Retiree open enrollment

Premiums for some plans are increasing significantly

We know the plan you choose for your retiree insurance coverage through the PEBB Program is important to you. We're also aware of the importance of maintaining plan choices from different factors retirees weigh when selecting a plan. The PEB Board met in July and authorized both Medicare and non-Medicare retiree premiums for 2024. Unfortunately, and although every effort was made to keep premiums as low as possible, some plans' premiums are increasing significantly next year. Read the message from the PEBB Program about increasing retiree premiums.

UMP Classic Medicare will see significant premium increases in 2024

UMP Classic Medicare is experiencing a higher rate increase and remains significantly more expensive than other PEBB Medicare retiree plan options. This is because Medicare Advantage and Part D plans receive federal revenue that UMP Classic doesn’t qualify for.

The 2024 premiums are influenced by a 17 percent decrease in UMP Classic Medicare enrollment that occurred during the 2023 open enrollment. The average projected per-member monthly cost of claims increased for the members who remained in the plan. High prescription drug costs also continue to be a significant factor in plan costs and premium increases. UMP Classic is a self-insured, coordination of benefit Medicare plan.

Increases to Kaiser Permanente non-Medicare plan premiums

Kaiser Permanente non-Medicare retirees will see double-digit percentage premium increases for all but two of the Kaiser Permanente plans. For the highest-enrolled Kaiser Permanente WA plan, non-Medicare retirees will pay $97 more per month for a single subscriber.

This change is not limited to the PEBB Program. Kaiser rates are also increasing on the Washington individual market and nationwide.

You are not required to stay in the same plan each year

You may switch to another PEBB medical plan during open enrollment and switch again in future open enrollments. (Exception: If you switch out of Premera Plan F you will not be able to enroll back in Plan F in the future as this plan is closed to new enrollment.)

UMP Classic Medicare is not closing

UMP Classic Medicare is not closing. The PEB Board supports keeping the plan open. Read more about UMP Classic Medicare.

We encourage you to consider various factors when choosing a medical plan.

• Overall cost (premiums, deductibles, copays/coinsurance, and maximum out-of-pocket limits).
• Whether your current providers accept the plan or, if changing providers, which providers are in the plan's network.
• Whether your current prescriptions will be covered and the cost.
• Whether you can use your preferred pharmacy.

Resources

• Submit Form A-OE.
• View premiums.
• Compare medical plan benefits.
• Contact the plans.
• Visit the virtual benefits fair.

Important changes to benefits and plans

Hearing aid coverage

• Kaiser Permanente NW and Kaiser Permanente WA: Members can use the hearing aid benefit of $3,000 per ear every 36 months. Medicare Advantage plans pay up to $1,400 per ear every 36 months. Kaiser Permanente WA Original Medicare's benefit is $3,000 per ear every 36 months. 
• Uniform Medical Plan: Members can use the hearing aid benefit up to $3,000 per ear for prescribed hearing loss, every 3 years. UMP CDHP is subject to member deductible.
• UnitedHealthcare: Members can use the hearing aid benefit every 3 years instead of every 5 years.

UMP Plus–UW Medicine Accountable Care Network service areas

UMP Plus–UW Medicine ACN will leave Kitsap County and will expand to Benton and Franklin counties. Members in Kitsap County must change plans.

Deductible for consumer-directed health plans

The IRS raised the minimum deductible for consumer-directed health plans to $1,600 for single subscribers and $3,200 for families.

This affects Kaiser Permanente NW CDHP, Kaiser Permanente WA CDHP, and UMP CDHP.

Health savings account annual maximum contribution increase

The IRS raised the health savings account annual maximum contribution to $4,150 for single subscribers and $8,300 for families.

How much will it cost?

Some premiums are increasing significantly for 2024. You should review your current plan and benefits changes to make sure it still meets your needs. You are not required to stay in the same plan each year. If you change to a different plan during open enrollment, you can change back next open enrollment. (Exception: If you switch out of Premera Plan F you will not be able to enroll back in Plan F in the future as this plan is closed to new enrollment.)

Note: If you pay your premiums by pension deduction, make sure your pension will cover your 2024 premiums.

Find monthly premiums

• Retiree Monthly Premiums (printable)
• Medicare plan premiums
• Non-Medicare plan premiums
• Retiree term life insurance premiums

What do I need to do?

You should review your current plan and benefits changes to make sure it still meets your needs.

If you are not making changes to your plans and they’re still available in the county you live in, you do not need to do anything. Your medical and dental plan selections will continue for the next year.

However, retirees not enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B may need to respond to the spouse or state-registered domestic partner coverage premium surcharge. You will receive a letter if you need to respond.

What changes can I make?

• Change medical and dental plans.
• Add or remove a dependent from your health plan coverage. If you enroll a dependent, you must provide proof of your dependent’s eligibility with your enrollment form before your dependent can be enrolled on your account. Check the list of acceptable documents.
• Defer your retiree insurance coverage due to other qualifying coverage. You must maintain continuous coverage in other qualified coverage to reenroll in the future. A gap of 31 days is allowed between coverages.
• Enroll in retiree insurance coverage if you previously deferred your enrollment. When you enroll after deferral, you must provide proof of continuous enrollment in other qualified coverage from the date of deferral.
• Reattest to the spouse or state-registered domestic partner coverage premium surcharge. Note: This does not apply to subscribers enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.

How do I make changes?

You can make changes to your benefits during open enrollment by submitting Form A-OE or using PEBB My Account. If a form is required, PEBB My Account will direct you to the appropriate form. 

The PEBB Program must receive your form during open enrollment, November 1 through 30, 2023.

Changes made through PEBB My Account must be completed by midnight on November 30, 2023.

Not making plan changes for 2024?

You should review your current plan and benefits changes to make sure it still meets your needs.

If you are not making changes to your plans and they’re still available in the county you live in, you do not need to do anything. Your medical and dental plan selections will continue for the next year.

How to return your form

Return your form one of the following ways:

• Secure message using HCA Support.
• Bring it to the HCA Olympia office.
  626 8th Avenue SE
  Olympia, WA 98501
• Mail it to the PEBB Program.
  Washington State Health Care Authority
  PEBB Program
  PO Box 42684
  Olympia, WA 98504-2684
• Fax it to 360-725-0771.

The PEBB Program must receive your from during open enrollment, November 1 through 30, 2023.

Note: Due to high call volume during open enrollment, wait times may be longer.

Do I need to attest to the premium surcharges?

Premium surcharges apply to retirees not enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. If you cover your spouse or state-registered domestic partner, you may need to respond to the spouse or state-registered domestic partner coverage premium surcharge. You will receive a letter if you need to respond. Learn more about the premium surcharges.

Open enrollment checklist

• Check the plans available in the county you live or work in to make sure your plan is still available. 
• Review what's changing. Find your monthly premiums and look over any changes to your current plan. 
• Make any changes, like changing your medical plan or removing dependents by November 30, 2023. 
• Stay connected. Follow HCA on social media. 
• Need help? Contact the PEBB Program. 

Medical and dental plan information

You are not required to stay in the same plan every year. You can change plans during open enrollment and again in future open enrollments. Exception: If you switch out of Premera Plan F you will not be able to enroll back in Plan F in a future open enrollment.

How do I compare medical plans?

Compare up to three medical plans side-by-side with the Online Medical Benefits Comparison.

You can also use the printable Medicare Benefits At-a-Glance and the Medical Benefits At-a-Glance to view plans side-by-side.

What medical plans are available to me?

In most cases, you must live in a medical plan's service area to join the plan. View plans available to retirees.

Be sure to call the plans you are interested in to ask about provider availability in your county. If you move out of your plan's service area and your plan is no longer available, you must select a new plan. If you do not, the PEBB Program will enroll you in a plan. You must report your new address and request a plan change to the PEBB Program no later than 60 days after your move.

Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC)

Summaries of Benefits and Coverage (SBCs) are required under the federal Affordable Care Act to help members understand plan benefits and medical terms. SBCs are not available for Medicare plans. View the SBCs for Non-Medicare retiree medical plans.

How do I compare dental plan benefits?

You do not need to be enrolled in Uniform Medical Plan to enroll in Uniform Dental Plan. These plans are separate.

The PEBB Program offers three dental plans.

• DeltaCare
• Willamette Dental Plan
• Uniform Dental Plan

Use the Dental Benefits At-a-Glance 2024 (printable) to compare them.

There are some differences between them that are important to keep in mind.

• There are two managed-care plans: DeltaCare (administered by Delta Dental of Washington) and Willamette Dental. These plans require you choose a primary care dentist from within their network. You need referrals from the primary care dentist to see a specialist.
• There is one preferred-provider plan (PPO), Uniform Dental Plan, administered by Delta Dental of Washington. You can see any provider without a referral. You can see providers outside of the network but you will pay more out-of-pocket. You do not need to be enrolled in Uniform Medical Plan to enroll in Uniform Dental Plan.

How do I find providers?

Check the plans' provider portals to check if your current providers are in the plans' networks. You can also call the plan's customer service to ask about a provider's network.

More to explore

For Your Benefit newsletter

The October For Your Benefit newsletter is your source for information about open enrollment. Read the retiree edition. 

Virtual benefits fair

Visit and explore to learn more about all the benefits available. You will find links to videos, plan comparisons, webinars, and other information to help you choose the right benefits for you and your dependents.