SEBB Update March 17

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 03/17/2020 02:34 PM PDT

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Hot topics

Information on COVID-19 available online

Information about novel corona virus (COVID-19) is available on our website, including information on health care coverage and COVID-19, and a list of links to frequently asked questions, fact sheets, and other resources.

Continuing life and LTD coverage while on approved leave without pay

School employees who are on leave without pay can continue their life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage and long-term disability (LTD) coverage as long as they have already worked at least 630 hours or are still anticipated to work 630 hours during the school year.

School employees remain eligible for the employer contribution unless there is a change in whether the employee is anticipated to work 630 hours. When school employees remain eligible for the employer contribution, the organization must still collect employee life and AD&D insurance premiums, even if the employee is not receiving a paycheck. Note: Organizations assigned to direct billing with MetLife would not collect employee premiums for life and AD&D insurance.

School employees on leave without pay who lose eligibility due to no longer being anticipated to work 630 hours can self-pay for life and AD&D coverage, but they would not be able to maintain LTD coverage while on leave without pay.

Webinar on enrollment changes still scheduled

Our webinar on when school employees can make enrollment changes is still scheduled for March 20, from 10 to 11 a.m.

The webinar will cover:

When changes can be made by employees.
The type of changes they can make outside of their initial enrollment window.
The difference between changes that can be made during open enrollment and which life events trigger a special open enrollment (SOE).
How to use the SOE matrix document.
How to make the changes in SEBB My Account.

We will also answer questions as time allows.

Important dates

March 20
HCA will start mailing the SEBB Initial Notice of COBRA and Continuation Coverage Rights booklet to employees

March 20
Webinar on when school employees can make enrollment changes
Register for the webinar

May 1 to 31
Supplemental LTD one-time enrollment opportunity

Quick links

About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is committed to whole-person care, integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents.

HCA purchases health care for more than 2.5 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program, and the COFA Islander Health Care Program. As the largest health care purchaser in the state, we lead the effort to transform health care, helping ensure Washington residents have access to better health and better care at a lower cost.

Please do not reply directly to this message. For more information, visit the HCA website, where you'll also find contact information.

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Nondiscrimination

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) complies with all applicable federal and Washington state civil rights laws and is committed to providing equal access to our services. Visit HCA’s website to view complete nondiscrimination statements.