The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has released the interim final rule for the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program, a new health insurance program within the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. The Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 (PSRA) required OPM to establish the PSHB Program, which will provide health benefits plans to United States Postal Service (Postal Service) employees, Postal Service annuitants, and their eligible family members starting January 1, 2025. 

This interim final rule implements the PSHB Program and enables OPM to contract with health insurance carriers to offer comprehensive, cost-effective health benefits to eligible enrollees and their families. PSHB plans will include benefits and cost-sharing arrangements similar to those currently available to eligible enrollees through FEHB plans.   

The PSHB Program will integrate Medicare coverage for Medicare-eligible Postal Service annuitants as part of the PSRA’s broader purpose to promote the long-term financial stability and viability of the Postal Service. Establishing the PSHB will strengthen future health insurance coverage and other benefits for the Postal Service, current Postal Service employees, Postal Service annuitants, and their family members.  

In developing this rule, OPM consulted with the United States Postal Service, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and others.  

The public comment period will be open for 60 days at www.regulations.gov.