Holiday closure Monday May 28: Most county offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.

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E-mail: Health Matters

Phone: 206-205-5017

Open Enrollment for 2012 benefits is under wayOpen enrollment for 2012 benefits is under way

Open enrollment for 2012 benefits has begun and will continue through Nov. 18, 2011. Here are key things to keep in mind during this year’s open enrollment:

  • You can go onlinefor open enrollment 24 hours a day. If you have questions or need help over the phone, call Benefits, Payroll and Retirement Operations from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday, except Veterans Day. If you need hands-on help with your online open enrollment, call 206-684-1556 to set up an appointment.

  • The big change in 2012 is that Regence BlueShield will become the new third-party administrator of the KingCareSM plan on Jan. 1. Learn more about this change, including how to transition your care into 2012 if you are undergoing special care with an Aetna provider who is not a Regence provider.

  • Read the open enrollment mailer that was mailed to you so you know about other changes and what you need to do during open enrollment. If you are eligible for benefits and did not receive your mailer, call Benefits, Payroll and Retirement Operations at 206-684-1556 or email kc.benefits@kingcounty.gov.

  • Reset your benefit access fee if you will not owe the fee in 2012. Every year, King County resets the system to begin charging a nonrefundable $50/month fee if you cover a spouse or domestic partner on your county medical plan. If your dependent does not have access to medical coverage through an employer, you need to remove the benefit access fee during open enrollment because you do not have to pay the fee.

  • Enroll in a 2012 flexible spending account. If you have an FSA this year and want one in 2012, you must enroll during open enrollment—your current-year FSA does not roll over to 2012.
  • Sign up for payroll deduction for one or more of the 700+ nonprofits in the County's Employee Giving Program.

Visit the County’s open enrollment website—www.kingcounty.gov/employees/openenrollment—frequently for updates. Or, call Benefits, Payroll and Retirement Operations at 206-684-1556 or email kc.benefits@kingcounty.govif you have questions or need assistance during open enrollment.