Medicare Part B: The FEHB Decision

At age 65, retirees can keep the federal employee health program without enrolling, so the real question is whether Part B adds enough value.
Current 2026 standard Part B premiums are $202.90 monthly, and higher-income retirees face added surcharges above $109K single income or $218K joint income.
Delaying Part B can trigger a permanent penalty: ~10% of the standard premium for each full 12-mo delay, unless special enrollment rules apply.
Some plans waive deductibles, copays, and coinsurance or offer Part B rebates, so brochure-level comparison matters more than quick summaries.
As premiums keep rising, many retirees still value combined coverage when plans shift costs away from care visits, making risk tolerance a key factor.