Fed Thread

Federal News Network | Hubbard Radio
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We pull the thread on the questions you’re asking, with experts who can actually answer them Am I making a million-dollar TSP mistake? How can I tell if I’m burning out, and what should I do about it? Should I start a GLP-1—and would it be covered? Am I better off in or out of a union? Do those workplace step challenges actually make anyone healthier? The Fed Thread podcast pulls the thread on topics that matter most to the federal workforce, uncovering practical insights and sharing stories you can relate to. Each episode explores real-world situations shaping federal careers, benefits, wellbeing, finances, leadership and life on and off the job. In a series of candid conversations with government leaders, subject-matter experts, researchers and the people living these experiences, Fed Thread weaves together fresh perspectives, community highlights and useful takeaways, whether you're a new hire or a seasoned civil servant. Join host Alex Witt for a smarter, more human conversation about what it means to work in public service—only on Federal News Network.

  1. 10h ago

    FedVIP 2027: Are you getting your money's worth?

    Dental and vision premiums aren’t seeing the dramatic increases hitting FEHB in 2027, but that doesn’t mean you should automatically renew the coverage you already have.  For that matter, when does a FedVIP plan make financial sense, and when might you be better off without one? Kevin Moss, director of decision support and consumer outreach at Consumers’ Checkbook, offers a practical guide to getting the most out of your federal dental and vision benefits, including: What’s changing (or staying the same) with FedVIP in 2027When FEHB coverage might be enough, and when a separate dental or vision plan is worth the premiumWhy checking your dentist’s network participation should come before comparing premiumsWhat to know about orthodontia, annual benefit maximums and out-of-network costsHow FSAs and HSAs can help offset out-of-pocket expensesSupplemental benefits and discounts you might be overlookingHow to compare plans based on your family’s needs, not just the monthly priceKevin also shares an HSA strategy that could make you rethink how you pay for healthcare expenses today. Before you make your FedVIP elections, be sure to listen to the full Fed Thread episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  2. 2d ago

    Retired, but not on Autopilot: What's changing for federal retirees with FEHB

    Retirement doesn’t mean your federal health benefits can run on autopilot. In 2027, federal retirees face higher FEHB premiums, fewer plan options and some important decisions about how their coverage works with Medicare. Kevin Moss, director of decision support and consumer outreach at Consumers’ Checkbook, returns to Fed Thread to break down what federal annuitants need to know about Medicare Parts A, B, C and D, including enrollment deadlines, lifetime penalties, Medicare Advantage trade-offs and potentially significant prescription drug savings. Could Medicare Part D dramatically lower your prescription costs? Is paying for Part B worth it? And could changing your plan save you thousands, or leave you taking on more financial risk? Moss unpacks the choices, the trade-offs and the strategies retirees should be considering before making their 2027 elections. Watch or listen to the full Fed Thread episode, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  3. 3d ago

    The FEHB Shake-up: Higher premiums, fewer plans, and the benefits changes fedsneed to know

    FEHB Open Season is bringing some big changes for federal employees. Are you prepared? Premiums are rising, fewer plans will be available next year, and some enrollees are facing increases of 63 percent, 83 percent or even 105 percent. Meanwhile, changes to prescription drug coverage, GLP-1 requirements and out-of-pocket costs could make the plan you have today very different in 2027. On this episode of Fed Thread, Kevin Moss of Consumers’ Checkbook unpacks what federal employees need to know before making their 2027 FEHB elections. He covers: Which plans are disappearing and what happens if you do nothingWhy some premiums are skyrocketing, and where costs are going downWhat new GLP-1 coverage requirements could mean for both new and existing usersWhy high-deductible health plans and HSAs deserve another lookHow federal employees can save with flexible spending accounts, including new and convenient debit card access Moss also shares a practical strategy for comparing plans, understanding the fine print and avoiding costly surprises when that first paycheck of the new year arrives. The bottom line? The plan you’re enrolled in today may not be the plan you’re getting next year. Listen or watch the full Fed Thread episode to know what to look out for to avoid costly surprises. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  4. Nov 5

    When You Can't Work: Understanding your federal disability benefits before the unexpected

    When your health prevents you from working, how should you navigate disability options, and what happens to your other federal benefits? FERS disability retirement, Social Security Disability Insurance, workers’ compensation and reasonable accommodations each have different rules, and the decisions you make while you’re still employed can affect your options later. On this episode of Fed Thread, attorney Eric Pines, founder of Pines Federal Employment Attorneys, explains the deadlines, documentation, workplace conversations and benefit trade-offs federal employees should understand before a health crisis forces a decision. Don’t assume that qualifying for one disability program means you qualify for another. Watch or listen to the full Fed Thread conversation to understand your options before the unexpected happens. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  5. Nov 3

    Public Service, Private Debt: Are you making the right student loan moves?

    Is pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) your best move for a student loan? Not necessarily, says Betsy Mayotte, president and founder of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors (TISLA). On this episode of Fed Thread, Mayotte explains: -  who PSLF makes the most sense for, -  how repayment plans are changing, -  what happens if you leave government early, and -  why refinancing or consolidating your loans could have unexpected consequences. Tempted by a lower interest rate? Mayotte warns it could cost you loan forgiveness options you can’t get back. If you’re looking for practical advice, how to avoid common mistakes, and resources to help you crunch the numbers, be sure to listen to the full Fed Thread episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  6. Oct 29

    The Talent Gap: Can government win over the next generation?

    What will it take to get Gen Z to want to work for government? And at a time when AI is taking over entry-level tasks, what skills will set entry-level candidates apart to truly succeed? On this episode of Fed Thread, Michelle Amante of the Partnership for Public Service and Jon Newman from Yello talk through - what younger workers really want from employers, - why government missions can be a big hiring advantage, - where the federal hiring process is getting in its own way, and - how agencies need to adapt to access, attract and hire new talent. The conversation makes the case for - skills-based hiring, - the role of AI in recruitment, - the importance of human connection, and - why agencies may need to rethink everything from job postings to career fairs and candidate communication. If you’re wondering where tomorrow’s leaders will come from, watch or listen to the full Fed Thread episode, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  7. Oct 27

    Your Social Security Reality Check: Fear, facts and the fixes feds need

    Is Social Security going bankrupt? Should you claim benefit before it’s too late? And how might Congress’s next move affect your retirement plans? While the long-term funding challenge is real, the headlines don’t tell the whole story. On this episode of Fed Thread, Austin Costello and Neil Cain of Capital Financial Planners separate fear from fact on Social Security, explaining what federal employees and retirees should understand before making decisions that could affect their income for decades. The conversation covers: The projected trust fund depletion date and what it means for benefit paymentsWhy Social Security’s funding gap is growingFunding fixes Congress could consider, from payroll taxes to retirement age changesHow claiming at 62 versus waiting until 67 or 70 can affect youWhy your spouse’s or ex-spouse’s benefits matterWhat to check before claiming Don’t let fear make the decision for you. Listen to the full Fed Thread episode to understand your options and make a plan that fits your circumstances. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  8. Oct 22

    Reading Between the Numbers: What federal workforce data can and can’t tell you

    What can workforce surveys tell federal leaders that they won’t hear in a staff meeting? And what happens when employees stop believing their feedback will actually lead to change? On this episode of Fed Thread, Jack Dando, social scientist and senior survey data analyst in the intelligence community, talks through: - the challenges of measuring workforce sentiment, - why he thinks the proposed changes to the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) will render the data essentially useless, - what it takes to turn employee feedback into meaningful improvements, and - why employee trust, participation and confidentiality matter. Dando also examines how open-ended comments can help pinpoint workplace problems, why survey methodology matters, and what leaders should look at first when evaluating workforce data. The conversation reveals that collecting feedback is only part of the equation. For more insights into how employees need to trust the process, and how leaders need to show them that their voices matter, listen to the full Fed Thread episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

We pull the thread on the questions you’re asking, with experts who can actually answer them Am I making a million-dollar TSP mistake? How can I tell if I’m burning out, and what should I do about it? Should I start a GLP-1—and would it be covered? Am I better off in or out of a union? Do those workplace step challenges actually make anyone healthier? The Fed Thread podcast pulls the thread on topics that matter most to the federal workforce, uncovering practical insights and sharing stories you can relate to. Each episode explores real-world situations shaping federal careers, benefits, wellbeing, finances, leadership and life on and off the job. In a series of candid conversations with government leaders, subject-matter experts, researchers and the people living these experiences, Fed Thread weaves together fresh perspectives, community highlights and useful takeaways, whether you're a new hire or a seasoned civil servant. Join host Alex Witt for a smarter, more human conversation about what it means to work in public service—only on Federal News Network.

Information

  • Creator
    Federal News Network | Hubbard Radio
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © © Hubbard Radio Washington DC, LLC
  • Show Website
    Fed Thread

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