Open Season with Federal Insurers
On the most recent episode of FEDtalk, join host Tony Vergnetti for a discussion with the leading players in federal employee insurance. The discussion featured Shane Canfield, CEO of WAEPA, as well as David Yoder, Vice President of Member Care and Management at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, and Bill Breskin, Senior Vice President of Government Programs at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
Shane Canfield started by introducing the work of WAEPA, which was created by an executive order under President Roosevelt in 1943. It was created by Feds, for Feds. He goes on to explain the Federal Open Season, what changes are being instituted this year, and which Feds are impacted by these changes. The discussion then delves into the changing cost of insurance premiums and why those premiums are different this year.
The group also discusses a tool that Feds can use to compare insurance plans depending on their needs. Vergnetti says, “here you have a very easy to use [tool] to figure out rates and savings.” Bill Breskin discusses that Feds have many options this year and it is vital to find the right plan for each Fed. Online chat tools and customer service representatives can help Feds find the best insurance plan for them and the total cost of each plan. There are also multiple virtual seminars and health fairs where Feds can compare insurance companies and find the best fit.
Feds can learn more about WAEPA (waepa.org) and Blue Cross and Blue Shield's Federal Employee Program (fepblue.org). The Federal Open Season runs from November 9, 2020-December 14, 2020. Feds can register for the virtual benefits fair here and access the plan comparison tool here.
You can stream the show online anytime via the Federal News Network app and listen to the FEDtalk podcast on PodcastOne and Apple Podcasts.
FEDtalk is a live talk show produced by Shaw Bransford & Roth P.C., a federal employment law firm. Bringing you the insider’s perspective from leaders in the federal community since 1993.
FEDtalk is sponsored by the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). The FLTCIP is sponsored by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, insured by John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company, under a group long term care insurance policy, and administered by Long Term Care Partners, LLC (doing business as FedPoint).
