{"id":35952,"date":"2024-05-30T08:57:57","date_gmt":"2024-05-30T15:57:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/?page_id=35952"},"modified":"2025-10-14T14:47:59","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T21:47:59","slug":"benefits","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d117f309\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-3da123a4\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-c5c6ca4d\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-c5c6ca4d\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-ad5cabfe\">\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Benefits<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-fa95fdb4\"><div class=\"gb-inside-container\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-ddd0f88f gb-button-text\" href=\"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/benefits\/insurance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>INSURANCE<\/strong><\/a>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-21c1fb6c gb-button-text\" href=\"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/leave-and-time-off\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>LEAVE &amp; TIME OFF<\/strong><\/a>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-eeb13ae9 gb-button-text\" href=\"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/benefits\/retirement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>RETIREMENT<\/strong><\/a>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-c8d8b520 gb-button-text\" href=\"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/benefits\/savings-and-investing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>SAVINGS &amp; INVESTING<\/strong><\/a>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-9969d48a gb-button-text\" href=\"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/hr-services\/workers-compensation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>WORKER&#8217;S COMPENSATION (L&amp;I)<\/strong><\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:16px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-ewu-medium-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-ewu-medium-gray-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">News and Announcements<\/h1>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-f4d8c954\">\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">2025 Benefits Fair<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Wednesday, November 5<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\"><strong>10:30 am &#8211; 4:30 pm<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Hargreaves Hall, Room 201<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-53217cc9\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"755\" height=\"386\" src=\"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/09\/OE-BLUE-CURLED-SNIP-WEBSITE.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-39458\" style=\"width:525px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/09\/OE-BLUE-CURLED-SNIP-WEBSITE.jpg 755w, https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/09\/OE-BLUE-CURLED-SNIP-WEBSITE-300x153.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-ewu-medium-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-ewu-medium-gray-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-2bce804e\">\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong><em><br>2026 EWU\/PEBB Open Enrollment<\/em><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">October 27 &#8211; November 24<strong><em><br><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-928e221e\">\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"496\" height=\"330\" src=\"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/10\/OE-Lightbulb.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-39612\" srcset=\"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/10\/OE-Lightbulb.jpg 496w, https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2025\/10\/OE-Lightbulb-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 496px) 100vw, 496px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The annual Open Enrollment period runs from\u00a0<strong>October 27 \u2013 November 24\u00a0<\/strong>with an effective date of January 1, 2026, for all changes.\u00a0 You will have the opportunity to either enroll online through the <a href=\"https:\/\/benefits247.hca.wa.gov\/auth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Health Care Authority\u2019s Benefits 24\/7 website<\/a> or you can find electronic forms available on the <a href=\"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/benefits\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Benefits webpage on Inside EWU<\/a>.\u00a0 Paper forms are also available from the Benefits Office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Open Enrollment is the one time each year when you can:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Change your medical, dental, or vision plan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add or remove dependents from coverage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enroll or re-enroll in Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA)\/Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) for the next year, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And re-attest to the spousal surcharge questionnaire.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Important to Know \u2013 Making Changes in PEBB\u2019s Benefits 24\/7 system<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When making elections in PEBB\u2019s Benefits 24\/7 system, be sure to go to the final page where you are asked to save\/print a confirmation page. If you do not get to this page, you have not fully submitted your election, and your election will not be processed. It is strongly recommended that you save\/print this confirmation page for your records.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you reopen the Open Enrollment event to make a change or confirm what you elected,&nbsp;<strong>you must fully submit the election again<\/strong>&nbsp;going to the final page. Opening the event overrides the previous submission and causes that submission to disappear, so a new review\/election must be fully submitted.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Quick links:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hca.wa.gov\/assets\/pebb\/for-your-benefit-pebb-state-agency-higher-ed-october-2025.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">October 2025 For Your Benefits Newsletter<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hca.wa.gov\/about-hca\/news\/announcements\/changes-pebb-benefits-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HCA Open Enrollment Website<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/2025-2026%20Rate%20Comparison%20Chart.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2025\/2026 Premiums\u00a0<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hca.wa.gov\/about-hca\/news\/announcements\/changes-pebb-benefits-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What\u2019s changing in 2026?<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hca.wa.gov\/employee-retiree-benefits\/pebb-virtual-benefits-fair\/virtual-benefits-fair-pebb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PEBB Virtual Benefits Fair<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fortress.wa.gov\/hca\/pebbhealthplan\/compare.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PEBB Medical Benefit Comparison Tool<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hca.wa.gov\/assets\/pebb\/50-0706-pebb-dental-benefits-comparison-2026.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PEBB Dental Benefits Comparison<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hca.wa.gov\/assets\/pebb\/50-0108-pebb-vision-benefits-comparison-2026.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PEBB Vision Benefits Comparison<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hca.wa.gov\/employee-retiree-benefits\/public-employees\/find-pebb-plan-provider\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Find a PEBB medical plan provider<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hca.wa.gov\/employee-retiree-benefits\/public-employees\/medical-plans-available-county\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Medical Plan Availability by County<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-ewu-medium-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-ewu-medium-gray-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-ea4abebe\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Open Enrollment Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How do I make changes to my medical, vision and\/or dental plans?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To make changes, use\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/benefits247.hca.wa.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Benefits 24\/7<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0or a 2026 paper enrollment form. Forms will be available on Oct. 27 on the PEBB website and on the <a href=\"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/benefits\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EWU Benefits web page<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you make changes using Benefits 24\/7, they must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on November 24, 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you use a form, it must be received by EWU\u2019s benefits office no later than 5:00 p.m. on November 24, 2025.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How can I verify which plan I am currently enrolled in?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Benefits 24\/7, click on Current Coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How can I compare coverage between the different medical plans?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>PEBB has a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/fortress.wa.gov\/hca\/pebbhealthplan\/compare.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">medical benefit comparison tool<\/a>\u00a0you can use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why do insurance premiums go up or down each year?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Insurance plans submit premium proposals that take into consideration the past years claims history, and the anticipated trend for the upcoming year. If a plan paid out more claims than they collected in premiums, you will usually see premium increases the next year, and visa versa. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>I am enrolled in the UMP Plus plan and understand it will no longer be offered in 2025. What do I need to do?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You need to make a new medical plan election during the open enrollment window. If you do not make an election, you will be enrolled in the UMP Classic plan. Any family members on your coverage will also move to the new plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How can I find a health care provider in the UMP\/Regence network who would be covered as a preferred provider?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visit the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/ump.regence.com\/pebb\/finding-doctors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u201cFind a Doctor\u201d UMP\/Regence website<\/a>.\u00a0 If you are already a member, log into\/sign up for your online account.\u00a0 If you are not a UMP member, follow the links under \u201cFor Guests\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How can I find a health care provider or participating Kaiser WA clinic?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Kaiser WA, visit the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/wa-doctors.kaiserpermanente.org\/?network_id=9&amp;geo_location=46.724487,-117.254549&amp;locale=en&amp;ci=DFT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kaiser WA provider search website<\/a>.\u00a0 Remember that all locations have a Kaiser WA Clinic, so you can search by provider service or name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If I elect to change my medical plan for 2026, will I be required to switch my dental or vision plan as well?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No.&nbsp; Medical, dental and vision plan elections are separate elections.&nbsp; It would only be if you wanted to change your dental or vision plan as well that you would need to submit that as an Open Enrollment change. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is the amount that EWU pays in addition to what I pay for medical premiums towards my benefits package?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2026, EWU will pay $1333 as the employer contribution for each benefit-eligible employee to cover the majority of the medical premium, all the vision and dental premiums, and the basic life and long-term disability coverage.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-ewu-medium-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-ewu-medium-gray-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7d1e6353\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Medical Flexible Spending Arrangement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Questions and Answers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Are you a represented employee who will be making $68,004 a year or less on November 1, 2025?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you meet the criteria, you may receive a $300 Medical FSA contribution from your employer in January 2026. This contribution will&nbsp;<strong>not&nbsp;<\/strong>come out of your paycheck. You will receive it even if you don&#8217;t enroll in the Medical FSA for 2026.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>However, if you enroll in a CDHP with an HSA or waive PEBB medical coverage (except to enroll as a dependent on another PEBB account), you cannot receive the $300 contribution. This benefit was negotiated by the State of Washington through the Health Care collective bargaining agreement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you are found to be eligible for this benefit and enroll in a Medical FSA for 2026, the $300 will be added to your account in January. If you are eligible but do&nbsp;<strong>not&nbsp;<\/strong>enroll in a Medical FSA, Navia Benefit Solutions will open an account for you and send you a welcome letter with a debit card loaded with $300.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you have questions about this employer-paid benefit, please contact your benefits office.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-ewu-medium-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-ewu-medium-gray-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-27dd72a5\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>TIAA Consulting Appointments are Available Virtually or by Phone!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Appointments are available to meet with EWU\u2019s TIAA financial consultant who can help you create a plan or get you started planning for retirement savings.&nbsp; This is a free service to you!&nbsp; Get answers to questions such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are my investments a right mix to meet retirement goals?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Am I saving enough for retirement?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How will I take income from my account when I stop working?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can schedule an online appointment with a TIAA Financial Consultant.&nbsp; Just click this link&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiaa.org\/public\/support\/contact-us\/consultations-seminars\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">www.tiaa.org\/schedulenow<\/a>&nbsp;choose \u201cYour Employer\u201d then \u201cWashington\u201d then &#8220;Eastern Washington University&#8221; and you will be able to see all of the available dates and times. &nbsp;You can also call 1.800.732.8353 to make an appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These sessions are available to all employees who participate in TIAA as a retirement plan or through the Voluntary Investment Plan.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-ewu-medium-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-ewu-medium-gray-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-5a1744ac\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>TIAA now offers live webinars<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep your financial goals on track with TIAA&#8217;s live webinars.&nbsp; Visit&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.tiaa.org\/webinars\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TIAA.org\/webinars<\/a>&nbsp;to register or watch past presentations on demand.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-ewu-medium-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-ewu-medium-gray-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-e294ae0a\">\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-b39eeaef gb-headline-text\"><strong>SmartHealth Wellness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SmartHealth is Washington State\u2019s voluntary wellness program that&nbsp;supports you on your journey toward living well.&nbsp; As you progress on your wellness journey, you can also qualify for rewards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The assessment only takes about 15 minutes, personalizes your SmartHealth experience, and is the first step toward qualifying for the $125 wellness incentive.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hca.wa.gov\/public-employee-benefits\/smarthealth-wellness\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more about SmartHealth for details.<\/a>  <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-ewu-medium-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-ewu-medium-gray-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-9b2c1561\">\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-b4c21c6f gb-headline-text\">Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) Live Webinars!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>New! Live retirement webinars for DRS members and DCP participants. See&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/drs.trumba.com\/member-webinars\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">available webinars.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find out more about your retirement plan and benefits at a time and place that is convenient for you. Webinar topics include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Plan 2 or Plan 3 resources and questions about which plan is right for you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The fundamentals of your retirement plan: Contributions, benefits, investment selections (Plan 3), retirement requirements and options.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How DCP can help you save more for retirement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AND MUCH MORE!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drs.wa.gov\/webinars\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Featured webinars<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Washington State Deferred Compensation Program (DCP)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>DCP Distributions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plan Choice (Plan 2 or Plan 3)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plan 2: PERS, TRS, SERS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plan 2: LEOFF, WSPRS, PSERS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plan 3: PERS, TRS, SERS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plan 3 Distributions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Purchasing an Additional Benefit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Early Retirement (PERS, SERS, TRS)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Getting Ready for Retirement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Applying for Retirement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Benefit Payment Options at Retirement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Returning to Work After Retirement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nearing Retirement Seminar (webinar version)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medicare (guest speaker from SHIBA)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Please see the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.drs.wa.gov\/webinars\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">webinar schedule<\/a>&nbsp;for the link to join the webinar, and to review the full webinar schedule for additional webinars, dates and times.&nbsp; It is recommended that you log into the webinar 10-15 minutes in advance to test connection and sound. Please review&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/support.zoom.us\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/115004954946-Joining-and-participating-in-a-webinar-attendee-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how to join a DRS Webinar<\/a>&nbsp;for tips on accessing the webinar, audio, and sending questions. For login or audio assistance, please call 360.664.7930. Please be aware the audio comes through your computer so you\u2019ll need speakers or a headset.&nbsp; The webinars are not recorded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unable to attend a webinar? While the webinars are not recorded, many of the topics are available in the video library by scrolling the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/user32359536\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">video page<\/a>&nbsp;of the DRS website.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-ewu-medium-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-ewu-medium-gray-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Important health care information regarding Premium Assistance under Medicaid and the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Washington Apple Health for Adults and Children<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-43c5a724\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-043410a5\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-043410a5\">\n<div class=\"gb-button-wrapper gb-button-wrapper-874bf95c\">\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-7526f5bc gb-button-text smooth-scroll\" href=\"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/2025-CHIP-Notice.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Premium Assistance under Medicaid and the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-d318b2e2\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d318b2e2\">\n<div class=\"gb-button-wrapper gb-button-wrapper-4b98e8f5\">\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-93506cdb gb-button-text smooth-scroll\" href=\"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/12\/2025-Washington-Apple-Health-Info.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Washington Apple Health for Adults and Children<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-ewu-medium-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-ewu-medium-gray-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-175b4294\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-f9905010\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b742f8cf\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b742f8cf\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Events<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Open Enrollment 2026<\/strong> &#8211; October 27 through November 24, 2025<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-e464dc82\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-e464dc82\">\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Retirement Outlook Newsletter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drs.wa.gov\/outlook-news\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Current Issue<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Benefits and Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-409643e6\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-131d1cb5\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-131d1cb5\">\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/eap.wa.gov\/employees-their-families\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WA State Employee Assistance Program (EAP)&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>EAP Code:&nbsp; EWU<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.esd.wa.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Unemployment Compensation<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hca.wa.gov\/about-hca\/prescription-drug-program\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WA Prescription Drug Program (WPDP)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insurance.wa.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WA Office of the Insurance Commissioner<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-69ff3ba2\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-69ff3ba2\">\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hca.wa.gov\/employee-retiree-benefits\/public-employees\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Health Care Authority PEBB<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.drs.wa.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiaa.org\/public\/tcm\/ewu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TIAA<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:1em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>318 Showalter Hall<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>email:&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:benefits@ewu.edu\">benefits@ewu.edu<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>phone:&nbsp;<a href=\"tel:509-359-2488\">509.359.2488<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>fax: 509.359.2874<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>News and Announcements 2025 Benefits Fair Wednesday, November 5 10:30 am &#8211; 4:30 pm Hargreaves Hall, Room 201 2026 EWU\/PEBB Open Enrollment October 27 &#8211; November 24 The annual Open Enrollment period runs from\u00a0October 27 \u2013 November 24\u00a0with an effective date of January 1, 2026, for all changes.\u00a0 You will have the opportunity to either &#8230; <a title=\"Benefits\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/benefits\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Benefits\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3269,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"0","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":[],"_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"wpo365_audiences":[],"wpo365_private":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-35952","page","type-page","status-publish"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/35952"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3269"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35952"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/35952\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39631,"href":"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/35952\/revisions\/39631"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/test-inside.ewu.edu\/hr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35952"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}