As previously stated, Postal Employee Network does not support the latest bill submitted by Delaware Senator Tom Carper (D).

Federal News Radio tells us that Carper’s bill would not remove postal employees from the FEHB but would create a new Postal Service Health Benefits Program (PSHBP) within the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program for postal employees and annuitants. The proposed PSHBP would remain managed by OPM, Office of Personnel Management, as is our current health insurance coverage. A similar idea was proposed before by former USPS management but would have had USPS manage the insurance program instead of OPM.

As Federal News Radio reports, Carper’s bill would require all Medicare-eligible postal annuitants and employees enrolled in the PSHBP to also enroll in Medicare, including parts A, B and D – this is the portion of the bill that we firmly DO NOT support. The choice to change your primary health insurance coverage to Medicare should remain with you…the postal employee/annuitant.

FNR also tells us “In a statement from the Postal Service, the agency said that it appreciated Carper’s support and was “particularly gratified that the bill he introduced … will ensure that our retiree health benefits program will adopt the best practices of the private sector and fully integrate with Medicare.”

In our opinion it is NEVER a good idea to have legislation replace YOUR personal choice of insurance coverage, or other personal choices, with choices made by our legislators or the government.

If Carper, or any other politician, desires to save USPS then pass legislation that will REPEAL PAEA –  the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act.

Rick Owens
Postal Employee Network