The real FEHB $10,000 shock isn’t the premium – it’s the IRMAA trap.
Yes, BCBS Basic Family is projected to hit $10,000 in 2027 and BCBS Standard Family hits $13K ($12,800). OPM says average FEHB increase is 10.9% for 2027.
But here’s what OPM doesn’t tell you: If you keep FEHB in retirement AND enroll in Medicare Part B, a GS-13 Step 10 couple could pay $10,000 for FEHB plus $6,000 a year in IRMAA surcharges for Part B and Part D.
$16,000 TOTAL per year just to keep health insurance in retirement.
This is the FEHB + IRMAA double-pay trap. When does it make sense to SUSPEND FEHB and go Medicare Only? When does GEHA + Part B beat BCBS?
I’m breaking down BCBS Basic vs Standard vs GEHA vs Medicare Only math.
COMMENT your:
– Grade: GS-13, GS-14, GS-15
– Plan: BCBS Basic, Standard, GEHA HDHP
– Retirement Year
I’ll reply if Medicare only becomes smarter for you.
#fersretirement #fehb #federalretirement
source
Informative.