Will Health Care Reform Negatively Affect Your Federal Employee Health Benefits? Take the Poll As the Senate and House seek to pass health care reform, there has been increasing concerns of how such legislation will ultimately affect the future of federal workers and retirees enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB). Learn why, and take our raeder poll to tell us what you think . . . more Congressman Seeks Hearing on Federal Long Term Care Insurance Premium Hike Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) wants to know why thousands of FLTCIP enrollees were led to believe they would be protected from future premium increases but now they are facing increases of 5 to 25 percent . . . more Debt Levels Increase for Those In or Near Retirement "These results are troubling as far as retirement preparedness is concerned, in that American families just reaching retirement or newly retired are more likely to have debt -- and significantly higher levels of debt -- than past generations" . . . more Why Should Uncle Sam Be on Your Holiday Shopping List? If you are making your holiday shopping list, you may want to consider Uncle Sam. Here's why. . . . more What the New Redeposit Rule Means for FERS Employees The consequence of withdrawing FERS contributions and not having the option of redepositing the contributions has caused much hardship among many FERS employees who have left and returned to federal service. Effective immediately, FERS employees are permitted to make a redeposit of previously withdrawn FERS contributions. Practical examples and calculations are examined by federal benefits expert Ed Zurndorfer . . . more Important Considerations When Plannning 2010 TSP Contributions A FERS participant who reaches the annual maximum TSP contribution too quickly could lose some agency matching contributions. Access a calculator to help you plan your contirbutions carefully . . . more More federal retirement articles

Guide to FERS Sick Leave Credit: Understanding How Unused Sick Leave Is Used In the Calculation of a FERS Annuity Effective immediately, federal employees covered by FERS can credit their unused sick leave in the calculation of their FERS annuity. Get a worksheet, sick leave conversion chart, and practical examples of how unused sick leave will be added to the service time . . . more Quick Guide to the 2009 Federal Benefits Open Season This 12-page guide provides a helpful summary of the descriptions of the programs, eligibility rules, enrollment criteria and options, costs, and tax issues. It also includes dozens of helpful phone numbers and website links to access more detailed information . . . more TSP Returns: Monthly and Annual - G, F, C, S, I and L Funds Updated: November 2, 2009 View the latest Thrift Savings Plan returns . . . more Checkbook Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees and Annuitants The guide tells you how much money you can save by changing -- or by staying in -- your health insurance plan. It summarizes thousands of facts about the plans to simplify your choice. Some agencies have arranged for free access to the guide their employees. . . . more 2009 Federal Benefits (FEHB) Open Season: New Premium Rates, Plan Brochures and Comparison Tools Now Available The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has released the plan brochures and comparison tools for the 2009 Federal Benefits Open Season, which will run from November 9 through December 14, 2009 . . . more Federal Benefits Open Season Fact Sheet - 2010 Plan Year Open Season starts November 9, 2009. Here is a quick fact sheet to help guide you in your planning . . . more 2009 Federal Pay Tables More federal retirement resources