Updates on the new pharmacy benefits manager for Regence medical plans
On Jan. 1, 2026, Ventegra began managing the pharmacy benefits for employees and family members enrolled in the KingCare and KingCare Select (Regence) medical plans. Please note the following updates and reminders about this change.
- New ID cards are coming. The Ventegra member ID cards sent with the Welcome Kit in January had a printing quality issue. Although the information is correct, it is somewhat difficult to read. The ID cards have been reprinted and will mail soon to all members.
- Most local pharmacies are in network. Nearly all retail pharmacies in Washington are part of the Ventegra network. You can use the Ventegra Pharmacy Locator to make sure your current pharmacy is in network. Then show your Ventegra ID card to your pharmacist when you get your next refill or new prescription.
- Receive mail-order prescriptions from Costco. Mail-order prescriptions are filled by Costco Mail Order Pharmacy. A Costco membership is not needed. You can get a 90-day supply of many medications delivered to your home for the price of two monthly copays. Set up an account at Costco.com or call 800-607-6861.
- Pick up a 90-day supply of medication at a local pharmacy. Ventegra allows you to pick up a 90-day supply of maintenance medications at many retail pharmacy stores for the cost of two monthly copays. A 90-day supply is offered by most Ventegra network pharmacies except CVS and Walgreens, which limit purchases to 30-day supplies
- Specialty medications are filled by Costco Specialty Services. Prescriptions for specialty medications are handled by Costco Specialty Services. For more information, contact Costco Specialty Services at 855-213-0070. If Costco Specialty Services doesn’t have your medication on file, it may not be considered a specialty drug on the Ventegra Premium Formulary (several medications considered specialty by CVS are not considered specialty under Ventegra). You can purchase non-specialty drugs at any network pharmacy. You will need to ask your doctor to send your non-specialty prescription to your preferred pharmacy.
- Contact the Ventegra Customer Care Team:
- Phone: 844-571-2982 Mon.–Fri.: 4 a.m.–12 a.m.; Sat.–Sun.: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Email: CCT@ventegra.org
- Live chat: ventegra.org
If you have additional questions, contact the King County Benefits Team at 206-684-1556 or KC Benefits.
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Undersheriff Jesse Anderson retires after almost 35 years
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Employee Newsletter
Laughter filled the room as friends, colleagues, and loved ones gathered to celebrate Undersheriff Jesse Anderson and his remarkable career with the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO).
The event brought together former and current KCSO members, leaders from several area law enforcement agencies, and King County Councilmember Sarah Perry, creating a meaningful reunion centered on stories, shared memories, and heartfelt appreciation.
Jesse’s impact was evident in every smile and story told. His dedication, leadership, and kindness have left a lasting mark on the department and the people he served.
While we’re excited for Jesse’s next chapter, he will be deeply missed. Thank you, Jesse, for your service to the people of King County.
To watch his farewell video, click here.
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Executive thanks employees for keeping public safe during Seahawks parade
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay recently thanked King County staff for their dedication and service during the Seahawks parade yesterday.
“Thank you to the Seahawks for bringing so much joy and energy to our city, region, and state!
Thank you also to all of our King County staff for keeping us safe and moving. Team members from Metro, Sound Transit, the Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, and more were working over time alongside city staff to make sure everything went smoothly.
Today was a very special day. I hope you enjoyed it with your loved ones.”
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Executive Zahilay Signs New Executive Order to Strengthen Protections and Support for King County’s Immigrant and Refugee Communities
On Feb. 12, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay signed a new Executive Order to strengthen protections and increase emergency resources for King County’s immigrant and refugee communities impacted by the increase in federal immigration enforcement activities.
In January, Executive Zahilay hosted four immigration roundtable convenings in North, Central, South, and East King County to hear from leaders in immigrant and refugee communities about challenges they were facing and resources needed.
The Executive Order, the first in Executive Zahilay’s administration, was informed by the feedback shared at the convenings.
“Every resident who calls King County home, regardless of their citizenship status, deserves safety, dignity, and to live without fear or intimidation,” said Executive Zahilay. Read more.
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Enjoy up to 25% off at 1-800-Flowers.com
King County employees can now get up to 25% off flowers and gifts for Valentine’s Day through 1-800-Flowers.com. Make a loved one feel as special as they are with beautiful bouquets, decadent chocolates, gourmet gift baskets, and sentimental keepsakes.
Visit 1800flowers.com/corporatemembers and use promo code PERKSPICK at checkout. Enjoy up to 25% off select flowers and gifts, plus 20% off everything else.
See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
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Use your King County benefits to safely commute to work
King County offers employees a variety of safe commute options to help you arrive at your destination with confidence through the Employee Transportation Program (ETP). Your King County employee ID badge doubles as an ORCA card. One tap of your card pays your fare on the following regular services:
- Metro Transit, Sound Transit Express, Community Transit, Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit, and Everett Transit bus service.
- Link light rail
- Sounder train
- Seattle Streetcar
Take free, unlimited trips on regional transit, any day, any time, for any reason! Learn more about your King County Employee Transportation Program commuter benefits in this video below or visit kingcounty.gov/ETP for more information.
For more information on employee safety programs and resources, check out the Safety, Security, and Emergency Preparedness Homepage (employee access only).
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Changes for Fleet motor pool drivers in downtown garages
Do you use any of Fleet’s motor pool vehicles based in downtown Seattle? If you drive motor pool vehicles in either Goat Hill Garage or King Street Center, read on for some important updates.
The Goat Hill Garage has been having some connectivity challenges and the License Plate Reader capability is currently down. Fleet has garage access cards for your use when driving a motor pool vehicle. Look for the small packets attached to the vehicle keys with an “S” shaped carabiner, making it easier to detach the packet from the keys to use at the gate of the garage. The packets, consist of the following:
- Voyager Fuel Card
- Goat Hill Garage Access Card (tap on the card readers with circles on them)
- Information Card
King Street Center will be undergoing some construction, adding more Electric Vehicle charging stations on Level B where Fleet vehicles are parked. Starting Friday, Feb. 13, the Fleet vehicles will be moved to designated parking spaces on the ramp between Level A and Level B. The parking spaces will be specified in WeGo and located on the placard that hangs from the rearview mirror. Please park the vehicles in the correct spaces for the next customer using the vehicle. This is a temporary move until the new charging stations are completed this summer.
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Deputy Abts-Olsen recognized by the Seattle City Attorney’s Office
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Employee Newsletter
Deputy Nic Abts-Olsen was recently recognized with a commendation from the Seattle City Attorney’s Office for his compassionate, trauma-informed response to a stalking victim who had recently relocated for safety.
Deputy Abts-Olsen took the victim’s concerns seriously, conducted a thorough investigation, coordinated directly with the City Attorney’s Office, and went above and beyond to help protect her sense of security. The victim later shared high praise for his care, professionalism, and dedication.
The Victim Advocate Supervisor also said “His initiative and compassion made a meaningful difference for this victim.”
Thank you, Deputy Abts-Olsen, for your outstanding work and for showing empathy and respect when it mattered most.
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Exclusive savings through TicketsatWork: TurboTax
King County employees get access to exclusive discounts and deals through ticketsatwork.com.
Save an extra 20% on TurboTax
File your taxes with complete confidence with TurboTax and take advantage of two great deals.
You can file on your own with step-by-step guidance and get unlimited expert help as you go, plus save 20% when you file! Learn more here.
Or let a dedicated expert do taxes for you, start to finish. For a limited time, let a TurboTax expert do your taxes for $150 flat. No hidden fees. Includes all tax situations, federal and state included. Applies if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. File by 2/28. Learn more here.
TicketsatWork is updated daily with seasonal offers and exclusive savings on everything from home entertainment to your everyday needs. Visit ticketsatwork.com/tickets and use the company code KingCounty to begin receiving discounts and extra special offers on your go-to brands and most-loved experiences, including brand new offers on cruises, just in time for spring travel.
See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
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KCIT launches innovative app to support DNRP Park Rangers
King County IT’s GIS Center recently launched a new app for the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) Park Ranger program, marking a significant advancement in how King County monitors and manages park incidents. Built exclusively for DNRP, this tool provides the first centralized system for tracking park rule violations and other incidents – data that will help improve park safety and enhance the visitor experience. The goal is simple yet powerful, to turn Rangers’ “boots on the ground” work into actionable insights for King County leadership.
Using the app, Rangers can now document incidents – such as unleashed dogs in restricted areas – directly from their mobile devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops. Each report is tied to a precise location on a GIS map, creating a detailed record of where and when incidents occur. Back in the office, rangers and Parks leaders can access a dashboard to review data, analyze trends, and visualize patterns geographically. This new capability enables DNRP to allocate resources strategically and respond to issues more effectively.
By transforming field observations into data-driven decisions, this app represents a major step forward in supporting King County Parks and the communities they serve. The Park Ranger app is another example of the hundreds of apps KCIT’s GIS Center supports to help King County employees be more effective in their roles.
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