Navigating open enrollment: A guide to switching health plans with ease

I retired from the Department of the Interior almost six years ago, and my wife and I are currently on Medicare part A (not B) and I have BCBS Standard (106) as self plus one. In an effort to save money, I’m considering switching to GEHA High (313). However, before making a decision, I’m wondering if this would be a simple switch or if there is something else that I may be missing. Additionally, can I switch back to BCBS if I don’t like GEHA? Lastly, what percentage of retirees use FEHB and Medicare part A only?

Reg Jones is a charter member of the senior executive service and has served as an assistant director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management handling recruiting, examining white-collar pay, retirement, insurance and other issues from 1979 until 1995. As a resident expert on retirement and the federal government at Federal Times, he offers insights into retirement benefits options for federal employees.

One advantage of the Federal Employees Health Benefits program is that you can change your health benefits plan during the annual Open Enrollment season without penalty. According to NARFE (the National Active and Retiree Employees Association), most retirees choose not to enroll in Part B because they already have adequate coverage through their employer-sponsored plans. If you have any questions about your retirement benefits options or need guidance on which plan is right for you, you can reach out to Reg Jones at fedexperts@federaltimes.com.