With the recent passage of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), you are now able to contribute up to $10,500—pre-tax—into your 2021 Day Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA). For this year only, if you are currently enrolled, you can contribute up to $10,500 to your Day Care FSA, or $5,250 if married and filing separately. (Normally, per year, you can contribute up to $5,000 per household or $2,500 if married, filling separately.) This means you can save up to an additional $1,650 at tax time. In addition, during May 2021,… Read More

New legislation provides relief to employees who may not have been able to use all of their Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds during the pandemic. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 COVID-19 relief bill signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020, allows a temporary change to FSAs to help employees avoid losing funds. If you have a Health Care or Dependent Day Care FSA, any unused funds in your FSA account from last year will be rolled over and available for use this year. The rollover of funds from 2020 to 2021 will happen automatically… Read More

Each January, certain members of Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) Plan 2 have the opportunity to transfer to PERS Plan 3. You are eligible to transfer to Plan 3 if you meet all of the following criteria:   You enrolled in PERS Plan 2 before Sept. 1, 2002.   You are currently in an eligible position.   You will earn service credit in January.   Here’s how to switch:   Use the resources on the DRS website to help you decide if transferring to Plan 3 is right for you.   Complete a DRS Member Transfer Form and return it by email to kc.benefits@kingcounty.gov or by… Read More

If you’re panicking because your regular vision provider has been closed or is booked solid during the long COVID-19 pandemic, fear not; your vision benefits, through Vision Service Plan (VSP), make it easy for you to get the eye care you need. And best of all… vision benefits are calculated on a rolling 12-24 month period, as follows, meaning you don’t need to rush out before year-end.   *Allowance for Regular and Transit ATU 587 employee benefit group is $200, allowance for all other benefit groups is $130. You may use any eye… Read More

If you haven’t had a preventive dental check-up this year because of concerns about the coronavirus or difficulty scheduling an appointment, don’t worry—your dental plan incentive level will not be impacted.  Under the Delta Dental plan design, diagnostic and preventive care—such as exams, cleanings, and x-rays—are 100% covered for those in the Regular or Transit ATU 587 employee benefit groups.  An incentive program applies to crowns and restorative services, including fillings, endodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery. For those in the Deputy Sheriff employee benefit group, the incentive program also applies to diagnostic… Read More

One week left – Complete Open Enrollment by Nov. 15 Don’t miss your opportunity to evaluate your benefit choices and make changes. If you haven’t already done so, make sure the right benefit options are in place for you and your family next year. If you don’t participate in Open Enrollment, your current elections automatically continue for next year—except your Flexible Spending Accounts and your Benefit Access Fee exemption if you cover a spouse on your medical plan—these must be selected each year. Learn See what’s changing next year. Register for a live… Read More