Coordinate FEHB with Medicare the Right Way (2026 Guide)

Are you a federal or postal employee approaching 65? Then you’ve probably wondered:
Do I keep my FEHB when I get Medicare? Short answer: Yes.
But you need to coordinate FEHB with Medicare correctly—or you risk paying more than you should or losing essential coverage.

This guide breaks down exactly what to do and when, so your health insurance works for you—not against you.

What Does It Mean to Coordinate FEHB with Medicare?

Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) and Medicare don’t replace each other—they can work together. Coordination means aligning both so you get maximum coverage with minimum cost.

Most federal retirees are eligible for both. Done right, this pairing offers one of the strongest healthcare packages in the country. Done wrong, it can lead to wasted premiums, denied claims, or gaps in coverage.

Common Myths That Hurt Federal Retirees

Many federal workers make costly decisions based on bad advice. Let’s clear up the biggest myths:

• MYTH: You must cancel FEHB when you enroll in Medicare

• MYTH: Medicare replaces your FEHB

• MYTH: You can’t have both plans together

The truth is: You absolutely can and should keep your FEHB while enrolling in Medicare. They cover different parts of your care and complement each other when used properly.

According to OPM and the NARFE Federal Benefits Institute, many retirees pay more than necessary or lose benefits simply because they didn’t coordinate their coverage ahead of time.

Step-by-Step: How to Coordinate FEHB with Medicare

Here’s how to stay protected without overpaying:

Quick Tip: If you’re still working at 65, you may not need to enroll in Medicare Part B yet. If you’re retired, it’s strongly recommended.

When Should You Suspend FEHB?

You should only suspend your FEHB plan if you choose a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C). Medicare Advantage plans usually combine Parts A, B, and D—but may require network restrictions and do not allow you to keep FEHB as a secondary.

If you suspend FEHB and later regret it, getting back into the program may require medical underwriting or a special enrollment period, which is not always guaranteed.

That’s why many retirees stick with Original Medicare (A + B) and keep FEHB as their backup.

Use OPM Form RI 79-9 to suspend FEHB for Medicare Advantage. You must do this before your Medicare Advantage plan begins.

Download it directly from OPM.gov:
OPM Form RI 79-9 (PDF)

Postal Workers: Know These Special Rules

If you’re a USPS employee or retiree, here are some important notes:

• If you retire under MRA + 10 rules, you can postpone your annuity and still retain FEHB later—but you must meet OPM’s 5-year FEHB enrollment rule.

• If you retire under disability retirement, Medicare starts automatically after 29 months. You’ll need to coordinate this early.

• APWU and NALC health plans will move into the broader FEHB pool. Coordination still applies the same way.

What About Part D (Prescription Coverage)?

FEHB plans already include prescription drug coverage. In most cases, this is considered creditable coverage under Medicare. That means you don’t have to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan unless your FEHB coverage lacks certain medications or you want additional options.

Still not sure? A coordinator can compare costs for you.

2026 Enrollment Dates You Should Know

Stay on top of these deadlines to protect your benefits:

What Happens If You Skip Coordination?

Skipping coordination can cost you thousands:

• Higher premiums from overlapping plans

• Denied claims due to coverage confusion

• Late enrollment penalties from Medicare

• Loss of access to FEHB if canceled instead of suspended

A quick review with a professional can prevent these issues and ensure everything is filed correctly with both OPM and Social Security.

Let Us Coordinate It For You (Free)

The Benefit Coordinators offer federal and postal employees a free coordination review that includes:

• Side-by-side plan comparisons

• OPM and SSA form filing

• Personalized advice based on your retirement timeline

• Lifetime support before and after retirement

Book your free FEHB + Medicare Review today →

We’ve helped thousands of retirees avoid costly mistakes and retire with peace of mind.