The FED Weekly

In this episode of The FED Weekly, we recap crucial updates for federal employees and retirees for November 16–22, 2025. Key topics include the annual Federal Benefits Open Season, which features essential plan changes and mandatory actions—especially for those with terminating health or dental plans. If enrolled in a plan ending in 2025, participants must choose new coverage or risk automatic enrollment in a high-premium default plan or loss of dental coverage. The episode also spotlights changes in Thrift Savings Plan catch-up contributions, with high earners required to use Roth options for 2026. For retirees, it covers cost-of-living adjustments and special open season instructions for employees transitioning to retirement. Legislative action includes a bipartisan move to restore federal union rights, significant new OPM compliance and audit measures for DEIA and return-to-office directives, clarifications on manager liability, and new senior leadership development programs.