This episode of The FED Weekly covers key updates affecting federal employees and retirees from October 19–25, 2025. We discuss steep 2026 health insurance premium hikes—12.3% for Federal Employees Health Benefits participants and 11.3% for Postal Service enrollees—which far outpace the modest cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirees (2.8% for CSRS and 2.0% for FERS). The episode details plan discontinuations ahead of Open Season and highlights partial Medicare claims relief amid the ongoing government shutdown. Lawrence breaks down legislative efforts to secure pay for federal workers during the shutdown, ongoing reform bills like the Equal COLA Act, and OPM’s major initiative to unify 119 fragmented HR systems for greater efficiency. The episode also compares union-driven efforts for a general 4.3% pay raise with a performance-based pay proposal, both linked to broader debates about recruitment, retention, and the future of federal employment. The overall picture is one of tough financial pressures, legislative gridlock, and significant system changes, underscoring the importance of keeping informed to navigate the evolving landscape.

• (00:00) - The FED Weekly 19-25 Oct 2025 (Episode21)