NALC National Update – Oct 1, 2026

National NALC news for Thursday, Oct 1, 2026, compiled for Branch 4837 members.

Open Season dates and 2027 premiums

OPM set Federal Benefits Open Season for Nov 9 – Dec 14, 2026. For the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) plans, the average enrollee share goes up 8.2%. Plan brochures arrive in early November.

One plan is ending: UHC Choice Plus Primary Postal East. If you're in it and don't choose a new plan, you'll be moved to FEP Blue Focus. Adding family members will require eligibility documents.

Links: OPM Open Season announcement · PSHB premiums

New Labor Secretary confirmed

The Senate confirmed Keith Sonderling as Secretary of Labor, 47–41. He had been acting secretary since April. NALC President Renfroe is urging the Labor Department to pursue a national heat safety standard and improve the workers' comp office (OWCP) for injured carriers.

Link: NALC: Senate confirms Keith Sonderling as next Labor Secretary

Workers' comp PA/NP bill gains Senate support

S. 3296, which would let physician assistants and nurse practitioners treat injured federal workers, picked up four Senate cosponsors (now 10) and remains on the Senate calendar awaiting a vote. The House version, H.R. 3170, has 17 cosponsors.

Link: S. 3296 on congress.gov

Contract status

No tentative agreement or arbitration news yet. The 2023–2026 National Agreement remains in full force.

Sources: nalc.org, OPM, congress.gov.