Benefits News 
Top News
- Contractors with security clearances lack path to report problems
- Feds outside the Beltway react to furloughs
- Contracting executives guilty of 8(a) program fraud
- EPA CIO Jackson returning to private sector
- Navy strikes enterprise licensing deal with Oracle
- USPS reaches energy reduction goal ahead of schedule
- NOAA meteorologist helps save lives one storm at a time
- 29-year-old NASA engineer going where no one has gone before
- NASA picks 8 new astronauts, 4 of them women
- House passes sweeping $638 billion defense bill
- NIH tops list of best companies for baby boomers
- Latest postal reform proposal OKs 5-day delivery
- IRS official contradicts claims about reviews
- House presses VA for more details after cyber attacks
- DoD maintains BRAC fight, despite opposition
- GSA to review all internal contracting practices after latest IG report
- GAO: Agencies should expand TechStat reviews
- Tuesday federal headlines - June 18, 2013
More feds doing life sentences
Although the number of retirement-eligible feds may be at an all-time high, government workers are holding on to their jobs. The retirement tidal wave — first forecast in 1999 — has yet to hit, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says. So what's keeping you?
USPS proposal would oust FEHBP for single health plan
Host Mike Causey is joined on today's show by Susan R. Johnson, president of the American Foreign Service Association, and Federal Times senior staff writers, Stephen Losey and Sean Reilly.
October 5, 2011
Best health plan for the 'average' person
If you are a 5-foot-9-inch tall, 191 pound federal male, or a 5-foot-3-inch tall 163 pound G-woman, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey's column is for you. Otherwise read it at your own risk.
TRICARE health care info missing
The information was on computer tapes that weren't encrypted according to federal standards.
Analysis: More to choosing a federal health plan than premiums
Ed Zurndorfer, a registered employee benefits consultant, joined the Federal Drive with Tom Temin and Amy Morris for his perspective on what the changes mean for feds and what they should keep in mind when planning their finances for the coming year.
(Not so) confidential surveys
Have you ever taken a confidential attitude survey at your federal agency where you knew that your boss was looking over your shoulder? And making notes? According to some feds it happens all the time, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.
OPM extends more benefits to feds in military families
Federal workers with a family member serving overseas in the military will be able to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for reasons including arranging childcare, attending military events and receiving counseling. The new rule goes into effect next month.
Military retirees to pay higher health premiums
Military retirees will pay slightly more for their health care starting Saturday, and more cost increases are on the way.
Supercommittee given recommendations on federal pay, benefits
It seems everyone would like to bend the ear of the 12 members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction.
Your new BFF, gym buddy and diet coach!
Is your health plan about to become your new Best Friend Forever? Your exercise enabler, your gym partner? It could all happen in January thanks to new affinity partnership programs that will be launched by a federal health plan near you, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.
Behind feds' health premium changes
Host Mike Causey is joined by Steve Bauer, executive director of the Federal Employees Education and Assistance Fund, and Federal Times editor Steve Losey.
September 28, 2011
Feds have sacrificed enough, federal groups tell supercommittee
Postal workers and federal employees groups are urging the "supercommittee" to reject President Barack Obama's proposed increase in employee retirement contributions and support his cap on contractors' salaries. The Federal-Postal Coalition also wants lawmakers to preserve Saturday mail delivery, despite USPS' wishes.
Health premiums: Easy on the wallet
Can you stand a little good news? Do you remember how to react to it? The good news is that health insurance premiums in the FEHBP are only going up an average of 3.8 percent next year. That's almost half the increase in 2011. Check out what you will be paying next year, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.
Feds' health premiums to increase 3.8 percent
Federal employees will see an average of 3.8 percent increase in healthcare premiums in 2012, the lowest rate hike since 2008 and about half of last year's increase. On average, enrollees with self-only coverage will pay $2.32 more per bi-weekly pay period, and enrollees with family coverage will pay $6.18 more, the Office of Personnel Management said.
What will deficit-reduction TRICARE provisions mean for military?
Todd Harrison, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, joined the Federal Drive with Tom Temin and Amy Morris to discuss how deficit-reduction proposals would affect military recruiting.
Roth TSP 'on schedule' for 2012 launch
Thrift Savings Plan Executive Director Greg Long and Tom Trabucco, the TSP's director of external affairs, answer your questions about the Thrift Savings Plan.
September 26, 2011(Encore presentation October 10, 2011)
Feds: Knights In Teflon Armor
What do modern federal workers have in common with St. Joan of Arc who was, by the way, burned at the stake? The answer, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says, is that both managed to maintain a good attitude during some very trying times.
Buyouts about to jumpstart
Thanks to congressional inability to approve budgets, federal agencies must make decisions quickly on whether to offer buyouts and early retirements within the next few weeks, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.
Federal long-term care plan boosts enrollment by 20 percent
Enrollment in the federal long-term-care insurance program increased by 45,000 employees during the open season that ended June 24. It indicates that the aging federal workforce values the benefit despite recent rate hikes.
Less Painful Pain Pills
Why is it that when many federal workers and retirees take a pill for a headache, sinus or their blood pressure they also feel a pain in the butt? Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says its all about the high price of prescription drugs.
