FEDtalk Hosts First Open Season Show of the Year
On FEDtalk this week, host Debra Roth had a discussion with benefits experts on everything feds need to know about this year’s Open Season. Joining the show were Joan Melanson, Director of Education and Outreach at FedPoint, and Tammy Flanagan, a Federal Benefits Expert at the NARFE Federal Benefits Institute.
In the first segment, Joan and Debra discuss the impact of COVID-19 on long term care.
Melanson explained how “our home healthcare plan is unique,” noting that long term care does not always mean nursing facilities.
Melanson explained, “It’s the home care element that is so attractive to people.” The impact of the COVID pandemic on long term care facilities has been profound and care in a facility is no longer ideal because it can cause isolation from family members.
Melanson also discusses how the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) allows for home care and even care under the supervision of a relative or close friends. Melanson encourages federal employees to use Open Season as an opportunity to explore their care options.
Melanson also explains how federal employees can use this year’s Virtual Benefits Fair as an opportunity to learn about the various coverage options available to federal employees. The Fair includes webinars, videos, and access to virtual booths from different providers. Feds can personally talk with representatives from all of the health, dental, vision, FLTCIP, and FSAFEDS plans.
In the second segment, Roth and Flanagan talk about coverage options and what feds should be considering.
This year, insurance premiums are expected to increase 4.5%. Tammy explains that often times, many federal employees stay in the same plan for 40-50 years. Nonetheless, it is important to compare plans and choose the right one for your family every open season since many life changes can alter which plan is best.
She said, “Since you didn’t get to plan a vacation this year, maybe you can spend that time planning your healthcare for next year.”
You can stream the show online anytime via the Federal News Network app and listen to the FEDtalk podcast on PodcastOne and Apple Podcasts.
FEDtalk is a live talk show produced by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993.
FEDtalk is sponsored by the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). The FLTCIP is sponsored by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, insured by John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company, under a group long term care insurance policy, and administered by Long Term Care Partners, LLC (doing business as FedPoint).