Day at a Glance

Hello,

Open Enrollment closed on November 30th, and if you have not done so already, you may still need to make a choice about your employee-paid long-term disability (LTD) benefit.

This benefit will change starting January 1, 2022. All PEBB-eligible employees will automatically be enrolled in employee-paid LTD, if not already enrolled. If you don’t make a change, you will default to the coverage level that covers 60% of the first $16,667 of your monthly pre-disability earnings.

The new LTD benefit will offer a minimum 90-day waiting period with two coverage level options. You also have the option to reduce or decline your employee-paid LTD coverage by submitting the 2022 Long-Term Disability Enrollment/Change form to your payroll or benefits office. Please refer to the FAQ sheet attached for further information regarding options and costs.

If you don’t actively reduce or decline your LTD benefit election by December 31, 2021, you will be enrolled in the 60-percent plan, and the premium will be deducted from your paycheck for January 2022 coverage.

Your long-term disability benefit is different from the state’s new long-term care benefit, which is called The WA Cares Fund. Long-term disability replaces a portion of your income due to accident, illness, or pregnancy. You can reduce or decline your employee-paid LTD coverage at any time. Long-term care pays for the cost of care when you need assistance with activities of daily living and is not currently part of your PEBB Program benefits.

For further information please visit, https://www.hca.wa.gov/employee-retiree-benefits/public-employees/long-term-disability-insurance

Thank you,

Lisa Patterson
Payroll & Benefit Coordinator
HR & Employee Relations