What's New

2013 Retiree COLA

The April 2013 Consumer Price Index (CPI) released May 16 showed a slight decrease, so the accumulation toward the 2014 retiree cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) now stands at 0.9 percent.

The 2014 retiree COLA will be based on the increase in the average CPI between the third quarter of 2012 and the third quarter of 2013.

2012 FECA COLA

Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA) cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are applicable only in cases where death or disability occurred more than one year prior to the adjustment’s effective date.

Based on the May 16 release of the April 2013 Consumer Price Index (CPI), the projected accumulation toward the 2014 FECA COLA is 1.4 percent.

The COLA will be based on the increase in the CPI between December 2012 and December 2013 level, and it will become effective on March 1, 2014.

Long-term care insurance

Letter carriers or retired carriers can apply for coverage under the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program at any time. You do not have to wait until the next Open Season, but you must submit a "full underwriting" application. "Full underwriting" means that applicants will have to answer numerous health-related questions. It may also include a review of medical records and possibly an interview with a nurse. OPM has stated that this is the same level of underwriting that those who purchase individual policies in the private market undergo.

Letter carriers may obtain additional information about any aspect of the Long-Term Care Program by calling 800-582-3337 or visiting the LTC web site at  www.LTCFEDS.com. 

You can also download application forms or apply on line at that website.