Open Enrollment begins Nov. 1 and ends Nov. 15
Make the most of your robust King County employee benefits package by making informed decisions for next year during Open Enrollment, Nov. 1 – 15. Here’s how you can learn more:
- See what’s changing next year.
- Register for an Open Enrollment information session.
- Watch the Open Enrollment Overview.
- Review how to use the PeopleSoft Open Enrollment tool by watching the Completing Open Enrollment with PeopleSoft video or reading the Open Enrollment PeopleSoft Guide.
- Go to the Open Enrollment page.
When you are ready, Go to Open Enrollment to log in from Nov. 1 through 15.
If you have questions about your benefits or need help with Open Enrollment, contact:
- Benefits, Payroll and Retirement Operations at 206-684-1556 or KC Benefits
- Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Closed Veterans Day, Nov. 11
Due to COVID-19, the Benefits office is closed for walk-in service.
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Supporting housing and employment organizations through the 2021 Annual Giving Drive
As part of the 2021 Annual Giving Drive, we are highlighting nonprofits whose work supports organizations committed to housing and employment. These and hundreds of nonprofits are participating in this year’s Annual Giving Drive.
- Attain Housing (9325) – Provides transitional housing, case management, and rental assistance services to homeless and at-risk families in King County.
- Ethiopian Community in Seattle (9627) – Empowers immigrants (from Ethiopia and East Africa origin) and the next generation by providing critical connections to and programming on education, health and housing.
- Salvation Army (9377) – Helping low-income, vulnerable, and disadvantaged members of the King County community meet their basic human needs for food, shelter, and safety.
- YouthCare (9317) – Works to end youth homelessness and to ensure that young people are valued for who they are and empowered to achieve their potential.
You can go online or use a paper form by Friday, Nov. 19, to make a pledge to your favorite Employee Giving Program nonprofits by:
- Payroll donation: One-time, once–per-month, or twice-per-month.
- Time donation: Eligible vacation or comp time. See your department Lead Ambassador for details in your office.
- Check or credit card: Made out directly to the nonprofit.
- Volunteering: Up to three sick days per calendar year at a nonprofit in the EGP (for non-represented and employees whose union has approved this benefit, including those covered by the Master Labor Agreement).
For more information, contact your Employee Giving Program Ambassador, visit www.kingcounty.gov/giving, email EmployeeGiving@KingCounty.gov, call 206-263-9372, or attend an online Nonprofit Expo.
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November 2021 General Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 2
King County Elections (KCE) mailed out ballots to 1.4 million voters. If you have not received your ballot, you can access and print your ballot online and return it by mail or drop box, as you usually would.
There are 15 ballot measures on the General ballot this year, and several important offices, including King County Executive, Metropolitan King County Council, and Port of Seattle Commissioners.
Drop your ballot in one of the 74 drop box locations across the county by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 2; drop it in the mail to be postmarked by Nov. 2; or visit a Vote Center.
View A Voter’s Guide to the Finish Line: Frequently Asked Questions & Answers here, and for more information visit www.kingcounty.gov/elections.
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Upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinics for King County employees
In November, King County is hosting five COVID-19 worksite vaccination clinics open to all employees and family members ages 12 and older. All three vaccine types –Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson – are expected to be available.
The clinics are intended to support employees who are in the process of completing their initial COVID-19 vaccination series to comply with the Executive’s vaccination mandate.
In addition, COVID-19 booster shots will be available to those who are eligible. Although not currently required, booster shots are recommended and encouraged for specific populations, including people who work in occupational or institutional settings that put them at high risk for COVID-19.
Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-registration with the vaccinator partner Pliable is strongly encouraged to save time. If you have received any prior doses, please bring your CDC vaccination card with you.
Pliable’s terms and conditions can be viewed here, and are also available at the clinics.
Employees will be paid for time spent getting COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters. Information on COVID-related leave is available here.
- Monday, Nov. 8, from 2 – 5 p.m., Chinook Building, Conference Rooms 121-123, 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle. Register here.
- Wednesday, Nov. 10, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, 16645 228th Ave SE, Maple Valley. Register here.
- Monday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, 16645 228th Ave SE, Maple Valley. Register here.
- Tuesday, Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. – noon, Regional Communications and Emergency Coordination Center (RCECC), 3511 NE 2nd St., Renton. Register here.
- Tuesday, Nov. 16, from 1 – 4 p.m., Road Division – Renton Maintenance Facility, Building C Conference Room, 155 Monroe Ave NE, Renton. Register here.
View a poster of the November COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics here.
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Access Transportation broadens services in response to pandemic
Access Transportation is a transit service for eligible people with disabilities, taking them anywhere a Metro bus, Seattle streetcar, or Sound Transit light rail goes. Last year, as the COVID-19 pandemic spread and services across King County adjusted to the new reality of taking extra public health measures for safety and creating additional services supporting the community, Access took on extra responsibilities providing urgent assistance outside its normal sphere of responsibility.
One of the first steps was to ensure the safety of the Access employees and those they service. On short notice, Access created a partnership with Public Health – Seattle & King County to help transport people who were exposed to the virus. Using vehicles outfitted with Plexiglas barriers, Access transported exposed people from isolation centers to medical appointments and shelters. None of the vehicles in the special fleet were used for regular Access trips.
When many were sheltering in place, even a trip to the grocery store was a risk. There were also many families who lost their jobs and were experiencing food insecurity. Access teamed up with food banks and hot meal programs throughout the region to deliver food directly to families. More than 158,000 meals have been delivered through August, and the food delivery program is expected to continue through the end of 2021.
Access continues to be part of a successful effort in getting people vaccinated. Working with Public Health – Seattle & King County, Access helps make sure that transportation isn’t a barrier to receiving the vaccine providing rides to people such as seniors with limited transportation choices. Access also coordinated with community partners in sharing information, even using our phone system to reach out to the homebound. This support has helped King County reach an impressive vaccination rate of well over 90% of those over 65 years of age, and more than 80% of those age 18-64.
Access Transportation provides an essential service to people with disabilities and is committed to ensuring every rider is offered safe and convenient transportation.
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Booster shots now available for all three COVID-19 vaccines
Booster shots have been approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for all three primary vaccines in use in the U.S., and several groups of employees should consider getting a booster shot.
Although not currently required, booster shots are recommended and encouraged for specific populations, including people who work in occupational or institutional settings that put them at high risk for COVID-19. You can find out where to get booster shots here.
Booster shots and COVID leave
The county will allow use of COVID leaves for booster shots in the same manner as allowed for primary vaccinations. Information on COVID Leave eligibility is here.
Who should get a COVID-19 vaccine booster?
For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at six months or more after their initial series:
- 65 years and older
- Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
- Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
- Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings
For people who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.
Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Mixing and matching of COVID-19 booster doses has been authorized by both the CDC and FDA, so employees can choose a different vaccine for a booster shot than the original Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine received.
All COVID-19 vaccinations are free of charge and all King County vaccination partnership sites are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible and open to the public.
Please go to www.kingcounty.gov/vaccine for more details about COVID-19 vaccines and to get answers to your questions.
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Supporting disaster relief organizations through the 2021 Annual Giving Drive
As part of the 2021 Annual Giving Drive, we are highlighting nonprofits whose work supports organizations commited to disaster relief. These and hundreds of nonprofits are participating in this year’s Annual Giving Drive.
- International Relief Teams (3575) – Alleviates human suffering by providing health services and other assistance to victims of disaster, poverty and neglect.
- Soup Ladies (9583) – Their mission is to deliver fresh, homestyle meals at no cost to First Responders called out to natural disasters, crime scenes, fires and critical incidents. Safety & energy are #1.
- UNICEF USA (3553) – Immediately respond when emergencies strike, invest in innovative solutions to the problems and advocate for children’s well being.
- World Renew (3511) – Work to change hunger, poverty, and injustice through community development programs and internationally coordinated disaster response.
You can go online or use a paper form by Friday, Nov. 19, to make a pledge to your favorite Employee Giving Program nonprofits by:
- Payroll donation: One-time, once–per-month, or twice-per-month.
- Time donation: Eligible vacation or comp time. See your department Lead Ambassador for details in your office.
- Check or credit card: Made out directly to the nonprofit.
- Volunteering: Up to three sick days per calendar year at a nonprofit in the EGP (for non-represented and employees whose union has approved this benefit, including those covered by the Master Labor Agreement).
For more information, contact your Employee Giving Program Ambassador, visit www.kingcounty.gov/giving, email EmployeeGiving@KingCounty.gov, call 206-263-9372, or attend an online Nonprofit Expo.
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Look for Open Enrollment information
Check your home mailbox for important benefits and Open Enrollment information mailed recently to the address you have listed in PeopleSoft. Open Enrollment takes place Nov. 1 – 15 and is your opportunity to:
- Change medical plans—Check plan quality and performance scores and use the Plan Comparison Charts and other resources on the Medical plans page to evaluate your options. Consider whether Kaiser SmartCare or KingCare Select (Regence) makes sense for your family. These plans will likely save you money, with lower deductibles, copays, and Benefit Access Fees.
The Washington Health Alliance’s 2021 health plan performance report rates Kaiser Permanente Washington No. 1 in the country for helping members stay healthy and manage chronic conditions. Regence ranked No. 1 in the state for helping members become good consumers of health care.
Transit ATU 587 employees who switch from KingCare or KingCare Select to the Kaiser SmartCare plan will receive $1,000 in an HRA (Health Reimbursement Account). HRAs are like Health Care FSAs—you can pay for the same medical, prescription, and vision expenses from a tax-free account. This incentive was bargained by ATU 587.
- Enroll in a Flexible Spending Account—Health Care and Dependent Day Care FSAs reduce your taxable income—saving you money. You must re-enroll every year during Open Enrollment. The Health Care FSA maximum contribution for 2021 is $2,750.
- Select the appropriate Benefit Access Fee—or exemption. If you cover a spouse or domestic partner on your medical plan, a Benefit Access Fee may be automatically applied, depending on your benefit group and the plan you choose. If you qualify for an exemption, you must confirm this each year during Open Enrollment. If no action is taken during Open Enrollment and you later determine that you qualified for an exemption, fees already deducted will not be refunded.
- Give—Contribute to your favorite nonprofit in the Employee Giving Program during the Annual Giving Drive. Pledges must be renewed each year. Your donations to the nonprofits you selected do not automatically roll over.
Learn more about 2022 benefit changes and attend an information session
To learn more about what’s changing for your benefit group, go to 2022 Key Benefit Changes, watch the Open Enrollment Overview video, or attend an information session held by your Benefits Team on a variety of days and times to accommodate your schedule.
What if you don’t participate in Open Enrollment?
- You will remain enrolled in your current medical plan.
- The Benefit Access Fee associated with your medical plan and benefit group will be automatically applied if you cover your spouse or domestic partner.
- You will not be enrolled in a Flexible Spending Account.
- Your other benefit choices will remain the same for next year.
Click here for more Open Enrollment and benefits information. You can also contact Benefits, Payroll and Retirement Operations at 206-684-1556 or KC Benefits Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Veterans Day, Nov. 11)
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Benefits office is closed for walk-in service.
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Required Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Training coming soon
As part of our ongoing effort to build a safe, welcoming, and supportive workplace for every King County employee, this fall we are offering training for all King County employees, which includes a short video and an online course, on reporting processes, roles, and responsibilities under the County’s Nondiscrimination, Anti-Harassment & Inappropriate Conduct Policy, Procedures and Responsibilities.
As a member of our organization, you have a defined role in the Nondiscrimination, Anti-Harassment & Inappropriate Conduct Policy to prevent, report, and act on behavior that is not in line with our expectations of employees. The policy applies to all employees in Executive Branch departments, offices, divisions, and agencies, including the Assessor’s Office, Elections, and the Sheriff’s Office.
The training is now available and is being assigned to all Executive Branch staff with County email and access to a computer. You will soon receive an email from NEOGOV with the subject line: Required training – Preventing Harassment and Discrimination. It will contain instructions on how to complete the training in NEOGOV Learn. The training will take approximately two hours to finish, so please plan accordingly.
The training must be completed by March 30, 2022. If you are an hourly employee, you should complete the training during your regular work hours. You can use one of several internet browsers to access the training, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox.
If you have further questions about the policy or the training, please contact your department’s HR Manager.
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Disability Awareness Month: Reasonable Accommodations in King County Superior Court
by Linda Ridge, Chief Administrative Officer, and Ronda Bliey, Public Access Specialist – King County Superior Court
Access to justice is a fundamental right of all people; however, for individuals with a sensory, cognitive, or physical disability, seeking access can be filled with challenges. Implemented in 2007, Washington State General Court Rule 33 (GR 33) was designed to assure that people with disabilities have equal and meaningful access to the judicial system[1].
King County Superior Court
Recognizing the important role that accommodations play in providing access to justice for individuals with disabilities, King County Superior Court hired Ronda Bliey to fill the newly created role of Public Access Specialist. Ronda comes to the position from Adult Drug Diversion Court, which utilized her talent for managing and supporting programs that respond to individual needs. Effective October 1, Ronda is the primary point of contact for the public when requesting disability accommodations under GR 33, in addition to her other responsibilities.
GR 33 requires courts to provide prompt response to requests for accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Washington State Law Against Discrimination (RCW 49.60). The rule also requires each court in Washington state to:
- Designate a principal point of contact for the public in need of accommodation.
- Publish instructions for requesting accommodation.
- Provide a request form for public use.
The establishment of the Public Access Specialist position is a practical and impactful action. It represents Superior Court’s intention to meet the standards of the rule in a robust and meaningful manner.
Requests for accommodation are assessed on a case-by-case basis. This is necessary because some requests are straightforward, such as providing an ASL interpreter. Others, however, take more time to investigate and resolve. This includes requests for legal assistance, for example. In her new role, Ronda is tasked with fully examining each case, finding workable solutions, and communicating with the requestors. In addition to working to expand accommodation resources, she will also spearhead development of improved tracking and reporting systems. Better tracking will help the court set priorities and lead to improved services and outcomes.
Coming to court to resolve personal and professional disputes can be stressful, filled with anxiety for anyone. Barriers the able-bodied take for granted add to the stress people with disabilities may experience in pursuing their court matters and accessing the court system. King County Superior Court remains determined to give good service to the community of people with disabilities and to the public at large.
Linda Ridge is Chief Administrative Officer for King County Superior Court. Email: linda.ridge@kingcounty.gov.
Ronda Bliey is Public Access Specialist for King County Superior Court. Email: ronda.bliey@kingcounty.gov.
For more information on Superior Court’s public accommodation request process, see: https://www.kingcounty.gov/courts/superior-court/get-help/accommodation-requests.aspx
[1] Washington State General Rule 33, Requests for Accommodation by Persons with Disabilities, Comments (1)
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