Reg Jones, a retired member of the Department of the Interior and longtime expert on retirement and federal government issues, is a charter member of the senior executive service. He served as an assistant director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management from 1979 to 1995, handling recruiting and examining, white and blue collar pay, retirement, insurance and other issues.

One advantage of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program is that retirees can easily switch from one health benefits plan to another during the annual Open Enrollment period. According to NARFE (the National Active and Retiree Employees Association), many retirees choose not to enroll in Medicare Part B because they have adequate coverage without it.

If you’re considering making a change to your FEHB plan, such as switching from BCBS Standard (106) to GEHA High (313), it’s important to carefully consider your options before making a decision. It may also be helpful to consult with a financial advisor or healthcare professional before making any changes to your healthcare coverage.

In addition, if you don’t like GEHA High after switching from BCBS Standard, you may be able to switch back during the next Open Enrollment period. Just make sure you understand the rules and requirements for changing plans in order to avoid any potential penalties or complications.

Lastly, according to NARFE, a significant percentage of federal retirees choose to use only Medicare Part A as their primary source of healthcare coverage in combination with their FEHB plan. However, this number may vary depending on individual circumstances and preferences.