1. United States
2. Okla.
3. Letter

The House Budget Committee's recently approved outline to require substantial cuts to government programs, including potentially federal employee retirement and health insurance benefits, is concerning. Eliminating or reducing vital healthcare coverage would negatively impact the wellbeing and financial security of countless federal workers and their families. The proposed change to transition the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program to a voucher system where the government's contribution is set at a flat rate and increases at a lower pace than premium growth could result in a $16-18 billion cut over 10 years according to the outlined options. This would effectively shift more costs onto enrollees, making healthcare less affordable and accessible. Federal employees dedicate their careers to serving the public good. Maintaining comprehensive and affordable health benefits is crucial to recruiting and retaining a talented federal workforce. Eroding this foundational benefit endangers not only employees but also the government's ability to effectively carry out its operations and responsibilities to the American people. I urge you to protect the existing healthcare benefits for the federal workforce. Making regressive cuts that diminish access to quality, affordable coverage would be detrimental to federal workers, their families, and the overall public service. This vital benefit must be preserved.