1. United States
2. Iowa
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the alarming increases in Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) and Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) premiums set for 2026. As a constituent who cares deeply about the well-being of our federal workforce and retirees, I urge you to take immediate action to address this critical issue. The upcoming 12.3% increase for FEHB enrollees and 11.3% for PSHB participants is part of a disturbing trend. We've seen substantial hikes in recent years: 13.5% in 2025, 7.7% in 2024, and 8.7% in 2023. These compounding increases are placing an unbearable burden on federal employees and especially on retirees living on fixed incomes. For FEHB enrollees, the 2026 increase translates to an additional $26.40 per pay period. PSHB participants will pay $21.51 more. While the government covers about 75% of premiums, the overall increases of 10.2% for FEHB and 9% for PSHB are still significant. These rising costs are outpacing wage growth and cost-of-living adjustments for annuitants, effectively reducing their disposable income year after year. I implore you to investigate why these increases are occurring and to propose legislation to mitigate their impact. We need solutions that go beyond the Office of Personnel Management's current focus on waste, fraud, and abuse prevention. While these are important, they are not enough to stem the tide of rising healthcare costs. Consider measures such as allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices for FEHB and PSHB plans, increasing competition among insurers, or providing additional subsidies for lower-income federal employees and retirees. The health and financial security of our public servants who have dedicated their careers to our nation are at stake. With Open Season for 2026 running from November 10 to December 8, 2025, there is urgency to act now. Please prioritize this issue in upcoming legislative sessions and work across the aisle to find sustainable solutions. Our federal workforce deserves affordable, quality healthcare options that don't jeopardize their financial stability.