Federal and postal workers will face double-digit health insurance premium increases in 2026 for the second consecutive year, with federal employees seeing an average 12.3% hike and postal workers 11.3%. While the Office of Personnel Management attributes the rises partly to high drug costs and expresses hope in President Trump's efforts to lower them, federal employee advocates argue these increases, combined with issues like a government shutdown, low proposed pay raises, and workforce reductions, will significantly diminish the appeal of public service and negatively impact recruitment and retention. The article also notes OPM's silence on other administration actions, such as cuts to gender-affirming care and understaffing concerns for postal health benefits.
Read more: https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2025/10/federal-and-postal-workers-see-double-digit-health-care-premium-increases-again-next-year/408729/
