The FEHBlog and most of his family have been vacationing in Arizona since last Saturday morning.  Very enjoyable.

It’s the time of the year when a lot of FEHBP news appears.

The Federal Times and Mike Causey from the Federal News Network offer advice on how to prepare for the impending Federal Benefits Open Season. While OPM has launched its 2020 Open Season website, it has not yet launched its 2020 Plan Comparison Tool site. That usually happens closer to the start of Open Season which is November 11 this year.

Healthcare Dive reports that Blue Cross FEP, the largest FEHB plan, has contracted with Livongo for diabetes care beginning next year.

Beginning Jan. 1, Livongo will offer FEP beneficiaries with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes a glucose meter, unlimited test trips and lancets at no additional cost, plus remote access to nutrition and lifestyle coaches via Livongo’s mobile app.

GEHA, which sponsors the second largest plan outside of FEP, issued a press release on its 2020 FEHBP offerings.

Healthcare Dive also reports on a recent Journal of the American Medical Association study on waste and potentials for saving in America’s healthcare system.  The JAMA study finds that waste consumes about 25% of healthcare spending down from a 30% finding in 2012.