Trump claims big jump in VA trust scores, but data shows modest gains
Patient satisfaction rates have improved steadily at VA in recent years, but Trump insists his changes have reformed the entire department.
Oversight
VA cancels plans for employee satisfaction survey this year
VA has conducted a poll of federal employees every year since 2006, but won't distrubute one this year amid multiple reforms to the workforce.
Ask Kevin: What’s the legal basis for the Part B late enrollment fee?
A reader asks if the enrollment penalty is statutory.
Ask Reg: Can I negotiate my federal salary offer?
Departments and agencies vary in the latitude they give their supervisors and managers to vary the step they offer to a prospective employee.
Ask Kevin: Why am I paying IRMAA on top of my Medicare Part B premium?
A reader asks why they are subject to a Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount
Ask Reg: How long does it take to be vested for federal pension?
A reader asks if their military service counts toward their retirement eligibility.
Ask Kevin: Which FEHB national plans offer Medicare Advantage plans?
Here's what retirees can do to learn more about Medicare Advantage plans offered by FEHB plans.
Ask Reg: The process for counting active duty time toward retirement
A reader asks what documents are needed to prove the time acquired while in the armed forces.
Opinion
Overuse of National Guard threatens to undermine preparedness
Nontraditional missions run the risk of diverting resources that could be dedicated to training and preparedness, the authors say.
Defense Health Agency nurses face recruiting freeze, threats to pay
The agency has held town halls informing employees that it’s suspending a regrade of existing GS-13 nursing positions.
Government power in US is a swirl of checks and balances
Article II of the Constitution said executive power would be vested in the president but didn't specify what those powers specifically were.