So today I was speaking to my leadership and it has been mentioned that we could face another shut down effective 12/11. I wonder if he’ll try to beat his last record.

We were just informed today that starting tomorrow we will be answering the 1-800 number for an hour every morning before we open. Is anyone else at the FO already doing this? We were told all CSRs, CS and TEs will be doing this daily. Who will answer the overwhelming about of MDWs or questions we get directed to us daily if we’re also on the phones during the only adjudication time we get? I am genuinely dumbfounded at the lengths to which these people are going to break this agency.

Edited to add: we already have at least one person pulled every day to be on the 1-800 number all day. This is new in addition to that.

Why in the world did MHBP’s Self and Family premium jump from $218 to over $400 per paycheck? This is absolutely insane. I was counting on the $0 maternity bill we had under the previous benefits, but now we’re looking at 10% of the hospital stay on top of a massive premium increase, especially with a baby due in march.

What other options are you all considering, or does anyone have suggestions for navigating this situation? It’s incredibly frustrating to see the premium increase by nearly 84% while the maternity benefits are getting worse.

Strongly considering switching to this plan in open season, does anyone have any actual experience with the plan?

I’ve had a reasonable accommodation for remote work but my agency decided against my doctor’s recommendation/paperwork that I need to return to office. I resigned but they came back and offered me a part-time position. I said I’d try it, 20 hours a week in office. They haven’t really been able to provide me with any details on how this change would affect my benefits, retirement, etc besides directing me to the OPM website. And they told me to contact payroll myself to figure out what my hourly pay would be. All they said was that on my time card, I’ll enter 20 hours of worked hours and then use LWOP for the other 20 hours, each pay period. Is there anything else I should be aware of or take into consideration? Full-time in office with the commute is just not an option for me, so it’s try this or quit.

FEP Blue (BCBS) is starting to post their 2027 benefit information to their website. One thing they point out is they have a new "Specialty Pharmacy Partner" starting in Jan 2027. This means BCBS is leaving CVS Caremark and going with Accredo (Express Scripts). This will require new prior authorizations with new requirements for those who take certain medications.

They also state they will now be requiring prior authorizations for MRIs, PETs, and CT scans. Expect that approval process to take longer than what you are currently used to.

https://www.fepblue.org/open-season/whats-new-2027

I have MHBP consumer HSA for 2026 (which is cancelled by FEHB for 2027). I’m having surgery in January 4. I’ve met my deductible for 2026, so I know for sure if I have surgery by Dec 31 it will be free, but I’m not sure what my coverage is if I have it on Jan 4.

I read that if I change plans during open season, my 2027 plan takes effect Jan 10.
And because my 2026 plan is cancelled by FEHB for 2027, does this mean that my surgery will still be free (meaning under the 2026) benefits if I have it on January 4 (before the new 2027 plan benefits kick in)?

I’m not sure who to confirm this with as I don’t want to get fucked in this in-between plan stage Jan 1-Jan 9 (and having it Jan 4 is more ideal than in December).

Any help would be appreciated. Or if someone has experience with this situation.

Anybody working a side hustle? I’m looking for ideas that offer some flexibility.

If you are working another job, how long did it take for it to be approved?

Had a busy year of family illnesses but I am burnt out, holidays are coming and I want to use my AL and LWOP to be gone for a week.

Aside from lost pay is there anything else to be concerned about?

Thanks in advance

My family has BCBS basic for medical and the basic GEHA for dental. The dentist Ive gone to for the last two years retired and his practice was bought out. When I went for my cleaning in September with the new owner I was told I had the $35 co-pay for visit as part of the medical insurance. I did pay it because the receptionist was persistent and I had to get back to work. I was so confused because we have never had to pay a co-pay for a cleaning. That include for my husband and son (we all go through different providers). Have others been charged co pays for cleanings? I know the process to get cleanings paid for is a pain but Ive never experienced this. BCBS is saying well thats what your policy says and the office will only go by the BCBS EOB. I have also confirmed this provider is in network for GEHA.

I am confused about the Selective Service determination and the OPM waiver. My situation is

I came to the US at age 24 and I was on F1 (student non-immigrant visa) until age 26 months hence I was not required to register with the Selective Service. I got my green card after age 26 and then citizenship at age 31. During onboarding I selected "I am not registered with Selective Service" and I provided an explanation in the box. Next, I also provided a sworn statement and other immigration documents (I tried to obtain the SIL from Selective Service but since June 2026 they have stopped issuing the SIL). However, the HR is instructing me to modify the sworn statement to "I declare under the penalty of perjury that the information contained in this statement is true and correct and that I was not required to register because I entered the U.S. after the age registration requirement period of 18-25" to seek a waiver from OPM (takes 6-9 months). I clarified that I was exempt from Selective Service registration because I was on a non-immigrant visa until the age of 26 months and I entered the US at age 24, but the HR responded saying "there is no standard template specifically for non-immigrant visa exemptions under this new waiver workflow".

I would appreciate any insights on my situation. Thank you!

What's your experience with NASC?

FOs who have switched to NASC - How's that going? I'm especially curious about SSI and state specifics and DIBs that require extensive development. We were told that all claims have to be completed with the customer on the phone; is that true? And if not, when are we supposed to complete them? We have not had any instructions and supposedly are switching over very soon.

I’m a worst case scenario person who wants to not fear having to go to the ER when necessary.. and I read a comment that MHBP’s 10% coinsurance could be less than BCBS’s $500 copay?? I know the full OPM info isn’t out yet but I always prefer options that have the least about if coinsurance percentages, bc that feels scarier to me. Would love to know anyone’s experience with coinsurance and what any other worst case scenario person is considering for plans in 2026??

I also need labs every six weeks, one autoimmune dx and PT🤔

I’m currently a GS 12-4 but have an offer for a GS 11. I know that they would try to match my pay which will be a pay cut, but it is what it is. What I’m wondering, though is in a few years when I will get my next pay increase at that time I will be looking to get a GS 12 position again. When that happens, would I start over as a 12–1? Or would I be a 12–5?