Key Facts

• The article says federal employees may receive benefits through FERS, the Thrift Savings Plan, Social Security, FEHB health insurance, FEGLI life insurance and survivor benefits.
• The article reports that the average enrollee share of FEHB premiums rose 12.3% for 2026, following a 13.5% increase in 2025.
• It says FERS retirees received a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for 2026, while Social Security and CSRS beneficiaries received 2.8%.
• Starting in 2026, participants whose prior-year wages exceeded $150,000 generally must make catch-up contributions to plans such as the TSP on a Roth basis.
• The article gives the 2026 catch-up contribution limit as $8,000, or $11,250 for participants ages 60 through 63.
• Eligible federal employees can generally continue FEHB coverage into retirement if they meet enrollment requirements, including coverage during the five years immediately before retirement or since their first chance to enroll if that period was shorter.
• The article says retirees should consider how FEHB and Medicare work together when they reach age 65.
• It notes that delaying Social Security may require larger TSP withdrawals before benefits begin, while claiming earlier may reduce withdrawals from investments.