Option 1: FEHB Only Without Medicare Part B
Retirees eligible for Medicare Part B may choose to rely solely on FEHB.

• Pros: You save on the Part B premium, which is $174.72 in 2024 and projected to rise to around

$185 in 2025. This option minimizes monthly costs, as you only pay for FEHB.

• Cons: Out-of-pocket expenses can be higher for doctor services, durable medical equipment, and home health care because FEHB becomes the secondary payer. This could lead to significant expenses for frequent healthcare users.

Option 2: Enroll in Medicare Part B and Keep FEHB
Combining Medicare Part B with FEHB provides robust coverage.

• Pros: Medicare Part B acts as the first payer, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs. Many FEHB plans offer an $800 annual credit to offset Medicare Part B premiums, making this a cost-effective choice for many retirees.
• Cons: You’ll need to pay premiums for both Medicare Part B and FEHB. For higher-income retirees subject to Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA), these costs can add up.

Option 3: Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan and Keep FEHB
This option provides near-comprehensive coverage by combining a Medicare Advantage plan with FEHB.

• Pros: Medicare Advantage plans become the first payer, while FEHB serves as the secondary payer. This setup often results in minimal out-of-pocket costs and offers additional perks such as dental, vision, hearing aids, and gym memberships. Some plans even provide a Part B giveback.
• Cons: You’ll pay premiums for both Medicare Part B and FEHB, which may not be ideal for those seeking to minimize monthly costs.

Option 4: Suspend FEHB and Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan with Prescription Drug Coverage
Suspending FEHB rather than canceling it outright can be a flexible solution.

• Pros: By suspending FEHB, you eliminate its premium, which can save $200–$300 per person monthly. You can also re-enroll in FEHB during open enrollment if needed.
• Cons: You’ll still face out-of-pocket expenses for co-pays and co-insurance with Medicare Advantage plans. Additionally, paperwork is required to suspend FEHB benefits.

Option 5: Enroll in Medicare Part B, a Medigap Policy, and a Part D Plan
This option eliminates FEHB entirely and provides comprehensive coverage through Medigap.

• Pros: Medigap Plan G covers most out-of-pocket expenses after meeting the Part B deductible, providing predictable costs. Part D covers prescription drugs, and Medigap ensures access to providers nationwide without network restrictions.
• Cons: This option requires permanently canceling FEHB benefits, which cannot be reinstated. It’s essential to carefully compare costs and benefits before making this irreversible decision.

Implementation and Paperwork
Making changes to FEHB requires completing the RI 79-9 form, whether you’re suspending or canceling coverage. Retirees opting for suspension maintain the flexibility to return to FEHB during open enrollment, providing a safety net for those exploring Medicare Advantage plans.

Assistance and Guidance
Navigating Medicare options can be complex, but help is available. Medicare guides are professionally trained to assist federal retirees in understanding their options, completing necessary paperwork, and selecting plans that align with their healthcare needs and financial goals. Booking a call with a guide can provide personalized support to ensure you make an informed decision.

Final Thoughts
The decision between Medicare options and FEHB is critical for federal retirees, affecting healthcare access, out-of-pocket costs, and long-term financial planning. By evaluating the pros and cons of each option and seeking professional guidance, you can select the best path for your health and retirement goals.

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Are Wagons Truly Making a Comeback?

Consider this: last year, wagons comprised a mere 1% of the 15.5 million vehicles sold in the U.S. The lion’s share of these sales belonged to a single model—the Subaru Outback—which alone accounted for over 160,000 units. In stark contrast, less than 5,000 units of other wagon models were sold nationwide, representing a scant 0.03% of all new car sales. To put this in perspective, more Americans (over 6,000) opted for a new Rolls-Royce in 2023 than chose an authentic wagon. Projections even suggested that by the decade’s end, annual wagon sales could dwindle to fewer than 500 units, while SUVs were expected to surpass the 10 million mark.

Yet, the tides of automotive preference are seldom static.

What’s Fueling This Shift?

Enter the Millennials and Gen Zers—a cohort known for defying parental norms and carving out unique identities. For many, the wagon’s allure lies in its blend of practicality and performance. Unlike their bulkier SUV counterparts, wagons offer a lower profile, enhanced speed, and a driving experience that’s both refined and eco-conscious. It’s not just the archetypal old-money moms in yoga pants gravitating towards wagons; a diverse and discerning audience is emerging.

Which Automakers Are Leading This Revival?

Several manufacturers have taken note, reintroducing and revamping wagon models to cater to this burgeoning interest.

BMW’s Bold Move: The M5 Touring Wagon

BMW is set to reintroduce the M5 Touring Wagon to the U.S. market. This marks the first time American consumers will have access to this model, with a starting price of $122,675. Under the hood, the M5 Touring boasts a formidable 717-horsepower, 738 lb-ft plug-in hybrid powertrain, anchored by an electrified twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8. BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds, though enthusiasts anticipate even swifter acceleration. With a top speed limited to 155 mph (or 190 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package) and the capability to travel 25 miles on pure electric power at speeds up to 87 mph, the M5 Touring seamlessly marries performance with efficiency.

Audi’s Powerhouse: The RS6 Avant Performance

Audi’s 2024 RS6 Avant Performance starts at $126,895 and stands as the brand’s most potent internal combustion offering to date, delivering 621 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse accelerates from 0-60 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph, extendable to 174 mph. Despite its performance credentials, the RS6 Avant doesn’t skimp on practicality, offering 30 cubic feet of cargo space.

Mercedes-Benz’s Swan Song: The E-Class Wagon

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon is poised to be the last AMG wagon powered solely by petrol. Priced starting at $122,250, this high-performance wagon features a 603-horsepower twin-turbo V-8, propelling it from 0-60 mph in just 3.0 seconds. The “Final Edition” model, limited to 999 units, boasts a unique Matt Graphite Grey Magno finish and high-gloss black accents, marking the end of an era for AMG’s petrol-powered wagons.

Volvo’s Versatile V90 Cross Country

For those seeking a blend of luxury and practicality without the six-figure price tag, the 2025 Volvo V90 Cross Country starts at $60,995. Powered by a 295-horsepower supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt hybrid system, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. Notably, it offers one of the highest EPA fuel-economy ratings in the luxury-wagon segment, with 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Wagons in America?

The resurgence of the wagon is more than a fleeting trend; it signifies a shift in consumer values. As environmental concerns and urbanization influence purchasing decisions, the demand for vehicles that offer both performance and practicality is on the rise. Wagons, with their unique blend of agility, efficiency, and cargo space, are well-positioned to meet these evolving preferences.

In conclusion, while the station wagon’s heyday may have seemed a relic of the past, its modern reincarnation is capturing the imagination of a new generation. As automakers like BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo continue to innovate within this segment, the wagon’s renaissance serves as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive world.

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