PEB Board reviews proposed hearing instrument resolution
On May 11, 2023, the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEB Board) met. Members attended in person at the Health Care Authority building in Olympia and remotely. The meeting was open to the public both in person and via Zoom.
Meeting recap
Highlights are listed below. See the briefing book for all presentation materials.
HCA staff introduced the following proposed resolution for discussion, with a vote scheduled for the next Board meeting:
PEBB 2023-03 — UMP Hearing Instruments: Beginning January 1, 2024, prescribed hearing instruments in all Uniform Medical Plan (UMP) plans will be covered up to $3,000 per ear with hearing loss, at least every 36 months, without member cost share. Coverage for members enrolled in UMP Classic, UMP Select, and UMP Plus are not subject to the member meeting the plan deductible. Coverage for members enrolled in high deductible health plans are subject to the member meeting the plan deductible.
HCA staff provided presentations on the following:
- A wrap-up of the 2023 legislative session, including a number of new laws that affect PEBB Program rules and benefits
- An update on the 2023-2025 biennial budget.
- Report on the Uniform Medical Plan (UMP) hearing instrument benefit, including effects of the newly passed House Bill 1222. Staff introduced proposed resolution PEBB 2023-03 to implement this bill.
- An overview of Kaiser Permanente of Washington’s First Fill.
- An update of Medicare issues, including pharmacy appeals processes, CAHPS surveys, retiree listening sessions and public forums, and retiree communications.
The Board went into executive session before adjourning.
Next meeting
The next public meeting of the PEB Board is scheduled for June 8, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Board members and the public may attend in person (masks are recommended) or virtually via Zoom. A link or call-in number for virtual attendance will be noted on the meeting agenda and posted on the PEB Board Meetings and materials webpage.