Today is Election Day
Today is Election Day! Here is a map of all 76 King County ballot drop boxes – King County Elections suggests that the best drop box is the one you can make it to by 8 p.m. sharp tonight, to ensure your vote is cast and your voice is heard. After you return your ballot, watch its progress through the process by signing up for automatic text or email ballot alerts here. For more information visit www.kingcounty.gov/elections.
|
Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month, May - June 2023
Crossposted from Metro Matters
They are fitness enthusiasts and bicycle and motorcycle fans. Some always wanted to be behind the wheel, others came because they enjoy serving the public and getting people where they need to go. They are our “rolling ambassadors,” the kind, courteous and helpful smile that greets you every day when you ride with us.
They represent over 150 years of driving experience. The operators who drive your bus are as unique as you, and all of them love driving and giving back to their community.
Meet your Operators of the Month for May and June 2023. Read more.
|
Pacific Northwest Admin Awards Nominations Close Aug. 9
The third annual Pacific Northwest Admin Awards nomination period ends Aug. 9. Admin Awards is a nationally recognized public celebration of administrative excellence reserved for extraordinary Administrative Professionals. Click this link to submit a nomination.
The nomination form includes the option of submitting nominations for the nine individual award categories and one company award category. Finalists and awardees will be announced during the Admin Awards Gala in September. Visit the Admin Awards website for more information.
|
New requirement to report lump sum payments to the Division of Child Support
According to House Bill 1262, additional income reporting requirements became effective for Washington employers on July 23, 2023. Employers are now required to report lump sum payments of $500 or more to the Washington State Division of Child Support (DCS) before the lump sum is paid to the employee.
This requirement applies to only those employees with a current WA Income Withholding Order that includes a payment for past-due child support.
The reporting requirement applies to lump sum payments of $500 or more includes, but is not limited to: Retro pay, cash out of accruals such as vacation, sick or comp time; bonuses; commissions; retroactive pay; moving and relocation incentive payments; safety awards; settlement pay; and workers’ compensation for lump sum wages owed. Excluded are recurring payments of regular earnings, overtime pay, recurring premium pay, and reimbursements for expenses.
King County must report the lump sum payment to DCS and they will direct King County regarding how much to withhold for child support.
For more information, contact the Washington State Division of Child Support or visit their website at www.dshs.wa.gov/child-support.
|
EvergreenHealth may be out-of-network starting Sept. 1, 2023
If you are a member of the Regence KingCare PPO medical plan, and you see medical providers who are part of the EvergreenHealth network, please note the following information about their contract with Regence BlueShield.
Leaders from Regence and EvergreenHealth are currently in extended contract negotiations. Both organizations are working to reach an agreement before their current contract ends Sept. 1. Here is what you need to know:
- Most provider-health plan contract negotiations are resolved with no service disruptions and no provider network changes.
- If an agreement between EvergreenHealth and Regence is not reached by Sept. 1, services received on or after this date by EvergreenHealth providers will be considered out-of-network and will be paid at a lower benefit level, except for emergency care at Evergreen general hospitals in Kirkland and Monroe, which would be paid at the in-network level.
- Most employees pay 40% for out-of-network services after the deductible and copays are met, until you reach the out-of-pocket limit. For details about your medical benefits, go to www.kingcounty.gov/Plan-Details.
- You can receive care from EvergreenHealth through Aug. 31, and services will be paid at the in-network rate.
- No action is needed by you at this time. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
- Regence recently mailed a letter to members who use EvergreenHealth providers to inform them of the situation and identify potential alternative providers, should the parties not reach agreement by Aug. 31.
If you have questions or want help finding a different provider, please call Regence BlueShield at 800-376-7926 from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. PST, Monday—Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST on Saturday. You can also contact the King County Benefits team at 206-684-1556 or email KC Benefits.
Get Movin' with Balanced You upcoming sessions
Get Movin’ with Balanced You virtual movement breaks are back! Balanced You has partnered with Vivecorp to bring you virtual workouts with certified fitness trainers. Get moving with us every other Wednesday via Microsoft Teams.
These 30-minute move breaks are free and virtual so you can tap in from anywhere and benefit from the instruction of a certified trainer. Each session will be different ranging from yoga and stretching to cardio and strength training. Register for an upcoming session below. Registered participants will be emailed a link from Balanced You the day before the event.
Classes are for all levels from beginner to advanced. No special gear is needed, the sessions are all body weight movement. A yoga mat is optional.
|
Balanced You self-care webinars: Discussion on menopause with Dr. Sarah Oman
Earlier this year, Balanced You held a discussion on Women’s Health and Wellness that was a huge success. One of the more popular topics was on perimenopause and menopause. Balanced You welcomes back Dr. Sarah Oman, OBGYN for Kaiser Permanente’s Capitol Hill Team. Dr. Oman will be joining host Karla Clark, Employee Health and Wellness Specialist for a candid discussion about this topic, and Dr. Oman will also be available to answer your questions live during the webinar.
For questions or more information, contact balancedyou@kingcounty.gov.
|
King County security tips: Keep devices and software up to date
You know that little pop-up prompting you to restart your computer for a software update? The one that only seems to come up when you’re in the middle of something important? As annoying as it may seem, this notification is actually a valuable asset to your cybersecurity. So, before you click the “Later” option, let’s take a closer look!
What is a software update?
A software update is a new and improved version of a program, application, or operating system that you are already using. The update may include new features, bug fixes, or important security patches. Read more.
Featured Job: Asset Management Program Information Coordinator
King County Headlines
Cultivating Connections: King County Refreshes Data Impact Dashboard with a Deeper Look at DCHS Programs and Initiatives
Metro Matters: Transit service update: Peak weekday routes 16, 232, 237, 301, 304 and 320 remain suspended through Aug. 4; alternative routes are available
Best Starts for Kids: Announcing 23 Universal Developmental Screening Awardees
Metro Matters: Seafair: Military ride free during Fleet Week!
Best Starts for Kids: Join us at the High School Resource Fair in Tukwila August 17!
Cultivating Connections: MIDD 2022 Data Dashboard and Summary Report are Live!
|
