The FED Weekly

The conversation focused on recent developments affecting federal employees and retirees between November 1-7, 2026. One concept discussed was the Office of Personnel Management’s identification of $106.7 million in improper payments, including health benefits and retirement payments to deceased individuals, prompting record reconciliation but no immediate new requirements for most enrollees. A key theme that emerged was ongoing litigation over gender-affirming care exclusions in federal health plans, with plaintiffs seeking a court injunction before Open Season, though no judicial decision or change in coverage was yet in effect. The discussion explored a Government Accountability Office report raising concerns that increased attrition among patent examiners threatens the Patent Office’s ability to meet backlog reduction goals, potentially jeopardizing review quality. Several points were raised, including the opening of the 2027-2028 White House Fellows application cycle, with eligibility distinctions remaining. Throughout, the episode emphasized the difference between preliminary findings, lawsuits, and binding policy changes, urging federal employees and retirees to rely on official sources and current plan documents when making benefit decisions.