# 220. Final Days of Open Season: How Premiums, Shutdowns & RIFs Affect You

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/fedupward-podcast-tips-for-federal-government-employees-624290/220-final-days-of-open-season-how-premiums-shutdowns-rifs-affect-you
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/fedupward-podcast-tips-for-federal-government-employees-624290/220-final-days-of-open-season-how-premiums-shutdowns-rifs-affect-you.md
Podcast: [FedUpward Podcast - Tips for Federal Government Employees](https://stenobird.com/podcast/fedupward-podcast-tips-for-federal-government-employees-624290)
Published: 2025-12-04T14:15:00+00:00
Episode link: https://fedupward.libsyn.com/220-final-days-of-open-season-how-premiums-shutdowns-rifs-affect-you
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/fedupward/NARFE_2025_Mixdown_1_1.mp3?dest-id=1392413
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/fedupward-podcast-tips-for-federal-government-employees-624290/episodes/220-final-days-of-open-season-how-premiums-shutdowns-rifs-affect-you
Duration seconds: 750

## Resource

John Hatton, Vice President of Policy and Programs at the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), returns to the podcast. John breaks down what federal employees need to know during Open Season—from steep premium increases to how to confidently evaluate changing plans without feeling overwhelmed. He dives into NARFE's member resources, including webinars and expert guidance that help employees and retirees make informed decisions that could save thousands annually. John also unpacks the latest developments from Capitol Hill: back pay assurances, the temporary halt on RIFs, appropriations updates, and what federal workers should expect as another budget deadline approaches. If you want clarity on your benefits and what's ahead for the federal workforce, this episode is a must-listen. Join NARFE: https://members.narfe.org/ Connect with Love: Coaching: https://www.fedupwardcoaching.com/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/love-rutledge Facebook: facebook.com/fedupward

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## Transcript

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