Benefits News 
Top News
- Data breach puts DHS workers at risk of ID theft
- DoD to pursue commercial alternative to VA's VistA system
- Obama to nominate Tangherlini as GSA administrator
- PHOTOS: Meet the 2013 Service to America Medal Finalists
- House GOP panel moves on deep budget cuts
- OMB fuels synergy between mobile, open data
- IRS official Lerner: 'I did nothing wrong'
- OMB reworking financial system requirements to focus on outcomes, not inputs
- Retirement funds temporarily tapped to avoid debt limit default
- VanRoekel to lead OMB management team
- SBA starting new lending program for veterans
- New Apple devices cleared to join DoD IT networks
- Bonuses under fire at GSA, other agencies
- Wednesday federal headlines - May 22, 2013
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.
What's next for the U.S. Postal Service?
Federal Times Editor Steve Watkins and senior writer Sean Reilly will talk about the future of the U.S. postal service, and NARFE legislative director Daniel Adcock will discuss the changes that Congress wants to make to your retirement benefits.
September 21, 2011
More investment options: Good idea, or not?
Should federal and military investors have more options — more high-risk, high-reward funds within their Thrift Savings Plan? Some people want to walk on the wild side, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey reports.
Feds' $60B sacrifice might not be enough
Jessica Klement, chief lobbyist for the Federal Managers Association and Federal Times senior writer Steve Losey join host Mike Causey on today's program.
September 14, 2011
9/11: When the Rules Changed Forever
It used to be normal for senior correspondent Mike Causey to walk through federal buildings, meet with feds in the halls or have lunch at the OPM cafeteria. That all changed after Sept. 11.
Civil Servants As Millionaires?
There are 185 federal workers with million dollar Thrift Savings Plan balances. Who are they and how did they do it, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey wonders?
Fed helped fast-track Social Security processing
Diane Braunstein is the associate commissioner of the Social Security Administration's Office of International Programs.
2011 Buyout Guide
A list of federal agencies that considered or offered buyouts and early retirements in 2011.
Is a federal job still golden?
When times were good having a federal job was nice. When the going got tough, having a federal job was golden. But next, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says, comes the political backlash to the point where many feds are having second thoughts about their career goals.(Editor's Note: This column originally appeared July 15, 2011.)
