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Shaun Southworth leading a federal employment training session with members of the Southworth PC team

New OPM Rule Requires Family Eligibility Proof for FEHB Every Time

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A new Office of Personnel Management (OPM) rule now requires federal employees to prove a family member's eligibility every time that person is added to Federal Employees Health Be...

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New FEHB Family Verification Rules for Feds

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Federal employees who carry a spouse or child on their health insurance should pay close attention to a new OPM rule expanding family member eligibility verification under the Fede...

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Avoid Costly FEHB Surprises: Open Season 2026 Changes You Must Check

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Open Season brings predictable adjustments each year, but 2026 carries a less familiar risk: eight FEHB plan options are disappearing, including NALC High and NALC CDHP—two plans w...

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Federal Employee Open Season 2026: What to Do During the Shutdown

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Federal employees, here’s the bottom line: Open Season runs November 10 through December 8, and it continues regardless of the shutdown. Your coverage, elections, and deadlines all...

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Forest Service Buyouts: Where is the Money Coming From?

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The U.S. Forest Service recently launched a “deferred resignation program” that has drawn scrutiny from Congress and concern from employees across government. Roughly 5,000 employe...

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Urgent Federal Benefit Cuts Threat: Be Proactive

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A major shift is underway—and if you are a federal employee, you need to be fully informed and ready to act. On April 30th at 10:00 AM Eastern, the House Oversight Committee will b...

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The Mindful Federal Employee is part of a broader public-education ecosystem from Shaun Southworth, Lydia Taylor, and Southworth PC. Use the resource that fits the question and the moment.

Podcast

Civil Rights for Civil Servants

Hear Shaun Southworth and Lydia Taylor explain federal employee rights, public service, workplace systems, and the people navigating them.

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Mindfulness

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Use practical mindfulness tools to create space between workplace pressure and the decision you make next.

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About the people behind the work

Shaun Southworth & Lydia Taylor

Meet the federal employment attorneys behind this public-education work and the podcast Civil Rights for Civil Servants.

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