Hey, Redeye, I remember you, too. I think I'm just going to milk this unemployment thing for as long as I can, now. I start Social Security in less than 3 years anyway. Getting 'laid off' was a good thing for me right now. Think I'll go fishing every day for a while.

ret'd 2/29/04, part-time workers put into the unemploy funds for their state and that entitles you to unemployment benefits. I also got unemployment compensation. Don't matter if you have independent income. If they take from you, you get it back when laid off. All states do that as I know of. I retired 01/06 and drew conpensation for last 12 months after my lay off of a part-time job. And I remember you "I Want Out" and
glad you are enjoying your retirement. I love mine and life is good.

Interesting. It hadn't occurred to me that one with an independent income could also draw unemployment after losing his job.

Hey, remember me? I VER'd December, 2004, with nearly 32 years. I took a part-time job shortly after retiring, just for something to do. I just got laid off again. This is the SECOND time I am going on unemployment compensation. Makes you wonder how folks without a federal pension actually get through their life...

Retiree premiums for the same plan one had as a postal employee will go up, but one can change plans. I had the traditional APWUHP Family option my whole postal career but changed to their Consumer Driven plan when I retired. It's cheaper than what I had been paying when in the workforce and I like it a lot better.

From Sep through Dec last year I had three unexpected surgeries right in a row (an at-home accident and a couple of medical problems). My total out-of-pocket cost was under $2500 out of approx $32,000 for their cost in-network. It was the only time, before or since, that we've had any out-of-pocket cost after switching over in '05. Everything else we've done medically (including vision and dental) was either covered by preventative care 100% or came out of our personal allowance.

Depending on one's needs, Consumer Driven may not be for everyone, but if you're in decent health and generally only go to the doctor/dentist/optometrist for regular exams and the occasional mishap or ailment, it's great. You get all the medical treatment and services you need with no deductible or co-pay. The whole cost is just the premium (this year $189/mo for wife and I).

And the premiums have gone down since I switched. Being non-profit, the premiums just reflect what's paid out. Fewer claims filed by members this year means lower premiums next year.

Health benefits may rise three times more than cost of living adjustment for 2009. Just a guess! Hope McCain does not become Pres he will propose to tax health benefits.
check this out Blue Cross going through the roof!!!
< http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0908/092508b1.htm >

TO cantwait2007 check out the difference between postal and federal rates on your specific plan.....you'll be paying a lot more believe me!

coincidently, Mike Causey talks about FEHB today. it's not a comparative, but he mentions some numbers.
http://www.federalnewsradio.com/index.php?nid=7

I plan on retiring in a couple of yrs. I will have 34yrs of service at the Post Office. My main concern is health insurance and the cost. Can anyone out there give me some kind of idea as to what I might be looking at for monthly premiums?? Who might be the best company?? This will be very helpful as I plan ahead and see what my expenses will be.

Thanks alot
Don

I retired after 34 years and 3 months of carrying mail. I can't believe it will be 3 years this August since I retired. I miss some of the people but not the work. I hate to see the price of gas so high as I like to ride and drive a lot!!

I've decided what to do with our stimulus check. I'm researching House and Senate races to find the close ones. Then I'll send the money to the Democrat to assist in his victory. That's the best use of the money for America I can think of.

Edited by author 04-27-2008 05:40 PM
I noticed that the last entry was in 2004
is that true? Or I just don't know how to use this site.
Almost Retirado..............NEVER MIND, I FIGURED IT OUT.
but thanks anyway.Will retire in june, after 35 years as a Carrier.
Hope to have you old timers in my corner.

                       New Timer

Spare us any more "Republican help". I can't stand much more.

Don't worry, the democrats will try to screw all this up. They want
to overturn the tax breaks the white house is giving us. Make it
permanent since it does help everyone.

I don't think the intent is to be fair, but to target the moneys to where they think they will be most effective. The jury is still out on that judgment.