{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"219. Navigating 2026 Open Season: Health Plan Changes Every Fed Should Know","description":"Love welcomes back Kevin Moss, Senior Editor of Consumers\u2019 Checkbook, to the podcast to break down what\u2019s new for this year\u2019s Open Season. From premium increases and IVF coverage expansion to flexible spending accounts and hidden health plan perks, Kevin shares essential insights every federal employee needs to make smart, cost-saving healthcare decisions. Learn why average premiums are rising 12.3% in 2026, how GLP-1 medications and healthcare utilization are impacting costs, and what benefit adjustments could affect out-of-pocket spending. Kevin also explains how to use Consumers\u2019 Checkbook Health Plan Comparison Tool\u2014available to many agencies and individual users\u2014to find the best value for your health coverage. Plus, he offers practical tips for saving money through FSAs, supplemental benefits, and wellness incentives\u2014because while the numbers may not be cheerful, informed choices can make a big difference. Use promo code FEDUPWARD at guidetohealthplans.org for 20% off access to Consumers\u2019 Checkbook Health Plan Comparison Tool, and tune in to stay ahead of Open Season changes that could impact your wallet and wellbeing. https:\/\/www.checkbook.org\/&amp;nbsp; Connect with Love:   LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com\/in\/love-rutledge   Facebook: facebook.com\/fedupward   The FedUpward Podcast gives federal employees and friends of feds strategies and tips for navigating everyday problems. This is a place for federal employees to network, share ideas and get better. Don't get fed up. Get FedUpward! &amp;nbsp; ","author_name":"FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees","author_url":"http:\/\/fedupward.libsyn.com\/website","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/38970590\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/38970590"}