Dan and Jen break down two often-overlooked retirement risks that can significantly impact federal employees: hidden Medicare premium increases and maintaining health insurance eligibility into retirement.
Jen explains how the Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) can increase Part B and Part D premiums based on income from two years prior. She breaks down what counts as income for IRMAA, why Roth conversions, RMDs, and asset sales can unintentionally raise Medicare costs, and how federal retirees can plan ahead to reduce surprise premium increases. Jen also covers how timing decisions, tax planning, and appeals (using SSA-44) can help manage or reduce IRMAA impacts over time.
Dan discusses the FEHB five-year rule and what federal employees must understand to keep health coverage in retirement. He explains how continuous enrollment works, common mistakes that break eligibility timelines, and why mid-career plan changes can create unexpected issues later. Dan also outlines what employees should review before retiring, how HR and OPM records factor in, and how to ensure FEHB eligibility is preserved so coverage continues seamlessly into retirement.
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The FedLife Podcast is your in-depth, biweekly deep dive into the world of federal benefits and retirement planning. Hosted by federal benefits expert Ed Zurndorfer and Dan Sipe of Serving Those Who Serve, each 30-minute episode unpacks the complexities of FERS and CSRS retirement, FEHB and Medicare, survivor benefits, tax planning, and more. Designed for federal employees and retirees who want more than just the basics, FedLife goes beyond the headlines to explore the rules, nuances, and strategies that can make a meaningful difference in your retirement. Remember: it’s your Fed life, make it a great one.
The Fed15 Podcast is your weekly 15(ish)-minute briefing on federal benefits and financial planning, built specifically for federal employees and retirees. Hosted by Dan Sipe and Katelyn Murray of Serving Those Who Serve, each episode delivers clear, actionable guidance on topics like FERS and CSRS retirement, TSP strategies, FEHB, survivor benefits, tax planning, and more! Whether you’re five years from retirement or already there, The Fed15 helps you cut through the noise, avoid costly mistakes, and make confident decisions about your federal benefits.
