Federal employee benefits reddit

 

Topics covered will include FEHB, FEGLI, TSP and Retirement process and eligibility. If you contribute at least 5% if your own money, they'll contribute another 4% (100% of the first 3% and 50% of the next 2%). Also, sometimes the teacher next door applies to us. I have the geha hdhp plan. The rub is that a lot of this becomes GREAT when you hit the 14 level. A term appointment is more than 1 year but less than 4 and can be renewed up to 4 years. The GS position is a further drive for me but interesting work. There are different levels of scam, salesmanship, and genuine service. A PIP allows recipients the right to receive a percentage of the partnership's profits. Though, I imagine this is less than when someone walked around with paper forms and guilt tripped you into signing up. As a career employee, you keep that status for life even if you leave the government, making it a lot easier to comeback. 4 plan options - Federal: premium 30% employee/70% agency. A strong union keeps mgmt on good behavior. My agency's position is that you are entitled to the minimum of 8 and the number of hours you are scheduled on a holiday day (based on your formal work schedule). The current system pays like 1% of your “high 3 avg” annual salary times years of service, so you’d want a higher pay grade for more years to maximize. The FSBP has very good coverage, and a lot of extra perks that I would consider "luxury Another benefit is that during this whole covid situation, or financial crises as was the case years ago, federal employees really didn’t worry about losing their jobs. I like having another retirement/pre-tax account to stuff some extra $$ away. Just be aware there is a lot of politics and federal employee morale is extremely low. of the above reg. Increase of 45%. I just came across this while looking into trust/estate planning. 6. Nothing has come out as mandated by OPM yet, but from Biden’s EO OPM is evaluating how this EO affects FEHB plans. The other is that job security, even if something happens with pay you will get the money at a later time, like this time last year. 98, and the deductible is waived for specialist visits/office visits, with the copayment being $15 for this service. Their lines will be muted. 4% of the employee's salary and 16. Wegovy is a once-weekly injection of semaglutide, which is a medication that mimics glucagon-like-peptide (GLP-1) in the body. For example, for GEHA-Standard the annual premium is $678 with 45% co-insurance on fillings. I do think that orgs benefit when employees that would not otherwise donate, do so via CFC. And it corrects wrongs that are too diffuse for any single employee to fight. I know it’s probably more than that sweet, sweet, $238 a month I pay for my family Federal employees also receive a pension benefit in addition to what's in their TSP (equivalent to 401k). Recentsciencesays. That means you'd need about $1500 in dental bills to break even - or roughly 7-8 fillings. 00 per pay check depending on your health insurance plan. After you get over $1k you can invest excess into Ameritrade. It is adjusted for inflation (approx 2%) every year after retirement. 8. Large list of plan options Telework - Current: remote 3 days/ 2 days in office The only real benefit to federal health insurance that I can see is that when you get to be older, the cost savings could be substantial versus getting it on your own, and you get to keep it for life after retirement. So at 30 years of service, you get 30% of the average of your top three salaries as your retirement annuity. Just as an FYI, FERS employees get 1% per year of service times years of service. Federal retirement is a 3-legged stool: FERS, TSP, Social Security. 1% per year worked (if you retire with the extra . The benefits package as a federal employee is horrendous compared to those of a CA state employee; premiums are much higher, as are co-pays. This is fine if you plan to socialize in NYC. 1 times to break-even. 2 - Medical Benefits - I don’t know how much they cost but I’ve always heard the federal benefits are excellent and much cheaper than in the private sector. Edit: there are very very limited circumstances where non-DoD civilian federal employees can get commissary access CONUS. I am a term employee, and I will likely only be a federal employee for a maximum of two years. Some offer it as application base once you’re an employee, but not many. I don't have a significant other or any dependents - my health and finances are in good order. It’s all public. I’m late 20s, and overweight. So if you work 40 years and your best 3 average is $125k, you would have $50k per year the rest of your life adjusted for inflation. That’s an stress we just don’t really have. Retirement. some of With the Federal Student Loan Repayment Program, agencies may help repay your Federally-insured student loans up to a maximum of $10,000 a year or a $60,000 lifetime maximum. Mar 10, 2021 · Lives can drastically change in the time that it takes for the federal government to finally onboard a potential candidate. 1. A google search such as “2022 insurance name federal employees + region/state” should work. This is an unofficial community for people who use or are interested in Wegovy, or other GLP-1 RA medications, for weightloss. So, there has to be a draw somewhere if people are willing to stick out the hiring process. Federal job vs contractor. Looks like the Office of Personnel Management is finally getting serious. My insurance is more expensive that friends in the private sector. Has anyone made the switch before? I’m just wondering what the cost difference is going to be. 1% bump for 20+ years and age 62). Blaming repair costs from supply chain This subreddit is for sharing news and information regarding the inner workings of the US Federal Government for Federal Employees. Metlife Federal Legal Benefits. Private sector pays more, but is less stable and usually lacks access to equally-robust or equally-affordable health insurance. You might be able to find one with higher 401k matching though. So you'd have to put in some years before you really see the returns on your investment. No one can answer whether or the Fed's retirement is worth it to you or not. I get $40 off every month. Those are of course subject to change, but working from home is a big benefit for eligible employees. Fed news Government news Federal employment Federal employee Government employee This subreddit is not affiliated, sponsored, or in any way supported by the US Federal Government. That usually replaces the need for short term disability. 75, you'll need to use it 46. Also, some unions do negotiate pay. Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies ( WAEPA) does. src1221 • 3 yr. Check with HR. I made similar posts last year for my 2023 FEHB and FEDVIP tools, but u/Tinymac12 beat me this year for the 2024 FEHB tool (and did a much better job than I did). They coordinate with current federal benefits. Working for the Public Sector is MUCH better than the Private Sector CMV. This is used many times as an recruitment/retention tool for hard to fill positions. This subreddit is for all those interested in working for the United States federal government. Members Online Retired Army general says employment struggles for military spouses are part of being a family in the service minimum 5yrs federal service (at any age) to qualify for federal retirement pension. My co pay with bluecross blue shield is 40 dollars on the basic plan. Also carry a separate private vision plan via VSP cuz my vision is based and try to maximize benefits. It’s happening on the federal level but much less than in the private sector. A FERS employee with OP's salary is currently paying $680/year for these benefits. They said they’re financial advisors that are trying to understand how I can achieve retirement or financial goals based on my income, investments, accounts and more…it was difficult to know if they’re a scam or not because they only asked about what I currently have (I. By phone 1-202-599-1426 conference ID: 584 412 888#; By browser Board Meeting Tuesday, June 28th Click the above button and choose 'Continue on this browser'. Looked into Federal Academic Alliance, FEEA, etc. 5. Award. These include stock options and Profits Interest Plans (PIP), so consider those as well when comparing. On the downside, that means there will be 80 year olds paying the same premium as you do. I couldn't imagine working in some company to make shareholders wealthier. In my experience, you get more paid time off as a fed. S. But in generally, signing up directly with the charity avoids the CFC Federal Employees Benefits and Retirement Q&A. Health. 164 Tricare Reserve Improvement Act the other is H. my private sector one was about $6 for both. com. The lump sum is only calculated from the "retirement deductions made from the basic pay of an employee", not the employing agency, see 5 U. However, since the monthly subway/bus metrocard is $127 and the pay-per-ride is $2. You pay with after tax dollars so the benefits are tax This subreddit is for sharing news and information regarding the inner workings of the US Federal Government for Federal Employees. They give a discount on plans for active or prior military service. For the most part, I have no current health complications or prescriptions. While specific to your local organization, many support flexible work schedules including telework options. That would make the plan charge $750 for the 50 visits. Stability. When you’re ready to stop working for good, you’ll get both your military pension and FERS pension. D. I am also looking @ the "GEHA Standard" plan. I am a single guy in my 20s joining the federal (competitive - GS permanent) service. In my opinion, if you have a long ways to go until you actually retire, go fed. While career conditional, you can apply for status jobs on USAJobs. Lots of agencies don’t actually fund this program but you can ask HR about it. ago. The TSP/Retirement is for 14s on up. I've been a contractor for a few years now and our contract is ending in Feb. That would currently be about $30k because interest rates are so low. A lot of agencies have a leave bank that you can use up to 6 months of leave for a medical emergency for yourself or family. There are 4 ways to meet the minimum amount of service required for the pension: Minimum Retirement Age (55-57 depending on birth year) + 30 years of service. The FERS Basic Benefit (just "FERS" by itself is technically all three benefits: SS, TSP, Basic Benefit; but everyone I know just calls the Basic Benefit "FERS" anyway) is a pension plan, used by all US civilian employees hired after 1983. Nothing specifically for feds, but many states have programs for first-time homebuyers. Hey, made a quick throwaway acct to post this question: I just started interning at a government agency and I have recently discussed with a supervisor all of the different perks which are associated with working for the state gov. Very satisfied with the plan - especially with the Tivity Fitness benefit that's given my flexibility with This subreddit is for sharing news and information regarding the inner workings of the US Federal Government for Federal Employees. Reply reply. . You can keep FEHB throughout retirement, which is a huge benefit. Just a full retirement explanation. The below applies to most GS employees under like 60 years old. Live in the Washington D. • 1 yr. Source: this reg, enclosure 2, para. I have federal employee blue cross and it’s 80$ a pay period. , an unofficial subreddit for current and former employees to discuss topics related to employment in the Federal Public Service of Canada. Code § 8401(19). 2. • 8 yr. Switched to a new duty station in March, job requires significantly in office time than expected. C. These are private plans and not through OPM. Sorry I should’ve been a little more specific. R. Members Online Retired Army general says employment struggles for military spouses are part of being a family in the service Fed news Government news Federal employment Federal employee Government employee This subreddit is not affiliated, sponsored, or in any way supported by the US Federal Government. I am currently applying to federal jobs and I remember being asked by Tricare if I have the option to take federal health benefits, I know you cannot have both. Unlike many private sector health benefit plans, it provides coverage without physical examination, places no restrictions on age or physical condition, offers a wide range of plans to Furthermore, it points to a 2017 report from the Congressional Budget Office which found that federal employees earn, on average, 17% more than their private sector counterparts. Members Online 8 hrs admin leave for DHS for Memorial Day!! 🎅🎅 Here is a list of plans similar to what you would find at a private employer. The FERS deduction is ridiculous. as well as benefits available through government employee unions and the vast majority of them appear to be centered on undergraduate education, as well as the occasional (rare) Master's degree. Federal Employee Health Benefit Plan. As the title indicates I’m a new employee and need to elect a health plan for myself and my spouse. Nevertheless, the union fights for pay increases and benefits like transit or bike subsidies for our urban office. Benefits such as TSP, retirement, good health insurance, security, and training are great as fed. Federal employee discounts and insurance. I literally make at least 40% less than equally qualified individuals in my profession locally who work for the private sector or government contractors. It is getting less "good". However, you do get a wide variety of choice. " Almost 50% of Federal workers are on BCBS standard/basic. 4%); Defined Contribution 5% match Health benefits - Current: premium 10% employee/90% agency. FERS is the pension. atidnam • 3 yr. The federal government version of a 401k is the TSP. It helps to suppress appetite through Having been both state and federal, I'd advise against it. There is no provision for drawing a pension earlier than 57 even if you leave the government before then. We hear things about how bureaucrats are lazy and inefficient, with members of the general public resenting the job stability, decent wages, and good benefits for supposedly mediocre work. IPA. Since the application process itself is often nothing short of herculean and time-consuming to boot, this place is meant to serve as a talking ground to answer questions, better improve applications, and increase one's chance of being 'Referred'. They might still try to help you, but the might put their commercial interest over your interest. e my income, if I have any retirement accounts, when I want to retire Remember that copays and fees (with regard to HDHP) only matter once you've exceeded your deductible. Theres plenty of doctors to choose from and locations are close enough. But: The majority of employers offer no pension at all. Aetna vision and BCBS dental. The federal government is also typically more stable than the private sector and I enjoy knowing my job is secure as a career tenured employee. You’re vested after 5 years (meaning eligible for a pension). The problem is I have remained blissfully ignorant with regards to health care. As for Labor & delivery, kaiser basic is around $750 for delivery, and Standard is either $500 or $0 Fed news Government news Federal employment Federal employee Government employee This subreddit is not affiliated, sponsored, or in any way supported by the US Federal Government. Have auto and renters insurance with Jake aka State Farm. Medical system in America is a scam. A FERS-FRAE employee is currently paying $3740. I don't think they are a complete fraud in the way of stealing your personal information. (b) no suitable living accommodation is available in the vicinity. Check to see if your agency has a leave bank. If stability is your driving force and you are a little more risk adverse, the idea of working for the federal 4. After at least 5 years, you’d qualify for the FERS pension. The other important factor is your telework or remote work opportunities. So for anyone unfamiliar, a FERS pension is basically worth 1% for each year served multiplied by the average of best 3 years. A prior authorization isn’t required and I’m not diabetic. Depends on the insurance plan you use. Pay & Benefits. It’s different at every agency and commands. Similar to the FEHB tool this year, I used the data tables provided by OPM as I'm not sure the law that says it but I do bow currently the house and Senate both have introduced legislation to change this to allow federal employees to keep tricare if they are eligible one is - S. I have been offered 2 different jobs: one is a GS 13 position at $110k and the other is a contractor position for $128k. Health Insurance - Closest Thing To Federal Employee Health Benefits? When my first plan to lean fire at 35 as a single guy didn't work out, I laid out a second plan to fat fire at 57. Most federal positions are vested (you keep the agency contribution and matching You listed the main benefits. So I don't think you are screwed. Health benefits are great and health benefits are for life. The person who mentioned the percentage reduction is also correct although you have to wait to age 62 to avoid the reduction, not 60. Members Online Just got my FEVS link this morning (OCONUS) and noticed this anti-telework/remote question. • 4 yr. Not sure if this matters in my choice but: "OCC pays up to 72% of your health insurance premium. You can find information about each program by clicking on one of the links below. • 3 yr. 5% down payment; however, it requires paying mortgage insurance for the first few years. So even if it's essentially invested in low-cost bonds, the government still subsidizes a huge portion of retirement (in the case of FERS by a whopping 23:1 ratio to employee contributions). When you take a lump sum benefit from FERS, you forfeit your right to the FERS annuity (unless you become reemployed and regain the right), see 5 U. •. The dental is through the union or through a number he gives you to call, and so is vision. sbj405. Basically Voluntary Group LTD plans for Feds. Members Online How many 2210s have jumped ship over the non-existent pay raise BS? For CONUS locations, base commanders can only grant Commissary access to DoD civilian employees, not all federal civilian employees. To complicate your decision making process, the buses in Nassau County will accept the subway/bus metrocard. It may be cliche, but I enjoy public service and supporting the mission of my agency. There is now 12 weeks of parental leave. This subreddit is for sharing news and information regarding the inner workings of the US Federal Government for Federal Employees. Costs $60/pay period for enrollment and I contribute $100/pay period into HSA bank (employer deposits $75/month). PTO and sick leave, good insurance, flexibility, security, and opportunity. The premiums will be $3,502. Benefits vary based on what agency you work for, whether you're in a public safety position, and other factors. Updating State Farm saved me maybe 5% - 10%. And we get 10 holidays, snow days, and early release for major holidays. Student loan repayment program that is paid through your agency. waepa. At the moment, it is arguably better to work as a federal employee if you need to visit a hospital even semi-regularly; if you have recurring prescriptions or anything beyond routine health exams, federal health insurance rates are usually far lower, and cover far more. Capital one pays better interest on its money market account and has significantly more branches. Verizon only gives 15% on equipment, not plans, to “ordinary” federal employees. I get Ozempic through my FEP BCBS with no issues. The Family Medical Leave Act applies to federal employees allowing you to take up to 12 weeks of leave in a 12 month period of time. 7. - Federal: Defined Benefit: 1% per year of employment (employee contribution rate 4. 2024 FEDVIP Comparison Tool. See here for my 2024 FEDVIP Comparison and selection sheet. Jul 6, 2020 · For unlike some private sector jobs, which offer no or a minimal employer match, the government will provide 1% to all employees and then match the first 3% of pay you contribute dollar-for-dollar Pay and benefits were about the same. That's right, the FERS pension is currently worth about $30k/year in your total compensation. Theses disability insurance plans are offered through Federal Associations. There actually is a way to get a discount for federal government employees with Verizon. It does have benefits (retirement, health, etc) but does not have status 6. Naca. Contractor jobs pay well up front, but they usually can’t beat fed benefits. The main benefits of the federal employee are almost guaranteed 40 hour work weeks, and if not you get leave or paid for the time. Attendees using the Teams link will be able to listen to the meeting and view the materials being discussed. The benefit of carrying your health plan into retirement is also a big one. 1. zyarva. If you have less than 10 years, make the move to private sector or find a job series and location where they had out 14s like candy: The NCR. I think Blue Cross is cheaper but the coverage is not as good as the Rural Carrier plan. Basically everyone at my agency is on AWS-5, Maxiflex. There is more risk in general on the employee for Federal, since only part of your retirement is defined benefit, but the TSP is one of the best defined contribution plans available - super low costs and a wide number of available plans. So if, for example, you are scheduled to work for 6 hours on Monday the 18th, you were only entitled to 6 hours of holiday leave. Which I do not mind. Mine will subsidize up to $260 a month for me to take the vanpool to work every day, saving me about $ 200\month in gas (if I could just land a spot on a van). As a Federal employee, you may be able to enroll in health, dental, vision and life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and apply for long term care insurance. Attenuator87. FEHB plans should have been including anti-obesity meds in their formularies since 2015. There is no benefit to you as an employee. So if your family needs $4000 worth of medical treatment, you're guaranteed to pay $4k with MHBP (due to the deductible), whereas GEHA will be $3200 (deductible) + 10% of $800 (or $3280) for the same treatment (based on 2024 rates). Hey - single male in early 40s looking for advice on selecting a health plan. My spouse has a credit union account and it’s been a perennial source of aggravation. . The GEHA HDHP is still very good, but for the last two years the premium has increased dramatically with no increase in coverage. tjguitar1985. Other than that they offer a 5x life insurance which is mediocre at best and you do get a percent of salary after so many years of service when you retire. CounselorNebby. Misc. But Penn fed had much better car loan rates when I refinanced. If we look at the GEHA standard, it is $15 per visit according to the benefits coverage sheet (the long and ugly one). In addition, the OCC contributes up to $25. throwawayintern2013. It has no benefits other than leave and health insurance. Then at retirement, the main benefit is the health benefits. Code § 8424. 613 Tricare Reserve Select Improvement Act Yes. GLP-1 is a key regulator of weight and blood sugar. It's basically a subscription plan for getting legal assistance from lawyers. I think every civilian employee gets it, but I'm not an expert. I am federal employee with separate dental and vision. The VA will automatically contribute the equivalent of 1% of your salary to the TSP. Oh also my dentist is a 10 minute walk whereas the closest Kaiser is a 25 minute walk, so convenience was a factor. 50% survivor benefit for spouse is not bad. Members Online Update: Successfully Challenged My 'Ineligible - Not Referred' Status. Thank you. JayKayEng. There are a couple of options that the private side can offer that the Government cannot. Yes. The vision and dental combined is about 40-60 depend on what you get…. Just got my 6 month renewal. AFPC offers tuition assistance up to $4500/yr for education. Thanks for being part of our community! Many questions about employment in the public service are answered in the subreddit Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) documents (linked below). The base pension is equal to 1% x Year of Service x High-3 Average Pay. Also, you can get an FHA loan with I believe 3. Some agencies even grant 3 hours a week for workout This subreddit is for sharing news and information regarding the inner workings of the US Federal Government for Federal Employees. Reply. You only receive that pension after retirement age ~65 though. Over the past 8 months, this sub has made me seriously reconsider my position. org. I am currently filling out the onboarding forms from my TO, and there are many forms all asking if I want to enroll in Federal Employees Health Benefits As of Oct 2021, for those in regular FERS, the gov't pays 18. area (northern Virgiina) and for the past few years have had Blue Cross Blue Shield Basic (Self - 111) as my health care plan - a plan I'd switched to from the higher cost M. Many politicians and many members of the general public think of federal employees as "leeches" on the system. Now as a contractor, job stability can be in question depending on whether the The premiums are affordable, labs are usually free, and meds on the formulary range from $7-$15 (in my experience). See subparagraph p. I am in the process of losing weight. I think in bigger cities it would apply to things like Metro passes. As a Federal employee, you may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you’ve Fed news Government news Federal employment Federal employee Government employee This subreddit is not affiliated, sponsored, or in any way supported by the US Federal Government. ADMIN MOD. It's true. Sorry there are a ton of insurances and none are updated for 2022 on OPM’s website yet. The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program is designed to help protect you and eligible family members from the expenses of illness and accident. Typically a temporary position (appt nte) is less than 1 year and can be renewed for an extra year, for a total of 2 years. 6% for those in FERS-FRAE. Checks and balances. I am currently looking at the "Rural Carrier" plan and the "Blue Cross Basic" plan. You may be able to find a job that offers different levels but, of course, the the higher the spousal Hello Team. 2 Government accommodation is only provided where: (a) it is necessary for the delivery of government programs to combine an employee's place of work and residence or for the employee to live at the job location; or. This is a place for Federal Employees to ask questions, share experiences, and gather information so that they can better understand their benefits and retirement. I was looking into supplemental because we got hit with 3 fillings last year and was surprised at how much dental work you'd need to break even. A Federal Civilian employee gets a lot of benefits and they're more or less impossible to fire, but the typical caveat is that the pay and benefits is based on years in service. Credit unions are basically amateur banks. I got my masters through my old command contingent on a certain GPA and signing a two year post graduation employment agreement (meaning I couldn’t leave for 2 years after). www. The GEHA Standard plan provides comparable coverage to BCBS Basic for about $1000 less per year. Practically speaking, you don't have to compete against veterans for public positions. The plans are more expensive in part because they are also covering elderly people, which most private plans don't. r/FederalEmployee: This is a place for Federal Im not trying to break the bank on an insurance plan but I also want a plan that is worth the price. Each section includes common questions to help guide you to the information you need. It is 1% per year worked if less than 20 years or less than 62, so the 5% calculation is for someone with 5 years of service. I don't know if anyone else has reviewed this before, but even for the cost of one year of this service, the estate plan from a lawyer (not NOLO or elsewhere) can Fed news Government news Federal employment Federal employee Government employee This subreddit is not affiliated, sponsored, or in any way supported by the US Federal Government. Healthcare costs and medical insurance costs are increasing with employees bearing more of these burdens. The short answer is yes, you must wait. You can look up the federal employee health plans and TSP information. The federal retirement plans are similar to risk-based 401ks, and honestly, almost nothing compares to CalPERS for a guaranteed retirement fund. rc sf mr hp lk tj yl ov qd mo