How the Postal Service Benefit program will impact rural letter carriers and annuitants

The Rural Carrier Benefit Plan (RCBP) is proud to receive conditional approval from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to participate in the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program starting 1/1/2025.

The National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA) sponsors the RCBP. For nearly 60 years, RCBP has proudly served the specific needs of NRLCA members and their families. And we’re excited to bring that history of experience to the Postal Service Health Benefits program starting in 2025.

Here’s what we know right now

  • What is the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) program? 

The PSHB program is new. It’s separate from other programs and administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The OPM will provide health insurance to eligible Postal Service employees, annuitants and their eligible family members. The PSHB program coverage will start in 2025. And it will replace FEHB coverage for these groups. RCBP is proud to receive conditional approval from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to participate in the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program starting 1/1/2025.

  • Do I need to do anything now? 

No. Postal Service employees, annuitants and eligible family members may continue to participate in the FEHB program for the 2023 and 2024 plan years.

  •  Will there be an opportunity to enroll in Medicare Part B without a late enrollment penalty? 

Yes. There will be a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for eligible annuitants who did not enroll in Medicare Part B when first eligible to enroll. If you are an annuitant entitled to Medicare Part A, on January 1, 2024, and have not enrolled in Medicare Part B, you and your covered Medicare-eligible family members will be able to participate in the six-month SEP for Medicare Part B from April 1 through September 30, 2024. Those who enroll during this SEP will not pay the Late Enrollment Penalty (LEP), if applicable. Any applicable LEP will be paid by USPS.  Individuals who qualify for the SEP will receive a separate notification prior to April 1, 2024.

  • Does the PSHB Program affect my other benefits? 

Enrolling in PSHB will not impact any of your other benefits, including:

  • Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)
  • Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS)
  • Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), or
  • Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP)

Postal Service Health Benefits Program Resources

  • Visit LiteBlue
  • Visit OPM
  • Call the PSHB Navigator Help Line at 1-833-712-7742
  • Visit keepingposted.org. Click on Health benefits then Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program. In the Resources box there are videos about how the PSHB Program integrates with Medicare Part B.
  • Receive information and updates by signing up for text messaging notifications by texting “PSHBP” to 39369.

No action needed now. Watch your mail and the NRLCA magazine for updates. Be sure your address is up to date with the union, HRSSC and OPM.

Please be sure to check back regularly. We’ll update this page as we learn more. When we know, you’ll know.

This is a summary of the Rural Carrier Benefit Plan. For a complete description of all benefits, please read the official plan brochure (RI 72-005). All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions set forth in the official plan brochure.

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