The FED Weekly 5-11 Oct 2025 (Episode 19)
Download MP3This episode of The FED Weekly covers the significant changes affecting federal employees and retirees for the week of October 5–11, 2025. Key topics include the announcement of the 2026 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) open season, with average premium increases of 12.3%—the second year of double-digit hikes—and notable carrier discontinuations. The episode highlights the financial pressure from missed paychecks due to the ongoing government shutdown, compounded by mass layoff notices and threats of permanent workforce reductions. Updates on the delayed 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announcement, proposed retirement fairness legislation, and emergency relief bills for Thrift Savings Plan withdrawals are discussed. Additionally, new legislative proposals targeting federal pay, performance-based compensation, workforce reduction, and telework restrictions are examined. Listeners are urged to review their benefits carefully and stay informed amid continued policy uncertainty.
- (00:00) - Introduction: Your Weekly Federal Briefing
- (00:48) - Issues That Affect Current and Retired Federal Workers
- (00:52) - 2026 Health Premiums: A Fiscal Shock
- (03:31) - Plan Options and Discontinuations for 2026
- (04:58) - Thrift Savings Plan Updates and Charitable Giving
- (05:55) - Issues That Affect Retired Federal Workers
- (05:58) - Delayed 2026 COLA Announcement
- (07:05) - COLA Projection and FERS Disparity
- (08:33) - Legislative Updates: Retirement Service Credit
- (09:42) - Issues That Affect Current Federal Workers
- (09:45) - Shutdown Escalation and Legislative Response
- (12:02) - Legislative Response: Emergency Relief for TSP
- (14:31) - Future Workforce: Pay, Performance, and Telework
- (14:49) - The 2026 Pay Raise Conflict
- (16:31) - Performance, Pay, and Cuts Legislation
- (18:07) - Telework Scrutiny
- (19:26) - Conclusion: Stay Informed and Engaged
