Upcoming SMA Shutdown and Transition to Benefits 24/7 – Action Recommended

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 01/02/2024 02:07 PM PST

1.2.2024

We're reaching out to inform you about the upcoming changes to our benefits administration system. Starting 11:59 PM on January 9th, SEBB My Account (SMA) will no longer be accessible to both BAs and employees. This shutdown is necessary for processing data in preparation for our transition to the new Benefits 24/7 platform, scheduled to launch on January 16th.

Recommended Actions for BAs Before SMA Shutdown

As we transition to Benefits 24/7, we recommend taking the following actions in SMA to ensure a smooth transition:

Adding Newly Eligible Employees: Please make sure all newly eligible employees are added to SMA promptly.
Reviewing Dependent Verification (DV): It's helpful to review any DVs expiring during the shutdown period.
Handling Special Open Enrollment (SOE) Events: Please address any SOE events with timely reviews and necessary decisions.
Termination and Transfer Actions: For employees who are terminating, transferring, or exiting their roles, ensure you complete these changes in SMA before the shutdown.

Important Notice Regarding Account Updates

Please be aware that any updates not made to accounts before the SMA shutdown will not be reflected in the next billing file. Completing updates and changes in SMA ahead of the shutdown will help ensure more accurate billing and records in the new system.

Encouraging Employee Proactivity Before Shutdown

We recommend encouraging employees to finish any pending enrollment activities before the SMA shutdown. Important to note that SEBB paper enrollment forms are not available on the SEBB employee website. Employees will need to get these forms directly from their employer. We suggest proactively providing these forms to employees with enrollments expiring during the shutdown.

Data Migration to Benefits 24/7

All current data in SMA, including pending SOEs and dependent verifications, will be transitioned to Benefits 24/7. Post-launch, you'll be able to complete any remaining actions from SMA in the new system.

Your proactive involvement will assist with a seamless transition to Benefits 24/7. We appreciate your commitment to ensuring a successful shift and efficient benefits administration.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and support.

Launch of Benefits 24/7

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.