Make the most of your King County benefits 

Open Enrollment for next year’s benefits is Nov. 1-15, so now is the time to review your benefit options for 2021.   Make sure you get the most out of your robust King County employee benefits package by learning what’s offered during Open Enrollment and how you can make changes:  Check out the new online enrollment tool: This year, we’re using an updated PeopleSoft tool featuring a new look and feel and a mobile-friendly interface – making it easier for you to complete Open Enrollment using a smartphone or tablet. For details and step-by-step… Read More

Welcome to Open Enrollment!

Open Enrollment starts today Take a fresh look at your benefits Make the most of your robust King County employee benefits package by making informed decisions for next year during Open Enrollment, Nov. 1 – 15. Learn more Use the following resources to learn more, and ensure you are selecting the right benefit options for you and your family: See what’s changing next year. Register for a live Open Enrollment information session. Watch the Open Enrollment Overview Find out about the updated PeopleSoft Open Enrollment tool: Watch the Completing Open Enrollment with… Read More

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 a live Open Enrollment information session.  Watch the Open Enrollment Overview video.  Find out about the updated 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 website.  When you are ready, Go to Open Enrollment Nov. 1 – 15. If you have questions about your benefits or need help with Open… Read More

Learn about the Benefit Access Fee 

Are you covering a spouse or state-registered domestic partner on your King County medical plan next year? If so, a monthly Benefit Access Fee may apply, depending on the medical plan you choose and your employee benefit group, as shown below. The Kaiser Permanente SmartCare medical plan has no Benefit Access Fees.  If you are eligible for an exemption to the Benefit Access Fee, you must select this each year during Open Enrollment, Nov. 1–15.  Benefit Access Fee exemptions  If your benefit group and medical plan have a Benefit Access Fee, it automatically applies each year…. Read More

Reasons to enroll in an FSA 

Need an easy way to save money? During Open Enrollment—Nov. 1–15—you can enroll in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). You’ll set aside pretax dollars from your paycheck, then use it to pay for eligible health care or dependent day care expenses. Since you’re not paying federal or FICA taxes on your FSA money, you get a huge tax savings.  Here’s why you should consider enrolling in an FSA during Open Enrollment:  Save money. FSA contributions are pre-tax, resulting in a significant savings.  Orthodontia. Contribute up to $2,750 to a Health Care FSA and pay… Read More

Attend an Open Enrollment education session 

Open Enrollment for next year’s benefits is coming up, Nov. 1–15. Get a head start on understanding your 2021 benefits by attending an upcoming information session. Join your Benefits team for a live Zoom meeting to:  Learn more about your 2021 benefit choices  Find out about the updated PeopleSoft Open Enrollment tool  See what’s changing next year  Discover why it’s important that you participate in Open Enrollment  Ask questions and get assistance  Register for an Open Enrollment information session. The live sessions are offered on a variety of days and times to accommodate your… Read More

Look for Open Enrollment information in your mailbox

It’s in the mail 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 you can start preparing now. What’s changing? New online enrollment tool: This year, we’ll be using an updated PeopleSoft tool featuring a new look and feel and a mobile-friendly interface—making it easier to complete Open Enrollment using your smart phone or tablet. For details, step-by-step instructions, and screenshots, watch the Completing Open Enrollment… Read More

Love your King County employee benefits? 

Want to help spread the word about the great employee benefits King County provides? The Benefits Team is looking for employees who utilize and love their employee benefits. If this is you—and you’d like to find out even more and help your coworkers learn about their benefit choices during Open Enrollment, Nov. 1–15, let us know!  Later this month, you will be provided with virtual training and materials, so that you can encourage participation in Open Enrollment, answer questions, and offer support to the people you work with.  Participation is strictly voluntary, on… Read More

Make the most of your FSAs during the pandemic 

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted many aspects of daily life, and may have affected the amounts you are spending on day care and health care. The following reminders can help you make the most out of your Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which allow you to set aside pre-tax money for day care and medical expenses.  Day Care FSAs  With many schools and daycare facilities closed, many employees are struggling to find a provider who can watch their children during working hours. If your day care expenses have changed due to the COVID pandemic, you… Read More

Routine dental care again allowed 

Dentists began seeing patients for routine visits again on May 19. Prior to reopening, dental offices have implemented new protocols, including additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), to further protect the health and safety of you and your family members.  Some employees have reported that their dentists are charging them for the additional PPE needed to prevent the transmission of COVID 19. Delta Dental is now paying dentists an additional amount for each visit to cover the cost of PPE. Covered members are not required to pay any additional charges for PPE. Delta… Read More