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Senate bill 5490 was signed into law during the 2023 Legislative session and became effective March 30, 2023. It states that retired or disabled employees who were previously denied PEBB retiree coverage solely for failure to timely notify HCA of their intent to defer may enroll in medical and dental plans if they meet certain eligibility criteria as set forth in the bill.
You may reapply for coverage if you meet all of the following.
You do not need to provide proof of deferral in another retirement plan or loss of creditable coverage.
Submit the following materials to the PEBB Program:
Forms and documentation: No later than November 30, 2023 (the last day of annual open enrollment).
First premium payment: No later than 45 days after your coverage begins. See Paying for benefits for details.
Submit your forms using one of the following methods.
Submit your forms through HCA Support. Attach them to a secure message. Be sure to sign them (typed signatures are not allowed).
Note: To keep your personal information secure, you will need to register for a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account (if you don't already have one) to submit your materials using this method.
360-725-0771
Washington State Health Care Authority
PEBB Program
PO Box 42684
Olympia, WA 98504-2684
If you're sending payment with your forms, enclose your check or money order payable to Health Care Authority and mail to:
Washington State Health Care Authority
PO Box 42691
Olympia, WA 98504-2691
Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date you signed the Retiree Election Form (form A). If the signature date is the first day of the month, coverage will be effective the first day of the following month.
You may enroll only in the following Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement medical plans:
You and your dependents cannot enroll in dental only coverage.
No. If you meet the eligibility criteria under the bill, you may enroll yourself and your dependents only in medical and dental coverage.
Note: You cannot enroll in dental only.
Yes. See Are my dependents eligible?
Generally you and your dependents must enroll in the same medical plan. However there are exceptions when you have a dependent on your account who is not eligible for Medicare. These are listed in the table below.
| If the person enrolled in Medicare enrolls in: | The non-Medicare members on your account: |
|---|---|
| Kaiser Permanente NW | Will be enrolled in Kaiser Permanente NW Classic |
| Kaiser Permanente WA Medicare Plan | Will choose to enroll in Kaiser Permanente WA Classic, SoundChoice, or Value |
| Premera Blue Cross Medicare Supplement Plan G UnitedHealthcare PEBB Balance UnitedHealthcare PEBB Complete |
Will be enrolled in UMP Classic |
Yes. Dual enrollment between PEBB retiree coverage and SEBB coverage is allowed.
If you are enrolled in SEBB coverage and also enroll in PEBB retiree coverage, you will pay monthly premiums under both programs.
Yes. For more information, see How do I defer?
See the Retiree Monthly Premiums.
Compare PEBB Medicare plans with the Medicare Benefits Comparison or the online benefits comparison tool. Compare PEBB dental plans with the Dental Benefits Comparison.
PEBB Program
Phone: 1-800-200-1004, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
TRS: 711
Online:Â Send a secure message or submit your forms using HCA Support.
