NAPS Expresses Strong Concerns Over OPM Staffing, Funding and Support for PSHPB
Upon review of the Inspector General (IG) for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) “Flash Report” of July 2, NAPS immediately communicated its deep concern to the USPS and members of Congress tasked with overseeing the implementation and operation of the Postal Service Health Benefit Plan (PSHBP). The report warned that OPM has failed to ensure that it has the necessary staff, resources and finances to successfully manage the 2025 PSHBP Open Season.
Specifically, the IG is concerned that OPM layoffs, retirements and hiring freeze have left insufficient staffing to administer effectively the PSHBP enrollment platform. In addition, the IG warned that Congress’ failure to fulfill OPM’s 2024 request for additional funding to administer the PSHBP may hamper operations. The PSHBP was created by the Postal Reform Act of 2022 and successfully launched its first Open Season in 2024. NAPS wants to ensure that the 2025 PSHBP Open Season goes smoothly and will utilize all necessary resources to protect the health benefits of all EAS in the Postal Service for 2025 and beyond.
The full report can be accessed by clicking here.