PSHB Plans For 2025 Cost

Starting January 1, 2025, the U.S. Postal Service is introducing the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program, a new health insurance initiative tailored specifically for Postal Service employees, retirees, and their eligible family members. Administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), this program will replace the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program for these groups.

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Key Features of the PSHB Program

• Eligibility: Designed exclusively for active Postal Service employees, Postal Service annuitants, and their eligible family members.
• Coverage Transition: Postal Service FEHB coverage will no longer be available, as it will be replaced by the PSHB Program for these groups.
• Inclusion of FECA Claimants: Postal Service claimants and death benefit beneficiaries receiving compensation under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) will also transition to the PSHB Program.

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2025 Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Plan Costs

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The costs for the 2025 Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) plans vary based on enrollment type and plan option. Here’s a breakdown:

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Biweekly Maximum Government Contribution

• Self Only: $286.09
• Self Plus One: $618.40
• Self and Family: $672.95

Plan Options and Biweekly Rates

High Option:

• Self Only: $190.77
• Self Plus One: $519.91
• Self and Family: $465.36

Standard Option:

• Self Only: $98.30
• Self Plus One: $281.10
• Self and Family: $226.55

Prosper Option:

• Self Only: $79.27
• Self Plus One: $185.49
• Self and Family: $185.49

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Premium Increase

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The premium increase for the 2025 PSHB plans is slightly lower than the increase for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. This reduction is attributed to the provisions of the Postal Service Reform Act (PSRA), which include Medicare integration requirements.

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Open Season

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You can make changes to your PSHB plan during the Federal Benefits Open Season, which runs from November 11 to December 9, 2024.

This structure provides flexibility and affordability tailored to the needs of Postal Service employees and their families.

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No Changes for Non-Postal Service Claimants

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It is important to note that this transition impacts only Postal Service claimants. Non-Postal Service claimants will not experience any changes to their existing benefits.

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Additional Resources

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• For a complete overview of the PSHB Program, visit the OPM PSHB website.
• Information specific to Postal Service FECA claimants is available under the “Special Populations” section of the OPM PSHB website.
• Detailed guidance on the implementation of the PSHB Program can be found in FECA Circular 25-01.

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PSHB vs. FEHB: A Comparison

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PSHB (Postal Service Health Benefits) and FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits) are both government-sponsored health insurance programs, but they have distinct differences, particularly for U.S. Postal Service employees and retirees.   

Key Differences:.

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Eligibility:

• FEHB: Primarily for federal civilian employees and their families.   
• PSHB: Specifically designed for U.S. Postal Service employees, retirees, and their families.   

Administration:

• FEHB: Administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).   
• PSHB: Also administered by OPM, but with specific regulations and guidelines for Postal Service employees.

Plan Options:

• FEHB: Offers a wide range of plan options from various insurance carriers.   
• PSHB: May have a more limited selection of plans, tailored to the specific needs of Postal Service employees.

Cost-Sharing:

• FEHB: Cost-sharing arrangements, such as deductibles and co-payments, can vary significantly between plans.   
• PSHB: Cost-sharing may differ from FEHB plans, with specific provisions for Postal Service employees.

Medicare Integration:

• PSHB: Has stricter Medicare integration rules, requiring certain Medicare-eligible individuals to enroll in Medicare Part B to maintain PSHB coverage.

In essence, PSHB is a specialized version of FEHB, designed to meet the specific needs of the U.S. Postal Service workforce. While both programs aim to provide affordable and comprehensive health insurance, the details of coverage, costs, and eligibility can vary.

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Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB)

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For 2025, the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) program will contribute the same amount towards employee health insurance costs for all Postal Service labor unions and management groups. However, this doesn't apply to non-career Postal Service employees or situations covered by specific union agreements.

If you're a Postal Service employee with questions or need help, please contact the USPS Human Resources Shared Service Center at 877-477-3273, option 5. For those using a relay service, the number is 800-877-8339.

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The maximum government contribution for most employees and retirees in 2025 is:

Every two weeks:

• $286.09 for Self-Only coverage
• $618.40 for Self + One coverage
• $672.95 for Self and Family coverage

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Monthly:

• $619.86 for Self-Only coverage
• $1,339.87 for Self + One coverage
• $1,458.06 for Self and Family coverage

The average PSHB Plans For 2025 Cost, with the government contribution, is:

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Every two weeks:

• $397.35 for Self-Only coverage
• $858.89 for Self + One coverage
• $934.65 for Self and Family coverage

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Monthly:

• $860.93 for Self-Only coverage
• $1,860.93 for Self + One coverage
• $2,025.08 for Self and Family coverage

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Differences Between Coverage Options

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FEP Blue Focus®

• Network: Requires you to stay in-network.
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Includes copays and coinsurance.
• Wellness Incentive: Earn $150 annually on your MyBlue® Wellness Card for completing an annual physical.
• Deductible: This plan has a deductible.

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FEP Blue Basic™  

• Network: Requires you to stay in-network.
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Primarily copays.
• Wellness Incentive: Earn up to $170 annually on your MyBlue® Wellness Card.
• Medicare Reimbursement: Eligible members with Medicare can receive up to $800 reimbursement for Medicare Part B.
• Pharmacy Benefits: Includes access to the Mail Service Pharmacy Program for members with Part B.
• Deductible: This plan does not have a deductible.

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FEP Blue Standard™  

• Network: Allows you to see any provider, including those outside the network.
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Includes copays and coinsurance.
• Pharmacy Benefits: Provides access to the Mail Service Pharmacy Program.
• Wellness Incentive: Earn up to $170 annually on your MyBlue® Wellness Card.‍
• Deductible: This plan has a deductible.

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2025 PSHB Plans For 2025 Cost

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‍How Can I Change My PSHB Plan?

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You can change your PSHB plan during the Federal Benefits Open Season, which typically takes place in November each year. To make changes, you'll need to use the PSHB System maintained by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).   

Here's how you can do it:

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• Visit the OPM website: Go to the OPM website and access the PSHB system.
• Log in to your account: Use your credentials to log in to your account.
• Make your selections: Choose the desired PSHB plan and coverage options.
• Submit your changes: Review your selections and submit your changes before the Open Season deadline.

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