School board members

Eligibility

Board members are eligible as long as they hold a position as a board member and meet the eligibility requirements under RCW 28A.400.350. They are not required to meet the eligibility requirements in WACs 182-12-114 and 182-12-131. Board members’ dependents must meet the eligibility requirements in WAC 182-12-260.

Once the board of directors of a school district or ESD has contracted with HCA, each board member may individually decide whether to enroll in PEBB benefits each plan year. If they decide not to enroll, they cannot enroll in PEBB benefits until the next annual open enrollment. Special open enrollment criteria do not apply to board members who do not enroll unless they experience a loss of coverage.

Board members are not eligible for retiree coverage. See more about board member eligibility.

Benefits

The PEBB Program provides a comprehensive insurance package that includes:

• Medical/vision
• Dental
• Life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)

Optional coverage is available for auto and home insurance.

Your employees can select any PEBB Program health plan available in their county of residence.

Your group must purchase the full package of medical/vision, dental, and basic life and AD&D insurance.

Costs

View the school district monthly premiums. PEBB Program rates change twice a year, in January and again in September.

Board members will participate under the tiered rate structure based on health plan choice and family enrollment. They may also be charged the tobacco and/or spousal premium surcharges.

When board members join the PEBB Program, they are assessed a start-up fee based on the number of board members. The following table outlines these start-up fees.

How to apply

To apply, submit the documents and information described below:

1. A letter of application that includes:
   1. A reference to your district's authorizing statute.
   2. Employer tax ID number (TIN).
   3. An estimate of the number of board members and dependents to be enrolled.
2. A resolution from the district's governing body authorizing the purchase of PEBB Program benefits. You may use this sample resolution.
3. A signed attestation affirming that the employees of your district substantially perform governmental functions.

The required information and documents for application must be submitted to the PEBB Program.

Deadlines for application submission.

Send your application to

Amy Corrigan
PEBB Program Outreach and Training
Health Care Authority
PO Box 42684
Olympia, WA 98504-2684
amy.corrigan@hca.wa.gov

Review process

The PEBB Program will review your application for compliance with HCA terms and conditions of participation. We will respond within 30 days and process your group’s enrollment or request additional information.

If the PEBB Program receives an incomplete application, we will work with you to complete the application. If 60 days pass from the initial submission date with no action from you, then you must resubmit your request for participation and all documentation to the PEBB Program. The PEBB Program may approve a 30-day extension due to unusual circumstances. However, an extension may delay the effective date of coverage for employees.

If you have questions or need help, please contact PEBB Outreach and Training at 1-800-700-1555.

What you must do when your application is accepted

When your application is accepted and your board members choose to join the PEBB Program, you must sign a contract/interlocal agreement. All participation requirements are listed in WAC 182-08-245.

The PEBB Program bills districts on a monthly basis. You will receive an invoice around the 25th of each month before the month of coverage. Payment in-full is due by the 20th of the month of coverage. For example, around May 25 an invoice will be sent for June coverage. Payment in-full for June coverage is due by June 20.

Cancelling participation with the PEBB Program

Once enrolled, your board members must participate in PEBB Program insurance coverage for at least one full calendar year, and may end participation only at the end of the year.