Title: Do you know how PSHB and Medicare work together?
Article Snip: "USPS will offer an informational webinar throughout the year...The session, “PSHB and Medicare in Retirement,” will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern on the following Mondays: Feb. 10, March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, Aug. 11 and Sept. 8.
Participants must register before each event on the webinar website. ...
"
Title: MEDICARE | 2025 Annual Update to the Code List of CPT/HCPCS Codes
Article Snip: "We maintain and annually update a List of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)/Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Codes (the Code List), which identifies all the items and services included within certain designated health services (DHS) categories or that may qualify for certain exceptions. We update the Code List to conform to the most recent publications of CPT and HCPCS codes and to account for changes in Medicare coverage and payment policies. Code List updates for years 2022 and earlier were published in the Federal Register as an addendum to the annual Physician Fee Schedule final rule.
2025 Annual Update to the Code List
Below you will find the Code List that is effective January 1, 2025 and a description of the revisions effective for Calendar Year 2025. To submit a comment, go to www.regulations.gov and enter the docket number “CMS-2024-0301” in the search field. Select the “Comment” button and follow the instructions. To be considered, comments must be received on or before December 26, 2024.
List of codes effective January 1, 2025, published November 26, 2024
Annual Update to the List of CPT/HCPCS Codes Effective January 1, 2025 (PDF)
"
Title: What happens if a PSHB employee covered by EGWP signs up for Medicare Part D?
Article Snip: "If a PSHB employee covered by an Employer Group Waiver Plan (EGWP) signs up for a separate Medicare Part D plan, they are essentially double-paying for prescription drug coverage, as their EGWP through PSHB already provides that coverage; they should contact their PSHB plan to potentially opt out of the EGWP and enroll in their chosen Part D plan instead, but be aware that doing so could result in a gap in coverage and potential late enrollment penalties depending on their situation.
Key points to remember:
Redundant coverage:
When a PSHB employee is already covered by the EGWP, enrolling in a separate Part D plan means they are paying for prescription drug coverage twice.
Opting out of EGWP:
If a PSHB employee wants to switch to a different Part D plan, they should contact their PSHB plan to properly opt out of the EGWP and enroll in their chosen plan.
Potential penalties:
Depending on the circumstances, opting out of the EGWP without enrolling in another Part D plan could lead to a late enrollment penalty when they try to enroll later.
"
Title: NPMHU/USPS | One Time Retirement Incentive
Article Snip: "...NPMHU and the USPS have reached an agreement on the terms of a One Time Retirement Incentive. The parties have agreed that the Postal Service will make lump sum incentive payments totaling $15,000 (less applicable taxes and deductions) to eligible..."
Reference: npmhu317.blogspot.comTitle: OPM extends long-term care program suspension | New enrollments are on hold until December 2026
Article Snip: "...The U.S. Office of Personnel Management has extended the suspension period for all new Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program applications.
The agency, also known as OPM, initially suspended applications for two years beginning in 2022. This suspension has been extended until Dec. 19, 2026.
In a statement, OPM said the suspension is needed because of ongoing volatility in long-term care costs and a diminished insurance market..."
Title: Problems with Medicare Advantage Plans Keep Mounting
Article Snip: "...Complaints and problems with Medicare Advantage include denial of service and slow care approvals. Consumers need to pay attention. ... People tend to like their Medicare Advantage plans — until they don’t. ...
...
MA faces mounting criticism for denying and delaying some needed care while costing taxpayers billions more than government-run, so-called fee-for-service, traditional Medicare. ... The reasons for Medicare Advantage’s expanding popularity are readily apparent: lower costs for individuals, simpler selections and extras, such as dental and vision coverage and even gym memberships, not provided by traditional Medicare. ..."
Title: Is Medicare Part D better for a postal retiree than PSHB Part D Employer Group Waiver Plan (EGWP)?
Article Snip: "...For many retirees, Medicare Part D can be considered better than a PSHB Part D EGWP because it often offers more flexibility in plan selection, wider drug coverage options, and may have lower out-of-pocket costs due to broader access to the Medicare Part D marketplace, while the EGWP might be more limited in its drug formulary and could potentially cost more for certain medications depending on individual needs; additionally, opting out of the EGWP may result in losing prescription drug coverage altogether while still paying the same premium. ...
However, it's important to compare plans carefully before making a decision:
Review your medication needs:
Analyze which medications you take regularly and compare their coverage and costs under both the PSHB EGWP and available Medicare Part D plans."
Title: What happens to my FEGLI Basic Life premium when i turn 65?
Title: Japanese woman who was the world’s oldest person at 116 has died
Article Snip: "...TOKYO (AP) — Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman who was the world’s oldest person according to Guinness World Records, has died, an Ashiya city official said Saturday. She was 116. ...According to the Gerontology Research Group, the world’s oldest person is now 116-year-old Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was born 16 days after Itooka. ..."
Reference: www.wsbtv.comTitle: Baby boomer homeowners fear losing their properties as they spend down their savings
Article Snip: "...Many baby boomers are struggling with rising home repair costs, insurance premiums, and property taxes while also facing a scarcity of affordable retirement housing options. And working all their lives isn't enough to prevent a growing number of older people from experiencing homelessness.
Rising rents and home prices, largely caused by a housing shortage and other cost-of-living spikes, are hitting older adults especially hard. Overall homelessness surged to its highest level on record..."
