Self 104 $ $ $ $ $ $ $7.17 $15.54 Standard Self & Family 105 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $17.72 $38.39 Standard Self Plus One 106 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $17.04 $36.92 Basic Self 111 $ $ $ $ $73.72 $ $2.50 $5.42 Basic Self & Family 112 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $7.39 $16.00 Basic Self Plus One 113 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $7.20 $15.60 GEHA BENEFIT PLAN High Self 311 $ $ $ $ $ $ $2.11 $4.57 High Self & Family 312 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $6.68 $14.47 High Self Plus One 313 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $6.12 $13.27 Standard Self 314 $ $ $ $ $54.94 $ $1.08 $2.33 Standard Self & Family 315 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $2.54 $5.52 Standard Self Plus One 316 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $2.32 $5.02 HDHP Self 341 $ $ $ $ $57.84 $ $1.14 $2.46 HDHP Self & Family 342 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $2.68 $5.82 HDHP Self Plus One 343 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $2.44 $5.28 MHBP Value Self 414 $ $ $ $ $57.35 $ $-2.39 $-5.18 Value Self & Family 415 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $-5.78 $ Value Self Plus One 416 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $-5.66 $ Standard Self 454 $ $ $ $ $67.20 $ $-0.68 $-1.47 Standard Self & Family 455 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $-1.58 $-3.42 Standard Self Plus One 456 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $-1.57 $-3.39 HDHP Self 481 $ $ $ $ $65.50 $ $-0.66 $-1.43 HDHP Self & Family 482 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $-1.53 $-3.33 HDHP Self Plus One 483 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $-1.47 $-3.18 NALC High Self 321 $ $ $ $ $78.79 $ $1.39 $3.01 High Self & Family 322 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $5.04 $10.92 High Self Plus One 323 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $10.87 $23.56 CDHP Self 324 $ $ $ $ $53.56 $ $0.00 $0.00 CDHP Self & Family 325 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $2.32 $5.03 CDHP Self Plus One 326 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $0.00 $0.00 Value Self KM1 $ $ $ $ $43.96 $95.25 $0.00 $0.00 Value Self & Family KM2 $ $ $ $ $97.26 $ $1.91 $4.12 Value Self Plus One KM3 $ $ $ $ $95.09 $ $0.00 $0.00 SAMBA High Self 441 $ $ $ $ $ $ $19.98 $43.30 High Self & Family 442 $1, $2, $ $1, $ $1, $49.78 $ High Self Plus One 443 $ $2, $ $1, $ $ $45.41 $98.39 Standard Self 444 $ $ $ $ $97.59 $ $24.64 $53.37 Standard Self & Family 445 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $62.36 $ Standard Self Plus One 446 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $61.84 $ RESTRICTED COMPASS ROSE HEALTH PLAN (members of the Intelligence Community, employees of Departments of Defense and State) High Self 421 $ $ $ $ $92.11 $ $7.72 $16.73 High Self & Family 422 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $20.36 $44.11 High Self Plus One 423 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $18.45 $39.98 FOREIGN SERVICE BENEFIT PLAN (American Foreign Service personnel, Departments of State and Defense, USAID, Foreign Agricultural and Commercial services, other executive branch employees assigned overseas; Foreign Service retirees) High Self 401 $ $ $ $ $66.05 $ $1.61 $3.50 High Self & Family 402 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $3.99 $8.64 High Self Plus One 403 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $3.94 $8.54 RURAL CARRIER BENEFIT PLAN (active and retired rural letter carriers) High Self 381 $ $ $ $ $87.22 $ $4.59 $9.95 High Self & Family 382 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $5.90 $12.77 High Self Plus One 383 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $5.78 $12.52 PANAMA CANAL AREA BENEFIT PLAN High Self 431 $ $ $ $ $66.09 $ $4.32 $9.37 High Self & Family 432 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $9.03 $19.56 High Self Plus One 433 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $8.63 $18.70

4 Open Season Report 2018 PREMIUMS LARGEST HMOS* KEY: Employees pay biweekly Annuitants pay monthly Total Premium Gov t Pays Enrollee Pays Enrollee Increase/Decrease State(s) Plan Option Code biweekly monthly biweekly monthly biweekly monthly biweekly monthly DC, MD, VA AETNA OPEN ACCESS - CAPITOL REGION High Self JN1 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $32.46 $70.33 High Self & Family JN2 $1, $2, $ $1, $ $1, $73.65 $ High Self Plus One JN3 $1, $2, $ $1, $ $1, $73.90 $ Basic Self JN4 $ $ $ $ $76.68 $ $3.14 $6.80 Basic Self & Family JN5 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $12.41 $26.90 Basic Self Plus One JN6 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $2.19 $4.75 ID, WA KAISER HEALTH PLAN OF WASHINGTON High Self 541 $ $ $ $ $ $ $24.00 $52.01 High Self & Family 542 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $ $ High Self Plus One 543 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $ $ Standard Self 544 $ $ $ $ $70.27 $ $4.64 $10.04 Standard Self & Family 545 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $ $ Standard Self Plus One 546 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $27.06 $58.64 HDHP Self PT1 $ $ $ $ $58.54 $ $0.16 $0.34 HDHP Self & Family PT2 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $ $ HDHP Self Plus One PT3 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $14.95 $32.40 DC, MD, VA M.D. INDIVIDUAL PRACTICE ASSOCIATION (MDIPA) High Self JP1 $ $ $ $ $ $ $4.90 $10.62 High Self & Family JP2 $ $2, $ $1, $ $ $18.65 $40.40 High Self Plus One JP3 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $6.10 $13.20 CA KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN OF N. CALIFORNIA High Self 591 $ $ $ $ $ $ $20.81 $45.09 High Self & Family 592 $1, $2, $ $1, $ $1, $51.43 $ High Self Plus One 593 $1, $2, $ $1, $ $1, $52.58 $ Standard Self 594 $ $ $ $ $ $ $11.10 $24.05 Standard Self & Family 595 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $27.34 $59.24 Standard Self Plus One 596 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $28.49 $61.74 Basic Self KC1 $ $ $ $ $74.47 $ $0.41 $0.89 Basic Self & Family KC2 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $ $ Basic Self Plus One KC3 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $ $ CA KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN OF S. CALIFORNIA High Self 621 $ $ $ $ $75.94 $ $3.10 $6.73 High Self & Family 622 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $12.15 $26.31 High Self Plus One 623 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $13.48 $29.21 Standard Self 624 $ $ $ $ $47.97 $ $1.13 $2.45 Standard Self & Family 625 $ $ $ $ $ $ $2.63 $5.70 Standard Self Plus One 626 $ $ $ $ $ $ $2.63 $5.70 DC, MD, VA KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN MID-ATLANTIC STATES High Self E31 $ $ $ $ $76.19 $ $1.69 $3.68 High Self & Family E32 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $-8.42 $ High Self Plus One E33 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $16.43 $35.60 Standard Self E34 $ $ $ $ $58.26 $ $2.41 $5.23 Standard Self & Family E35 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $3.33 $7.21 Standard Self Plus One E36 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $7.80 $16.90 Basic Self T71 $ $ $ $ $53.08 $ New New Basic Self & Family T72 $ $1, $ $ $ $ New New Basic Self Plus One T73 $ $1, $ $ $ $ New New CO KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN OF COLORADO High Self 651 $ $ $ $ $95.78 $ $-0.02 $-0.04 High Self & Family 652 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $0.69 $1.49 High Self Plus One 653 $ $1, $ $1, $ $ $1.84 $3.99 Standard Self 654 $ $ $ $ $58.97 $ $4.39 $9.52 Standard Self & Family 655 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $9.94 $21.52 Standard Self Plus One 656 $ $1, $ $ $ $ $9.94 $21.52 Basic Self N41 $ $ $ $ $46.32 $ $3.96 $8.59 Basic Self & Family N42 $ $ $ $ $ $ $8.95 $19.41 Basic Self Plus One N43 $ $ $ $ $ $ $8.95 $19.41 *Based on information provided by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). If your plan is not listed, it simply means that your plan is not one of the largest. OPEN SEASON CHANGES for employees are effective at the beginning of the first pay period after January 1, Changes for retirees and survivor annuitants are effective January 1, 2018, and premium changes will be reflected in February 1, 2018, annuity payments. If verified enrollment is required, the change notice from OPM should suffice for annuitants; the notification from their agency will suffice for employees. 44 NOV 2017

5 MetLife Federal Dental Plan The MetLife Federal Dental Plan makes coverage simple. And affordable. For a dental plan with more coverage, at a competitive cost, enroll today. Choose from over 360,000 dentists one of the largest networks nationwide Pay nothing out-of-pocket for in-network cleanings, X-rays and exams 1 Get big discounts and save even more with in-network dentists 2 Enjoy coverage of up to $35,000 per person, per year (New!) 3 Find out more: federaldental.metlife.com Enrollment dates: Nov. 13 Dec. 11, Subject to frequency limitations. 2. Savings from enrolling in the MetLife Federal Dental Plan will depend on various factors, including the cost of the plan, how often participants visit the dentist and the cost of services rendered. 3. Subject to plan limitations. Like most group benefits programs, benefit programs offered by MetLife contain certain exclusions, exceptions, waiting periods, reductions, limitations and terms for keeping them in force. For more information please view the Federal Dental Plan Brochure, which will govern these plan options and can be viewed by visiting federaldental.metlife.com. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company 200 Park Avenue New York, NY L [exp1018][All States][DC,GU,MP,PR,VI] 2017 METLIFE, INC.

6 Open Season Report (Continued from p. 42) enrollees with Self Plus One coverage will pay $12.55 more per biweekly pay period; and enrollees with Self and Family coverage will pay $12.17 more per biweekly pay period. (Employees pay premiums on a biweekly basis; retirees pay premiums on a monthly basis.) Enrollees with Self Only coverage in the popular Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Standard option will pay $7.17 more per biweekly pay period in 2018; those with Self Plus One coverage will pay $17.04 more per biweekly pay period; and those with Self and Family coverage will pay $17.72 more per biweekly pay period. CHANGES FOR 2018 New Plans. The following health plan has been added: Blue Open Access POS High option (codes QM1, QM3, QM2) in the following Atlanta, GA, metro area counties: Barrow, Bartow, Butts, Carroll, IMPORTANT OPEN SEASON INFORMATION Open Season doesn t start until November 13. The 2018 premium rates are available, but many of the materials you will need to access to make your decision for 2018 will not be available until shortly before the start date. The following are ways to get information about Open Season: THE WEB: 2018 premium charts for all Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program plans are available at: healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/premiums. General information about Open Season can be found at: healthcare-insurance/open-season. FACEBOOK: Updates on Open Season are available by Facebook at: PROVIDING DEPENDENT INFORMATION If you are changing your health plan this Open Season and have either a Self and Family or Self Plus One enrollment, you will need to provide information about the dependents covered under your enrollment. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Thinking About Retirement? Information about retirement and FEHB can be found at: pdf. For the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) and retirement, go to fastfacts/thinkfedvip.pdf. OPM also has a guide for retirees and employees near retirement that gives an overview of FEHB, FEDVIP, the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI) and the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). Go to Guide-Me/Retirees-Survivors/. Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Haralson, Heard, Henry, Lamar, Meriwether, Newton, Paulding, Pickens, Pike, Rockdale, Spalding, and Walton; and the following Athens, GA, area counties: Clarke, Madison, Oconee and Oglethorpe. New Plan Options. The following plans have new options: Health Net of California is adding a Basic option (codes T41, T43, T42) in Northern California. Humana Health Plan, Inc. is adding a Basic option in Denver, CO (codes RZ1, RZ3, RZ2); Colorado Springs, CO (codes R21, R23, R22); Chicago, IL (codes RWl, RW3, RW2); and North Western Illinois (codes ABl, AB3, AB2). Humana Employers Health Plan of Georgia, Inc. is adding a Basic option in Atlanta, GA (codes Q71, Q73, Q72); Macon, GA (code RJl, RJ3, RJ2); and Columbus, GA (codes RM1, RM3, RM2). Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States is adding a Basic option (codes T71, T73, T72) in the Northern Virginia, D.C., and Baltimore, MD, areas. Medical Mutual of Ohio (formerly Health Span Integrated Care) is adding a Basic option (codes UXl, UX3, UX2) in Northeast Ohio. Humana Health Plan of Texas, Inc. is adding a Basic option in San Antonio, TX (codes QXl, QX3, QX2); Austin, TX (codes QYl, QY3, QY2); Corpus Christi, TX (codes Q21, Q23, Q22); and Houston, TX (codes Q61, Q63, Q62). Scott & White is adding a Basic option in Central and West Texas (codes A81, A83, A82); and North Texas (codes P81, P83, P82). 46 NOV 2017

7 Open Season 2017 November 13th to December 11th (800) Together. Better Health. We re working hard to keep your premiums low. For more than 50 years, APWU Health Plan has served retired federal employees with focus and attention. As an APWU Health Plan member, you can rely on: Comprehensive coverage ++ Choose any physician or facility that accepts Medicare, with no need for referrals* + $ Affordable premiums The personal touch from people who care To maximize your coverage, select APWU Health Plan s High Option along with Medicare A and B. No deductible or coinsurance on covered expenses* Stronger prescription drug coverage than Medicare Part D alone Telehealth and 24 hour Nurse line Shingles and Flu shots covered at 100% 2018 Monthly Premiums Self Only: $ Self Plus One: $ Self and Family: $ *High Option members when Medicare Part A and B pay as primary

8 Open Season Report Plan Terminations. Six health plans will drop out of the FEHB after December 31, 2017: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (codes A21, A23, A22) in the Chicago, IL, area; New Mexico Blue HMO Preferred (codes Qll, Ql3, Q12, Q14, Q16, Q15) in New Mexico; Paramount Health Care (codes N81, N83, N82) in Northwest Ohio; Aetna Whole Health in the Houston, TX, area (codes ES1, ES3, ES2), in the Newport News, VA, area (codes J91, 193, 192), and the Milwaukee, WI, area (codes F71, F73, F72); United Healthcare Benefits of Texas, Inc. (codes GFl, GF3, GF2) in the San Antonio, TX, area; and Innovation Health Plan (codes LQI, LQ3, LQ2) in Northern Virginia. Enrollees in these plans must select new coverage during Open Season. All HMO enrollees should review their plan s 2018 brochure to see if they still live or work in their plan s service area. INFORMATION SOURCES Employees will receive Open Season information from their agencies, and most eligible annuitants, survivor annuitants and former spouse annuitants will receive information from OPM. Plans will not automatically send enrollees their 2018 brochures. You must request a plan brochure or download it from FEDERAL BENEFITS INSTITUTE SELF PLUS ONE CAUTION! Make sure you do not pay more than you have to! In most cases, Self Plus One premiums are lower, but hundreds of thousands of enrollees have not switched from Self Plus Family. However, there are plans in which the enrollee premium for Self Plus One coverage is higher than the enrollee premium for Self and Family. Check your plan s premiums for 2018 to make sure the Self Plus One premium is again lower than Self and Family. Cover your eyes. It could help uncover health issues. Budget-friendly plans. A large network. Membership satisfaction. Sign up at BENEFEDS.com. Open Season dates: November 13 through December 11, 2017 EST NOV 2017

9 The Aetna Direct SM plan Federal retirees: Put money back into your pocket. Low monthly plan premiums below the federal average 1 A fund of up to $1,800 to help you pay for prescriptions or Medicare Part B premiums Waived deductibles and coinsurance for medical services if Medicare Parts A and B are primary and your provider accepts Medicare assignment Open Season starts November 13. To find out more, visit aetnafeds.com/aetnadirect or call aetnafeds.com/aetnadirect 1 Assumes a single annual income up to $85,000 or a joint annual income up to $170,000. This premium increases as income increases. Rates are as of February 1, 2016, and are subject to change. Health insurance plans are offered and/or underwritten by Aetna Life Insurance Company (Aetna). This is a brief description of the features of this Aetna health insurance plan. Before making a decision, please read the plan s applicable federal brochure(s). All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions set forth in the federal brochure. Plan features and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Aetna does not provide care or guarantee access to health services. For more information about Aetna plans, refer to aetnafeds.com/aetnadirect Aetna Inc FED (9/17)

10 Open Season Report FEHB FAQS FOR OPEN SEASON Why are the enrollee shares for some Self Plus One enrollments the same or higher than Self and Family enrollee shares for the same plan? The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has provided the following answer to that question: For most enrollees, the enrollee share for Self Plus One will be lower than the enrollee share for Self and Family. However, it is possible that some plans will have higher enrollee shares for Self Plus One enrollments than for Self and Family enrollments. The statutory formula that is used to calculate the government contribution is based on the average of all plan premiums and requires that OPM calculate a maximum contribution for each enrollment type. In other words, there is a limit to how much the government will contribute toward the cost of a Self Only, Self Plus One or Self and Family enrollment. The government contributes the lesser of the maximum contribution or 75 percent of the total premium. The remaining amount is the enrollee share (how much the enrollee must pay). In some cases, such as plans with a premium cost that is above the program average, this calculation may result in a higher enrollee share for a Self Plus One enrollment than a Self and Family enrollment. See example below. Which benefit is the most important to consider? For those not enrolled in Medicare Part B, the catastrophic protection benefit is very important. It puts a dollar limit on what you have to pay out of pocket in terms of co-payments and coinsurance for the expenses that the plan covers. Considering the catastrophic protection benefits for a two-option plan, it is not possible, generally, to recover enough in additional high-option benefits to offset the much higher premiums. However, you should carefully compare the options, especially prescription drug coverage. If I make an Open Season enrollment change and I have to go to the doctor after January 1, which plan do I contact to provide the insurance coverage based on my visit? Your new plan is not responsible for providing coverage until the effective date of your enrollment change, which for most employees is the first day of the first full pay period in January. If you need SELF PLUS ONE SELF & FAMILY A Total premium $400 $420 B Lesser of Max Gov t. Contrib. $291 $320 C A x 75 $300 $315 D Gov t. Contrib. Lesser of B and C $291 $315 E Enrollee Contrib. A-D $109 $105 medical services before the effective date of your Open Season enrollment, you should contact your old plan. Please remember, while the new enrollments are not effective until the first full pay period in January, the new plan benefits are effective January 1. Your old plan, therefore, will provide coverage according to the new contract. These expenses will count toward your prior year s deductible. If you are an annuitant, you should contact your new plan. Your Open Season enrollment is effective January 1. My health maintenance organization (HMO) sent a notice that it will stop participating in the FEHB Program during the new Open Season and now I have no plans where I live. What can I do? You may not be eligible to enroll in an HMO plan, but there are several fee-for-service plans available nationwide to all federal employees and annuitants. These plans are: APWU Health Plan, Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program - Standard Option, Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program - Basic Option, GEHA Health Savings Advantage high-deductible health plan (HDHP), Mail Handlers Benefit Plan (MHBP), MHBP - HDHP, National Association of Letter Carriers Health Benefit Plan, SAMBA High Option, and SAMBA Standard Option. Please review the brochures of these plans to determine which plan best meets your medical needs. 50 NOV 2017

11 WE DO. Keep your smile healthy with GEHA Connection Dental Federal. See any dentist, no deductible Free preventive care, in-network Orthodontia paid at 70% No waiting period for most services and procedures (including orthodontic services for High Option) $35,000 High Option annual maximum benefit More than 340,000 in-network provider locations nationwide Estimate the cost of common dental procedures at gehadental.com/2018. OPEN SEASON NOV 13 DEC 11, 2017 * Enroll with GEHA at BENEFEDS.com. * FEDVIP Open Season enrollment closes Dec. 11, 2017, at midnight EST GEHA gehadental.com/ Government Employees Health Association, Inc. All rights reserved.

12 Open Season Report If federal enrollees have HMOs in their local areas that do not currently participate in the FEHB Program, we encourage them to ask their HMOs to consider the FEHB market for their area. Can I enroll online in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) without contacting the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), if I keep the Got questions about Medicare and the FEHB? Get answers at Medicare and the FEHB and in the NARFE Federal Benefits Institute, same health plan and do I need to do anything? BENEFEDS is an enrollment and premium processing system sponsored by OPM that you must use to enroll in the Federal Employees IMPORTANT REMINDERS FOR ALL FEHB PARTICIPANTS RESEARCH PREFERRED PROVIDERS. Feefor-service (FFS) plans use preferred provider organizations (PPOs) and doctors to help contain program costs and keep premiums at a reasonable rate. Usually, you will save a lot on out-of-pocket costs if you use your plan s preferred hospitals or doctors. However, PPO arrangements are business contracts that are not always renewed. PPO arrangements can be made and also can be discontinued from one year to the next. In addition, there may not be PPO arrangements in all parts of the country. If you are enrolled in a FFS plan or thinking of enrolling in one, you should check with the hospitals and doctors you use and ask them if they are PPO providers in your plan. You also can review your plan s PPO directory to see if your doctor or hospital is a PPO provider for your plan. ASK QUESTIONS. Be careful to confirm information in your plan s brochure by speaking with a plan representative. Do not assume anything. For example, plans may describe benefits in terms of annual or annually. This would seem to mean each year, when, in fact, it may mean that a year must have elapsed before it will cover you again. Also, while a hospital may be a PPO for your plan, not all departments in that hospital are PPO providers. Hospitals contract out much of their emergency room, technical and lab work to other groups that may not be PPO providers for your plan, and you will pay more for their services. ID CARDS. New plan identification cards showing your enrollment are issued by the health plan. If you do not change to another plan or option during Open Season, you don t necessarily get a new ID card from the plan. IMPORTANT REMINDERS FOR ANNUITANTS AND SURVIVORS OPEN SEASON NOTIFICATION. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will send you notification in your Open Season notice, or contact the Open Season Online at the internet address provided by mail or electronically if you have provided OPM Season Processing Center provided in your Open with your address. Both notices will provide Season notice. details on Open Season and guidance on how to LOW ANNUITY. If your monthly annuity is not obtain information and materials. enough to cover your plan s 2018 premiums, you PLAN PARTICIPATION. Make sure your current must change to a plan that you can afford. You also plan will participate in the Federal Employees Health may pay your monthly premiums directly to OPM Benefits (FEHB) Program for This is especially if you want to stay with your current plan but your important if you are currently enrolled in a health monthly annuity is not sufficient to withhold the maintenance organization (HMO) plan. premium amount. STAYING PUT. If, after reading your current plan s MEDICARE ENROLLEES. Make sure you read your brochure particularly about changes and premiums plan brochure s sections titled When You Have for 2018 you decide to continue your current coverage, you do not have to do anything. Your enroll- Coverage. Medicare and Coordinating Benefits With Other ment in your current plan will continue into 2018, AGE 65 AND NOT ENROLLED IN MEDICARE. and the new premiums will be deducted from your Fee-for-service (FFS) plans include a section in their February 1, 2018, monthly annuity payment. brochures titled When You Are Age 65 or Over and MAKING A CHANGE. For Open Season changes, Do Not Have Medicare. This section details how, by call the Open Season Express number provided in law, the plan must use Medicare s approved amounts your FEHB Open Season notice, log on to Open on which to base its payments. 52 NOV 2017

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14 Open Season Report Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). BENEFEDS includes a secure website and a call center. BENEFEDS also handles billing and premium administration. It s the only place to enroll in a FEDVIP plan. You enroll securely online at com or by telephone at , TTY Your personal information is safe in the BENEFEDS system. The BENEFEDS.com website employs a number of security features such as password lockouts after three consecutive incorrect attempts, session time-outs to protect unattended machines and encryption to ensure your information is kept private. Is it possible to make a serious mistake in choosing an FEHB plan? All FEHB plans are good. All cover hospital and physician care, prescriptions, outpatient diagnostic lab tests, treatment of mental illness, home health care, routine mammograms for women over age 35, routine prostate cancer tests for men over age 40 and smoking cessation programs. Some also cover special benefits such as acupuncture and dental care. In addition, many health maintenance organizations (HMOs) provide more comprehensive preventive care. Generally, you can make a serious mistake only if you enroll in: a costly plan or option when you don t need one; a plan that doesn t cover a specific benefit that you need; Self Only coverage when you need additional coverage or vice versa; or you enroll in a plan that requires you to use preferred providers and there are none in your area. Or, if you live outside the United States and Puerto Rico, and do not enroll in a plan that offers overseas benefits. FEDERAL BENEFITS INSTITUTE DON T MISS THE DECEMBER ISSUE! Specific Plan Changes * Prescription Drug Guide Dental & Vision Plan Premiums HAPPY TEETH. HAPPY LIFE. Affordable GEBA Dental Plans OPEN ENROLLMENT: NOV 13-DEC 18 NOW AVAILABLE to all federal employees, retirees and their families. For 60 years, GEBA (Government Employees Benefit Association) has offered affordable, high-quality insurance from financially strong companies. Although we are not participants of the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, our plans are open to ALL federal employees, retirees and their families. Visit GEBA.com to learn more about what we can do for you. GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES BENEFIT ASSOCIATION GEBA.com NOV 2017

15 24/7 online access to a doctor can help ease the pain. Switch to a health plan that provides access to care anywhere. UnitedHealthcare health plans for federal employees include benefits that help you stay healthier. Like our Real Appeal personalized weight loss program. And Virtual Visits, which provides 24/7 online access to a doctor. Good health happens together. Visit uhcfeds.com to learn more. Real Appeal is a voluntary weight loss program that is offered to eligible participants as part of their benefit plan. The information provided under this program is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be nor should be construed as medical and/or nutritional advice. Participants should consult an appropriate health care professional to determine what may be right for them. Any items/tools that are provided may be taxable and participants should consult an appropriate tax professional to determine any tax obligations they may have from receiving items/tools under the program. Virtual visits are not an insurance product, health care provider or a health plan. Unless otherwise required, benefits are available only when services are delivered through a Designated Virtual Network Provider. Virtual visits are not intended to address emergency or life-threatening medical conditions and should not be used in those circumstances. Services may not be available at all times or in all locations. Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates. Health Plan coverage provided by or through a UnitedHealthcare company MT / United HealthCare Services, Inc.

16 Open Season Report FEDVIP PREMIUMS The average premium increase for the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) will be 1.20 percent for dental and 0.48 percent for vision in 2017, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced October 4. FEDVIP is separate and different from the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. OPM has contracted with 12 insurance carriers to provide comprehensive coverage under 14 different plans. DENTAL INSURANCE There are 10 dental plans: Aetna Life Insurance Company Delta Dental Services Dominion Dental FEP BlueDental (Blue Cross Blue Shield) Humana Government Employees Health Association, Inc. (GEHA) EmblemHealth, Inc. MetLife, Inc. Triple-S Salud United Concordia Companies, Inc. Dental plans will provide a comprehensive range of services, including the following: Class A (Basic) services, which include oral examinations, prophylaxis, diagnostic evaluations, sealants and X-rays. Class B (Intermediate) services, which include restorative procedures such as fillings, prefabricated stainless steel crowns, periodontal scaling, tooth extractions and denture adjustments. Class C (Major) services, which include endodontic services such as root canals, periodontal services such as gingivectomy, major restorative services such as crowns, oral surgery, bridges and prosthodontic services such as complete dentures. Class D (Orthodontic) services with a 12-month waiting period. Please review the dental plans benefits material for detailed information on the benefits covered, cost-sharing requirements and provider directories. VISION INSURANCE There are four vision plans: Aetna Life Insurance Company FEP BlueVision (Blue Cross Blue Shield) United Healthcare Vision Plan Vision Service Plan (VSP) Vision plans will provide comprehensive eye examinations and coverage for lenses, frames and contact lenses (in lieu of eyeglasses). There are no deductibles or waiting periods. Other benefits such as discounts on LASIK surgery also may be available. You must review the vision plans benefits material for detailed information on the benefits covered, cost-sharing requirements and provider directories. PREMIUMS Premiums will vary by plan and by enrollment type. Premiums for the dental plans are based on home ZIP codes. (For most dental plans, there are five rating areas for each carrier. The rating areas for each carrier are not the same for all plans. See the specific plan brochure or call the plan s customer service number to determine your region and premium.) There is no government contribution to FEDVIP premiums. If you are a federal employee, your premiums will be taken from your salary on a pretax basis when your salary is sufficient to make the premium withholding. If you are an annuitant, premiums will be withheld from your monthly annuity check when your annuity is sufficient. Based on the Internal Revenue Code, pretax premiums are not available for annuitants. For information on each plan s premiums, visit healthcare-insurance/dentalvision/plan-information. FEDVIP FAST FACTS Eligibility. Federal and U.S. Postal Service employees eligible for the FEHB or the Health Insurance Marketplace (Exchange), unless excluded by law or regulation, are eligible to enroll in FEDVIP. Annuitants are eligible regardless of FEHB or Health Insurance Marketplace eligibility. Enrollment options. The following options are available: Self Only. Covers only the enrolled employee or annuitant; Self Plus One. Covers the enrolled employee or annuitant plus one eligible family member specified by the enrollee; and Self and Family. Covers the enrolled employee or annuitant and all eligible family members. Eligible family members. Eligible family members include your spouse, unmarried dependent children under age 22, and unmarried dependent children age 22 or over incapable of selfsupport because of a mental or physical disability that existed before age 22. The Affordable Care Act does not mandate coverage under dental and vision plans for dependents up to age 26, as it does for health insurance. 56 NOV 2017

17 This Open Season, protect your smile with Delta Dental s Federal Employees Dental Program. Enjoy the flexibility of two plans to meet your needs. With both plan choices, 100% of your costs are covered for routine services like exams and cleanings when you see one of our FEDVIP network dentists. We make it easy to take care of your oral health with great benefits, affordable rates, and a large network of dentists nationwide. Discover what s new for 2018 in Delta Dental s Federal Employees Dental Program. Visit deltadentalins.com/fedvip. Copyright 2017 Delta Dental. All rights reserved. FEDP # (rev. 7/17)

18 Active and Retired Federal Employees... Join NARFE Today! The only organization dedicated solely to protecting and preserving the benefits of all federal workers and retirees, NARFE informs you of any developments and proposals that affect your compensation, retirement and health benefits, AND provides clear answers to your questions. Who Should Join the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association? If your future security is tied to federal retirement benefits federal retirees, current employees, spouses and individual survivors you should join NARFE. NARFE MEMBER BENEFITS Get monthly issues of narfe magazine with news and insights for the federal community. Access the NARFE Federal Benefits Institute for powerful resources to help you fully understand and manage your benefits. Visit the Legislative Action Center to contact your representatives about bills affecting federal benefits. Visit the Member Perks page for a full listing of the many time-, money- and hassle-saving benefits available only to NARFE members. The opportunity to get involved at the local level by joining a chapter in your area. 1Q6 NARFE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION q YES. I want to join NARFE for the low annual dues of $40. q Mr. q Mrs. q Miss q Ms. Full Name Street Address Apt./Unit City State ZIP Phone I am a (check all that apply) q Active Federal Employee q Active Federal Employee Spouse q Annuitant q Annuitant Spouse q Survivor Annuitant q Please enroll my spouse Spouse s Full Name Spouse s THREE EASY WAYS TO JOIN 1. Complete this application and mail with your payment to NARFE / Member Records / 606 N. Washington St. / Alexandria, VA Join online at 3. Call , Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. PAYMENT OPTIONS q Check, Money Order or Bill Pay (Payable to NARFE) q Bill me (NARFE membership will start when payment is received.) q Charge my: q MasterCard q VISA q Discover q AMEX Card No. Expiration Date / mm yyyy Name on Card Signature Date TOTAL DUES $40 Annual Dues X = Per Person # Enrolling Total Dues Dues payments are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Looking to meet others in the federal community and participate in NARFE at a local level? Call to learn about a NARFE chapter in your area. Or, if known, add Chapter # to join now MAY WE THANK SOMEONE? If applicable, please provide the name, membership and chapter number of the member who introduced you to NARFE: Recruiter s Name Recruiter s Membership ID Recruiter s Chapter Number NARFE respects the privacy of our members. Personal information is used to provide content and relevant communications to our members, and will not be sold or rented to third parties without your express permission.

19 NARFE s Dues Withholding Program What is dues withholding? It is a dues-payment method that gives NARFE members (retirees) the option of having their annual NARFE membership dues deducted from their annuities on a monthly basis. Advantages Save 15% off your annual NARFE dues! Sign up your spouse and double your savings! You ll never get another dues reminder from us! Your monthly payment is affordable and convenient! You may cancel your dues withholding at any time! How does it work? One-twelfth of your total dues is automatically deducted from your monthly annuity. Your monthly deduction is determined by the following formula: (NARFE dues 12) + (Chapter dues - if applicable 12) = Total Monthly Deduction How do I sign up? It takes days to process your application. Once the process is complete, you will receive a special membership card distinguishing you as a NARFE dues-withholding member. To learn more about dues withholding, call Retirees, spouses of retirees and annuitant survivors are eligible for dues withholding. NARFE Dues Withholding Application for Retirees YES. I want to enroll in NARFE s Dues Withholding Program (Annual NARFE dues of $34 and, if applicable, Chapter dues of record to be withheld annually.) Social Security Number (9-digit number) Mr. Mrs. Miss Ms. Full Name Street Address Apt./Unit City State ZIP Phone ( ) Date of Birth / / dd mm yyyy Civil Service Annuity Number C S (Include prefix, CSA or CSF) (Include any applicable suffix) NARFE MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION NARFE Membership ID NARFE Chapter # (If applicable) YES. I Also Authorize My (NARFE Member) Spouse s Dues To Be Withheld From My Annuity. (Additional annual dues of $34 and, if applicable, chapter dues to be withheld annually.) If YES, enter spouse s information below. Spouse s Name Spouse s Membership ID AUTHORIZATION (Withholding will begin in days). No payment should be forwarded with application. I authorize the United States Office of Personnel Management to make appropriate deductions from my annuity payments, not to exceed the amount certified by the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association as the amount of dues for which I am annually obligated, in accordance with elections I made above, and to pay the deducted sum to the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE). This authorization shall also apply to any and all dues changes certified by NARFE membership in accordance with elections I made above: Please allow days for processing. I understand that this authorization shall be valid until NARFE receives and processes my written notice of cancellation in accordance with its agreement with the Office of Personnel Management and that any disputes regarding this authorization shall be a matter between NARFE and myself. I hold the Office of Personnel Management harmless for any erroneous allotment deduction made pursuant to this authorization. Signature of Annuitant or Survivor-Annuitant Date Dues payments and gifts or contributions to NARFE are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. MAIL THIS FORM TO: NARFE, ATTN: Member Records, 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA rr@narfe.org Do not send money with this form DW-2 (11/16)

20 ALL NEW! NARFE S PREMIER CONFERENCE AUGUST 26-28, 2018 JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA HYATT REGENCY JACKSONVILLE RIVERFRONT LEARN FROM THE BEST AT FEDcon18 the premier training conference for the federal community where NARFE experts deliver: Practical, easy-to-understand knowledge to ensure that you capitalize on your federal benefits and leave nothing on the table at retirement and beyond A close inspection of legislation and policies threatening the security of current and retired Feds and what you can do Best practices and leadership development to enhance the federal community s contribution at the local level FEDcon18 in Jacksonville, Florida, sets the stage for a one-of-a-kind forum celebrating the dedication of America s civil servants. Get ready for a fast-paced, two and one-half days of thought-provoking speakers, leadership training, intensive benefit education and the opportunity to engage and connect with your federal colleagues. WHO SHOULD ATTEND? All Feds who want to maximize the value of their benefits and annuity and avoid post-retirement financial pitfalls Any Fed anxious about legislation and policies that will derail their retirement All Feds, spouses and survivors who want to safeguard their financial future NARFE leaders engaged in chapter development and governance Federal HR and benefits specialists who want to advance their expertise to better serve their colleagues SIGN UP for updates at NARFE, the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, provides legislative advocacy to protect and preserve the earned pay, retirement and benefits of federal employees, retirees and their survivors. NARFE provides expert education on and assistance with benefits for all members of the organization.