FEHB, PSHB & Medicare
What happens to my health coverage?
For most federal employees, health coverage is the benefit they worry about most. The good news: you can usually keep it for life. The catch: a few rules and deadlines decide whether you can.
What you need to know
The short answer
The 5-year rule
To keep FEHB in retirement, you generally must be enrolled for the 5 years right before you retire (or since your first chance to enroll) and retire on an immediate annuity.
Medicare Part B is a choice for most
Non-postal retirees can keep FEHB without Part B. Many add Part B at 65 anyway, because some plans then waive deductibles and copays or help pay the premium.
Postal employees have different rules
Since January 2025, postal employees and retirees are in the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) program. Most who become eligible for Medicare now need Part B to keep PSHB coverage.
Your spouse's coverage depends on you
Your spouse can keep FEHB after your death only if you have Self Plus One or Self and Family coverage and elect a survivor annuity.
Avoid these
Mistakes we see most
Retiring before meeting the 5-year rule
You can't get FEHB back later. Check your enrollment history before you set a date.
Missing the Part B window
If you don't enroll when first eligible and aren't covered by active employment, the late penalty is 10% for each 12 months you waited, for life.
Waiving the survivor annuity
It can leave your spouse without health coverage.
Skipping Open Season
Premiums and plans change every year. A quick comparison can save hundreds.
Go deeper
Most-read guides on this topic
Plain-English articles from our Learning Center.
See all guides on this topicEvery federal career is different
A free Gap Report shows exactly what you'll receive, built from your own records, and where the gaps are. Ready 24–48 hours after a short call with Joe.
Educational information only, based on rules in effect as of October 2026. Benefit rules change. Confirm details with OPM, your agency or the TSP before making decisions.