Sharon Alford

Houston, Texas

Ms. Alford is a Federal Retirement Counsultant for the year of 2024.

Sharon is a native Texan. She enlisted in the United States Navy immediately following high school and proudly served her country for five years as an Air Traffic Controller. While serving in the Navy, Sharon began her college education in Whidbey Island, Washington and continued her studies on nights and weekends while working and raising her children for the next 26 years. Her studies spanned over three different states and five different colleges but she finally received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston in 2010.

Sharon Alford has been serving Federal Employees in the Houston area with their insurance needs since 2014. Once joining The Benefit Coordinators, she has expanded her areas of service to include the entire United States. As an independent contractor of Aflac®, she has also been instrumental in bringing these benefits under The Benefit Coordinators “Supplemental Programs.” With her life and health insurance license, she has been able to serve her clients with finding the “right fit” for them in their insurance needs. Her integrity, “customer-first” mentality, and superior customer service (at the sale and beyond) has gained her hundreds of loyal clients.

Sharon chose to enlarge her portfolio to include retirement financial needs after her father retired without any benefits outside of social security. Her father was under hospice care until he sadly passed in December 2019 and she served as his Power-of-Attorney, handling all his financial and medical affairs. She understands, firsthand, how NOT preparing for your retirement years can affect, not only you, but your loved ones, as well. Her experience over the years of caring for her father has deeply ingrained in her a passion for assisting, educating, and implementing retirement plans for her clients. Ms. Alford is a Federal Retirement Consultant℠ and is authorized by the Federation of Federal Employee Benefit Advocates to provide consultation to all federal employees.

Ms. Alford is licensed to serve the needs of federal employees throughout the United States and is available for formal classroom education and training for benefits, as well, as more private individual consultations.

Aflac agents are independent agents and are not employees of Aflac. Aflac includes Aflac and/or Aflac New York.

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PSHB Program Overview

What is the PSHB Program and Why Does it Matter to You?

If you’re a federal or postal employee, you’ve likely heard about the PSHB (Postal Service Health Benefits) program. But what exactly does it mean for you and your health insurance coverage? With major changes set to roll out soon, understanding the PSHB program is essential for protecting your benefits and making informed decisions about your health insurance options.

Here’s everything you need to know about the PSHB program, explained in simple terms to help you feel confident about the road ahead.

What is the PSHB Program?

The PSHB program is a new health insurance initiative exclusively for postal employees and retirees. It is set to launch in 2025 as part of the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022. This program was designed to separate postal employees from the larger Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program and create a system tailored specifically to the needs of postal workers.

While this may sound like a big change, the goal of the PSHB program is to streamline health coverage and lower costs for postal employees, retirees, and their families.

Who Does the PSHB Program Affect?

The PSHB program will directly affect:

  • Current postal employees who are enrolled in the FEHB program.
  • Retired postal workers who receive federal benefits.
  • Eligible family members of postal employees and retirees.

It’s important to note that if you’re a federal employee working outside the Postal Service, this program does not apply to you. Your coverage under the FEHB program will remain unchanged.

Key Changes You Can Expect

Here are the major differences the PSHB program will introduce:

1. Separate Enrollment

Postal employees and retirees will need to enroll in a PSHB plan during open season to ensure coverage starting in 2025. Unlike FEHB, PSHB will be entirely independent, meaning postal workers must actively select a plan under the new system.

2. Medicare Integration

For retirees aged 65 and older, enrollment in Medicare Part B will become a requirement to maintain PSHB coverage. This integration is designed to reduce out-of-pocket costs while improving overall healthcare access.

3. Tailored Plan Options

The PSHB program will offer health plans specifically designed for the postal workforce. These plans are expected to feature more competitive pricing and benefits compared to current FEHB options.

What You Need to Do Now

Preparing for the PSHB transition doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow these steps to stay on track:

1. Mark Your Calendar for Open Season

Open season is the time when you can enroll in or switch health plans. Make sure to pay close attention to dates for the 2024 and 2025 enrollment periods. Missing the window could leave you without coverage.

2. Review Your Current Benefits

Take a close look at your existing health insurance plan. Compare it with the PSHB options when they become available to ensure you choose the coverage that best suits your needs.

3. Prepare for Medicare Enrollment

If you’re a retiree approaching age 65, confirm your Medicare Part B enrollment status. Avoid potential penalties by enrolling early if you’re eligible.

4. Stay Informed

Check reliable sources like the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) or The Benefit Coordinators’ website for updates and details about the PSHB program. Staying informed will help you make smarter decisions.

FAQs About the PSHB Program

Will my coverage under FEHB automatically transfer to PSHB?

No, enrollment in a PSHB plan will be required. Be proactive during open season to secure your coverage.

Will retirees be forced to join Medicare Part B?

Yes, most retirees aged 65 and older will need to enroll in Medicare Part B to maintain PSHB coverage. Exceptions may apply to those who are not eligible for Medicare.

How will the PSHB plans compare to FEHB plans?

PSHB plans are expected to offer similar, if not better, benefits at potentially lower costs. Details about specific plans will be released closer to the transition date.

Why the PSHB Program is a Positive Change

While any change to health insurance can feel overwhelming, the PSHB program was designed with postal employees in mind. By creating a system tailored specifically to the needs of postal workers, the program aims to improve access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare.

From lower premiums to Medicare integration, the PSHB program promises to deliver a more efficient, cost-effective solution for postal employees and retirees alike.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

As a federal or postal employee, understanding your benefits is crucial to making informed decisions. The PSHB program introduces significant changes, but with proper preparation, you can navigate the transition smoothly and secure the best possible coverage for you and your family.

If you have questions or need personalized guidance, visit The Benefit Coordinators for expert support. We’re here to help you make sense of your benefits and stay confident about your choices.

Call to Action:
Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare for the PSHB transition! Bookmark our page, subscribe for updates, and reach out today for assistance tailored to federal and postal employees.