Lawmakers Urge OPM to Address Critical Staffing and Funding Problems in Postal Insurance Program
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has announced measures to address personnel shortages and funding issues for the Postal Service Health Benefits Program (PSHB) during the upcoming enrollment period. The agency aims to enhance outreach and support to federal employees, improve enrollment system efficiency, and adjust funding strategies to ensure program sustainability.
However, top Democrats in Congress have expressed concerns that OPM's steps may be inadequate for the upcoming Open Season, which runs from November 10 to December 8 for the 2026 plan year. In a letter sent on Friday, the lawmakers pushed OPM Director Scott Kupor for answers about key issues in the PSHB program.
The letter was signed by the top Democrats on several congressional committees, and it highlights the lawmakers' concerns about the funding for the PSHB program. They have raised questions about OPM's long-term plan to finance the PSHB program, including for any improvements or maintenance.
The current staffing vacancies in the PSHB's central enrollment platform are largely due to separations through the deferred resignation program (DRP) and the ongoing federal hiring freeze. OPM previously determined that it would need 11 employees on board to manage the data system, but currently only three of those full-time positions are filled.
The lawmakers have asked OPM to explain in more detail when it will staff up to the 11 employees it determined it needs to run the PSHB platform's data system. They are also pushing OPM for answers on its contingency plan if the data platform fails, as the PSHB program could incur significant loss of functionality with the electronic enrollment system if operational failure occurs.
Following the Office of Inspector General's (OIG) report, which found "critical" staffing vacancies and funding issues in the PSHB's central enrollment platform, OPM assigned one contractor and three IT specialists to work on the data platform part-time.
In response to the concerns, an OPM spokesperson stated that the agency is "appropriately staffed and resourced" for administering the PSHB program and managing the enrollment platform this upcoming Open Season. The spokesperson also noted that the 2026 premium rates for both the PSHB and FEHB programs will be announced by the end of September.
Despite the OPM's assurances, the lawmakers have asked for more information about recent changes in the federal government that may impact the PSHB program. They want OPM to ensure the PSHB is appropriately funded for the upcoming budget cycle to avoid any disruptions during the enrollment period.
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