NALC/CIGNA leaving FEHB

[Anonymous]

Not sure if this belongs here or in the health section. We received a notice that NALC high option (CIGNA OAP) is leaving FEHB. No explanation why, just a notice that we have to change during open season and benefits discontinue on January 11.

1 - Which plan is our best option? Are we stuck paying for BCBS?

2 - What happens to olen season and coverage if the government remains closed?

[Anonymous]

Aetna open access was a good option. It felt the same as BCBS and it was cheaper.

[Anonymous]

BCBS is going to be the one and only.

[Anonymous]

There’s a post in Health that says changes are coming to BCBS too, although maybe it’s mostly for prescription drugs

[Anonymous]

I use FEP blue which is a cheaper version of bcbs. Only thing is you have to go in network, but almost everything is in network. I’ve been happy with it.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, hate losing this plan, also use High Option. Considering MHBP Standard as our alternative.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, hate losing this plan, also use High Option. Considering MHBP Standard as our alternative.

Lots of folks on Reddit seem to like this plan. BCBS basic premiums have gotten really high.

[Anonymous]

Slightly different situation, but we’re switching from GEHA because Hopkins where many of our providers are is now OON. I’m looking at MHBP and FSBP, both seem to have lower premiums and relatively low OON deductibles which is key for us.

[Anonymous]

FSBP is awesome, I just switched to it last year after being with SAMBA for 12+ years. I don’t work for one of the listed agencies on the FSPB site and they still added me during last year’s open season. I think they low-key want members and have relaxed the agency requirements without any announcement. I work for an independent fin-reg agency.

[Anonymous]

We looked at SAMBA as well, but the high option is near BCBS prices for premiuims. The regular SAMBA seems a bit worse than MHBP, unless I am missing something?

[Anonymous]

Slightly different situation, but we’re switching from GEHA because Hopkins where many of our providers are is now OON. I’m looking at MHBP and FSBP, both seem to have lower premiums and relatively low OON deductibles which is key for us.

This is very helpful - I had assumed GEHA would be our back up, but then I heard that Hopkins was no longer in network.

[Anonymous]

when is open enrollment for feds?

[Anonymous]

We have MHBP (Aetna) and it's fine, although I haven't checked the premiums for 2026.
I am surprised people liked Cigna - none of my doctors take it.

[Anonymous]

We have Kaiser prosper and my family premiums will go up by 8 dollars a biweekly pay period to $146. I don’t understand how people are willing to pay so much more to have PPOs. We’ve had Kaiser for years, it is fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:FSBP is awesome, I just switched to it last year after being with SAMBA for 12+ years. I don’t work for one of the listed agencies on the FSPB site and they still added me during last year’s open season. I think they low-key want members and have relaxed the agency requirements without any announcement. I work for an independent fin-reg agency.

Which fin-reg agency? Did you call to verify eligibility or just signed up during open season? What was the process to add you during open season? TIA