ANNUAL PERSONAL LEAVE CASH OUT OPPORTUNITY

It's that time of year again when you have the opportunity to cash out some of your unused Personal Leave.

There are 3 applications.  Since there are different rules for each group, please choose the one that applies to you:

• Administrator
• Certificated
• Classified

Remember you can check your leave balance in Skyward Employee Access.

If you are eligible, and you choose to take advantage of this benefit, please sign and return the Annual Personal Leave Cash Out Application to the Payroll Dept by the appropriate due date:

• If you are a School-Year Employee (working 10 months), please have these forms turned into Payroll by June 17, 2022.
• If you are a Year-Round Employee, please have these forms turned into Payroll by August 31, 2022.
• If you are an Administrator, please have these forms turned into Payroll by June 30, 2022.

Looking for Additional Retirement Savings options?

Perhaps a 403b could be your answer.

Please see the attached flier concerning the 403b Universal Availability Notice for helpful information.

In addition, you could start an IRS Section 457 Plan.

This is similar to a 403b plan.  You can learn more about this type of retirement savings plan by reviewing information on the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems Deferred Compensation Program.  

ANNUAL SICK LEAVE CASH OUT OPPORTUNITY

It's that time of year again when you may have the opportunity to cash out your 2021 unused sick leave.

To be eligible to cash out your unused sick leave you must:

• Have a balance of at least 60 days of sick leave as of 12/31/21
• And have not used all of the sick leave that you earned in 2021 

Here are some Sick Leave Cash Out Commonly Asked Questions that may be helpful in making your decision.

If you are eligible, and choose to take advantage of this benefit, please sign and return the Annual Sick Leave Cash Out Application

This application must be received in Payroll no later than January 31, 2022.

This policy is in accordance with WAC 392-136-015

The SEBB Program’s annual open enrollment begins October 25

SEBB Program's annual Open Enrollment Begins 10/25/21

The School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program’s annual open enrollment begins Monday, October 25, 2021 and ends Tuesday, November 22, 2021.

Open enrollment is your opportunity to make changes to your health plan benefits. Changes are effective January 1, 2022.

• What changes can you make? The SEBB Program’s annual open enrollment is your opportunity to:
  • Change medical and dental plans.
  • Add or remove dependents.
  • Reattest to the spouse or state-registered domestic partner premium surcharge (SRDP) (if you received a letter asking you to reattest.)
  • Enroll in the Medical FSA, Limited Purpose FSA (new for 2022), or DCAP through Navia Benefit Solutions.
  • Consider your long-term disability insurance coverage (changes are coming for 2022).
  • Waive your medical coverage if you are enrolled in other employer-based group medical, a TRICARE plan, or Medicare.
  • Enroll in medical coverage if you previously waived.
• Learn more about the changes you can make on our open enrollment webpage and in the October Intercom
• How do I make changes? Log in to SEBB My Account starting October 25, 2021.

If you have questions about your benefits or account, please contact:

Cyndi Barbur, cyndi.barbur@washougalsd.org or 360-954-3007

Barbara Houser, barbara.houser@washougalsd.org or 360-954-3052

Rhonda Sherman, rhonda.sherman@washougalsd.org or 360-954-3051

Cindie Persons, cindie.persons@washougalsd.org or 360-954-3004

Resources for open enrollment

We are offering multiple ways to learn about benefits from the comfort of your home.

• Virtual benefits fairs – During open enrollment, you can learn more about your health plans and other insurance options by visiting the virtual benefits fair.
• ALEX – Help you understand your SEBB benefits and guide you through choosing your medical, dental, and vision plans. ALEX will suggest plans for you to consider, based on your responses to questions. Access ALEX at wa.gov/alex and within SEBB My Account.
• Webinars – Attend a webinar provided by our carriers and vendors. See the schedule.
• Facebook Live – Join us on HCA’s Facebook on Monday, November 2 at 4 p.m.
• Web content – Visit the SEBB Open enrollment
• Intercom newsletter – The newsletter includes information about the changes to benefits, what changes you can make during annual open enrollment and how to make them, monthly premiums, and more. Read the October Intercom. Note: Since the newsletter was released, there have been clarifications about Kaiser Permanente of Washington’s (KPWA) and KPWA Option’s networks that could affect your coverage.  Read the announcement on HCA’s website to learn more.
• Need help? – Contact your benefits office.