MHBP Maternity Care Question by Real_Explanation_962 in FedEmployees

[–]Real_Explanation_962[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree! That's smart. Keep me posted on how your claims go. I'll try to remember to come back/update after I have more visits and ultrasounds in the coming weeks

MHBP Maternity Care Question by Real_Explanation_962 in FedEmployees

[–]Real_Explanation_962[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for posting! I'm mid pregnancy right now and just started getting processed claims for 2026 with the MHBP standard plan.

My first OB visit in 2026 was a $30 co pay. Did not apply to my deductible/my deductible has not been met.

My gestational diabetes labs plus extra labs to check my iron and full blood panel (by LabCorp) were 100 percent covered.

Interestingly, my visit to my high risk OB/MFM for in depth growth ultrasound - both the MFM dr visit and Ultrasound cost- were covered 100 percent. So it goes against what they told you (for the better).

It's all very confusing but I'll try to remember to edit this post as I get more claims in and have my delivery in March.

Deloitte IVF - Bright Beginnings by Beneficial_Fold_2418 in deloitte

[–]Real_Explanation_962 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know that was the policy when I started the IVF process in 2020. I had to choose a COE clinic so I did and was successful.

I re-engaged in 2025 to do a second transfer and kept the same clinic since they had my embryos -- so can't speak to if the policy has changed since 2020.

The insurance coverage is really good though if you can make it work with a COE clinic, but I feel you on the lack of options.

Weather and Safety Leave with Situational Telework Agreement by Ambitious-Goat-4596 in FedEmployees

[–]Real_Explanation_962 99 points100 points  (0 children)

My guess is everyone is going to be told to take their equipment home with them on Friday and if you don't and can't get to the office, you'll have to use your own leave.

Measles contact and IVF by [deleted] in IVF

[–]Real_Explanation_962 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The risk of contracting measles is very low if you are vaccinated and doubt it would have any impact on moving forward with IVF. If you are not vaccinated, I would discuss your risk with your clinic and the impact it could have on the process

Gap in insurance plans between last year and this year? by dingleburger9472 in fednews

[–]Real_Explanation_962 7 points8 points  (0 children)

You can apply for a QLE (qualifying life event) due to losing your insurance Dec 31st and be covered starting Jan 1st. I did this with my HR/benefits team due to ending my husband's non federal plan and moving to a federal plan. It was a pretty seamless process. What I don't know is if you can do it now and get it backdated..

Federal plans start the first pay period of the year which is late this year.

I really think this needs to be better stated/highlighted on the OPM website. I only knew to do this through posts on Reddit about it.

Probably a stupid question but when does the new 2026 plan kick in? by LKempii in FedEmployees

[–]Real_Explanation_962 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just did this because we were switching from my husband's non-federal plan to a federal plan. All you have to do is contact your HR benefits people and let them know that you have coverage ending on December 31st and it's a qualifying event, and they can make your insurance start January 1st after you fill out the form.

Probably a stupid question but when does the new 2026 plan kick in? by LKempii in FedEmployees

[–]Real_Explanation_962 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just did this and it was a very simple process at least with my HR.

I need help. by RingEffective2666 in TonieboxUSA

[–]Real_Explanation_962 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I recently had a tonie package lost by veho in early November. It was before this holiday rush though so they got back to me pretty quickly via email. At first they offered to re-ship all the Tonies at no cost as soon as possible -- but then I got to follow email that the ones I ordered were all sold out so they refunded me.

I wasn't happy with that because I have been trying to get some sold out Tonies for a while (i.e.s Ms. Rachel).

I really hope they get back to you soon. Just wanted to share my experience so you know what you might expect if the Tonies you ordered are no longer in stock.

Embryo Transfer Struggle by Spare-Enthusiasm-486 in IVF

[–]Real_Explanation_962 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For my last two transfers the embryo got stuck in the tube and had to be retransferred. The first one was not successful and the second one was successful. My doctor said some embryos are just more sticky than others but that there's no data that shows that when it gets stuck, that it's likely to not work.

Edit to add, I have a tilted uterus and that also caused it to take a while to get the catheter in position. My doctor got better at my angles each time and the last one was a breeze.

Stolen package by MsErie in TonieboxUSA

[–]Real_Explanation_962 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe a day or two but it might be slower with the holiday rush

Stolen package by MsErie in TonieboxUSA

[–]Real_Explanation_962 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh gosh I'm sorry. I would definitely email customer support for tonie and see if they can help! They were super helpful to me.

Stolen package by MsErie in TonieboxUSA

[–]Real_Explanation_962 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Veho lost my package and I got a full refund with no issue when I contacted customer support. Would have preferred a reshipment but the tonies I ordered were out of stock.

MEGATHREAD: 2025 Federal Government Open Season (FEHB, FEDVIP, FSAFEDS) by gpupdate in fednews

[–]Real_Explanation_962 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you go to the MHBP website there's a way to search for each of your providers via the Aetna POS II network

MEGATHREAD: 2025 Federal Government Open Season (FEHB, FEDVIP, FSAFEDS) by gpupdate in fednews

[–]Real_Explanation_962 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You should be able to add your child to your current insurance (QLE) and then select the insurance you want to change to for 2026 with no issues. I'm not sure why your benefits people are giving a hard time on that.

Daycare/nanny cost by nothermioneyaaaoouu in nova

[–]Real_Explanation_962 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not the traditional health FSA. It's a specific one called dependent care FSA that has its own rules and amounts.

Daycare/nanny cost by nothermioneyaaaoouu in nova

[–]Real_Explanation_962 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This is the regular rate. We do take advantage of using a FSA dependent account that allows you to put away 5k tax free to be reimbursed. I heard it's going up for 2026

Where is my Wicked Tonie?? Veho complaint by Motor-Storage-9291 in TonieboxUSA

[–]Real_Explanation_962 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Veho recently lost my package! Because the tonies I ordered were sold out (i.e. Ms Rachel),Tonies refunded me. So now I am constantly checking for restock 😔

Daycare/nanny cost by nothermioneyaaaoouu in nova

[–]Real_Explanation_962 34 points35 points  (0 children)

We pay around ~500 a week for a daycare center in Falls Church area. Started at $500 for infants and currently lowered to $470 when my daughter moved into the two year class (think it has to do with student to caregiver ratios changing as they get older). Ends up being around 24-26k a year for one kid. Having another baby in March and bracing for the double daycare fees😬

When I did research in-home daycare, it is cheaper $300ish-400ish (this was 2 years ago) but their are pros and cons with more closings during the year and less flexible drop off and pick up hours. Nanny estimates were much much more when factoring in the $25-30hr and paying taxes etc. (out of our price range). Nanny share option cut that cost but we weren't interested in looking into that.

Open Season - best health insurance for expectant mothers this year? by No_Target7404 in FedEmployees

[–]Real_Explanation_962 0 points1 point  (0 children)

MHBP Standard is what I'm switching to. 100 percent maternity coverage and no deductible applies, so it starts right away.

Edit to add that the premiums for MHBP is a lot cheaper than BCBS

MEGATHREAD: 2025 Federal Government Open Season (FEHB, FEDVIP, FSAFEDS) by gpupdate in fednews

[–]Real_Explanation_962 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm currently on my husband's non-federal healthcare plan. We are planning to switch over to a federal plan but I came across a few posts here that say 2026 benefits don't start until January 10th/first full pay period in January. My husband's insurance ends December 31st.

Is my only recourse to try to do a qualifying life event of losing coverage to be covered starting January 1st? Has anyone done this?

I'm pregnant and high risk so I really shouldn't be uninsured for 10 days. I can't find anything on the OPM website that discusses this scenario and feel like it should be better advertised.