Washington, D.C.  --  The U.S. Office of Personnel Management has issued a notice of intent to withdraw approval of the Postmasters Benefit Plan for participation in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, effective January 1, 2006.

The decision to propose withdrawal of approval of the Postmasters Benefit Plan (PBP) from the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program follows OPM's determination that the risk to participants covered by this carrier exceeds the standards established to protect the interests of federal employees and retirees  The Plan currently covers 1,245 active federal and postal employees and 6,950 retirees; the entire FEHB Program has 4.4 million enrollees and covers about 8 million people, including dependents.

"As administrator of the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, the Office of Personnel Management's first priority has always been to offer health products and services to the federal community that meet the highest standards for quality and performance," said Robert Danbeck, Associate Director for OPM's Human Resources Products and Services Division. "This commitment is steadfast for the men and women who serve and have served America with pride and distinction."

Individuals can continue to be in the PBP until a final determination is made about the Plan. If OPM's review leads to sustaining the determination to withdraw approval, PBP enrollees will be given an opportunity to select a new plan.

Our mission is to ensure the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce. OPM supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.