Key Takeaways

What the PSHB Program Change Means for Your Health Benefits

In 2025, the shift from the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program to the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program is officially in effect. If you are a current United States Postal Service (USPS) employee or annuitant, you’re now part of a new, dedicated health benefits system tailored specifically to postal workers.

Understandably, this transition has led to some confusion—especially around whether other benefits like dental and long-term care are impacted. The answer is reassuring: switching to PSHB doesn’t mean giving up your other important benefits.

FEDVIP Continues to Cover Dental and Vision Needs

The Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) is still available to you in 2025. This separate program provides dental and vision coverage to eligible federal employees, USPS workers, retirees, and their family members.

Who Is Eligible for FEDVIP in 2025?

Eligibility includes:

Whether you’re working or retired, you can continue your FEDVIP dental and vision coverage without disruption. Enrollment or changes can be made during the annual Open Season or following a qualifying life event.

Enrollment Reminders

  • Open Season: Runs from November to December annually

  • Effective Date: Changes take effect on January 1 of the following year

If you were enrolled in FEDVIP under FEHB before the transition, that coverage carries over seamlessly into 2025 under PSHB.

Long-Term Care Insurance Is Still Available Through FLTCIP

The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) provides coverage for extended care needs that regular health insurance doesn’t cover. These include services like home care, nursing home stays, and assisted living.

Important Update: Enrollment Suspension Still in Effect

While your eligibility for FLTCIP remains intact, it’s important to know that as of 2025, enrollment for new applicants continues to be suspended. This suspension began in December 2022 and remains in effect due to ongoing program evaluations. However, if you were already enrolled before the suspension, your coverage remains active.

Who Can Still Benefit from FLTCIP?

You can maintain FLTCIP coverage if:

  • You enrolled prior to the 2022 suspension

  • You are a USPS retiree receiving an annuity

  • You are a family member of an existing enrollee who had coverage before the suspension

Although new enrollments are paused, it’s still valuable to be aware of your coverage if you’re already enrolled and to stay informed about future reopening updates.

Your PSHB Enrollment Doesn’t Impact These Benefits

There’s a critical distinction between the PSHB Program and other federal benefit offerings. PSHB covers your medical and prescription drug benefits only. It does not replace or integrate with:

  • Dental and vision insurance (FEDVIP)

  • Long-term care insurance (FLTCIP)

  • Federal life insurance (FEGLI)

  • Flexible spending accounts (FSAFEDS)

Each of these programs operates independently and remains available to eligible USPS employees and annuitants in 2025.

How medicare Coordinates With PSHB and Other Benefits

If you’re a Medicare-eligible USPS annuitant, your enrollment in Medicare Part A is typically automatic, while Part B is required for continued PSHB coverage—unless you meet specific exceptions.

It’s worth noting that Medicare does not cover most dental or long-term care services. That’s why continuing your FEDVIP and FLTCIP benefits is particularly important.

Medicare and FEDVIP

  • No overlap: Medicare does not include dental or vision services in most cases

  • Supplemental value: FEDVIP helps fill those gaps, covering routine exams, dentures, glasses, and more

Medicare and FLTCIP

  • Limited coverage: Medicare does not cover most custodial care or nursing home stays

  • Essential protection: FLTCIP bridges that gap if you already had coverage before the enrollment pause

Your participation in these additional benefits becomes even more critical after retirement.

Making Changes During Open Season

Although you’re transitioning to a new health benefits program, you still have full access to federal benefit open enrollment procedures. Here’s how to manage your coverage choices in 2025:

For FEDVIP:

  • Visit the BENEFEDS portal to enroll, cancel, or change plans

  • Use Open Season (November to December) for routine changes

  • Qualifying life events (marriage, birth, divorce) allow mid-year updates

For PSHB:

  • USPS employees should use the LiteBlue portal to manage PSHB options

  • Retirees should use KeepingPosted.org to make changes

  • You can switch PSHB plans annually during Open Season

Remember, Open Season doesn’t apply to FLTCIP at this time, due to the continued enrollment suspension.

Cost Considerations in 2025

As with all federal benefits, premiums and out-of-pocket expenses may vary year to year. For 2025, while medical plan costs under PSHB may look different than they did under FEHB, your costs for dental and long-term care are not directly affected by the change to PSHB.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • FEDVIP premiums are separate from your PSHB premiums

  • FLTCIP costs remain unchanged for current enrollees, though adjustments may occur annually

  • PSHB and Medicare integration may help reduce some out-of-pocket costs, depending on the plan

You should evaluate all your coverage options during Open Season to ensure your needs and budget align.

Staying Informed About Future Benefit Updates

As a USPS employee or retiree, it’s important to stay proactive. Benefits can change over time, and the federal benefits landscape is continuously reviewed by policymakers.

To stay informed:

  • Visit OPM.gov regularly for program updates

  • Subscribe to USPS retiree newsletters via KeepingPosted.org

  • Check announcements from the PSHB Navigator Help Line

  • Keep contact details updated in your online portals

By staying informed, you ensure you don’t miss enrollment changes, premium adjustments, or benefit enhancements.

What If You Move or Your Life Situation Changes?

Life events often bring eligibility changes. Whether you move states, retire, get married, or experience a death in the family, you may need to make adjustments to your benefits.

For all programs, including FEDVIP and FLTCIP:

  • Report life events promptly to the appropriate program

  • Use the correct platform: BENEFEDS for dental/vision, LiteBlue or KeepingPosted for PSHB, and LTCFEDS for FLTCIP

  • Review eligibility rules to see if dependent coverage needs updates

Open communication and timely reporting are key to maintaining uninterrupted benefits.

Keeping All the Pieces Connected

Switching to PSHB in 2025 is a big change, but it doesn’t cut you off from other critical federal benefits. Your dental and vision coverage through FEDVIP and your long-term care protection through FLTCIP remain available, provided you meet eligibility and enrollment requirements.

The more you understand how these programs interact—and remain separate—the better prepared you’ll be to manage your health and finances long-term. During this transition, take time to review your benefits holistically so you can make informed decisions.

Make Sure You’re Covered From All Angles

While your core health coverage is shifting under PSHB, your other benefits remain within reach. Don’t overlook dental, vision, and long-term care—these services often play a significant role in your retirement well-being.

If you’re uncertain about how your current benefits fit together or want help exploring your options, speak with a licensed agent listed on this website for personalized guidance.