Benefit Information

The School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) offers comprehensive medical benefits tailored to the diverse needs of Washington State school employees. Recognizing the importance of health and well-being in the educational sector, SEBB's medical offerings are designed to provide coverage that spans preventive care, specialist visits, hospitalizations, and prescription medications. The plans vary depending on an employee's county of residence or work, ensuring localized care and services best suited to individual needs. With a focus on both physical and mental health, the benefits promote a holistic approach to employee health, ensuring that educators and school staff have the support and protection they require to thrive in their roles.

SEBB Medical Comparison (Online)

Medical Benefits At-A-Glance

• Kaiser Permanente Northwest
• Kaiser Permanente of Washington
• Kaiser Permanente of Washington Options
• Premera Blue Cross
• Uniform Medical Plan

The School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) provides a comprehensive suite of dental benefits to Washington State school employees, ensuring they and their eligible dependents have access to quality dental care. With three primary options available – two managed care plans (DeltaCare and Willamette Dental Group) and one preferred-provider plan (Uniform Dental Plan or UDP) – SEBB caters to varying preferences and needs. While the managed care plans emphasize selecting a primary dental care provider from within their specific networks and often require referrals for specialist consultations, the UDP gives members the flexibility to choose any dental provider. Notably, with over three-quarters of Washington's dentists participating in the UDP, members are afforded a broad range of choices. Moreover, SEBB ensures that there are no financial barriers to essential dental care, with employers covering the dental premiums and certain plans not necessitating annual deductibles. The aim is clear: to prioritize the dental health of school employees and their families, recognizing its importance in overall well-being.

SEBB Dental Benefits At-A-Glance

• Uniform Dental Plan
• Uniform Dental Plan (SEBB) Certificate of Coverage (2024)
• DeltaCare
• DeltaCare (SEBB) Certificate of Coverage (2024)
• Willamette Dental Group of Washington
• Willamette Dental Group (SEBB) Certificate of Coverage (2024)

The School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) is committed to safeguarding the eye health of Washington State school employees by offering an array of vision benefits tailored to diverse needs. Eligible school employees, as well as their dependents, are granted comprehensive vision coverage with the premiums seamlessly handled by the employer. SEBB boasts a selection of three vision plans: Davis Vision by MetLife, EyeMed Vision Care supported by the Fidelity Security Life Insurance Company, and the standalone MetLife Vision. Each plan is meticulously crafted to offer a variety of services, from routine eye check-ups to specialized care, ensuring optimal eye health and clarity. Furthermore, to provide the best value, certain plans feature dedicated clinics where members can avail services and eyewear at the most competitive prices. By facilitating such extensive vision benefits, SEBB underscores the importance of eye health in the overall well-being and productivity of school employees.

SEBB Vision Comparison (Online)

SEBB Vision Benefits At-A-Glance

• Davis Vision by MetLife
• EyeMed Vision Care
• MetLife Vision

The School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) provides eligible school employees with comprehensive long-term disability (LTD) insurance, in partnership with the Standard Insurance Company. This insurance is designed to offer financial support in the event that an employee becomes unable to work due to a severe injury, illness, or pregnancy. SEBB ensures automatic enrollment in both employer-paid and employee-paid LTD schemes for eligible members. The default coverage protects 60% of an employee's predisability earnings, with potential benefits reaching up to $10,000 monthly. Alternatively, a 50% coverage option is available, offering a maximum of $8,333 monthly. A defining feature of SEBB's LTD is the nuanced definition of disability. Initially, it focuses on the inability to perform one's specific job role, but after 24 months, it expands to consider any suitable occupation based on one's qualifications. Through this LTD insurance, SEBB demonstrates a commitment to securing the financial well-being of school employees during challenging health adversities.

SEBB Long-Term Disability Insurance Information 

The School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) provides eligible school employees with a foundational layer of financial protection through its basic life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance. This core coverage, which automatically enrolls eligible members, is offered at no cost to the employee. It supplies a $35,000 payout for basic life insurance and an additional $5,000 for AD&D insurance. For those seeking enhanced protection, SEBB also provides the option to purchase supplemental life and AD&D insurance, extending further coverage to the employee and their qualified dependents. The convenience of enrollment and account management is streamlined through MetLife's MyBenefits portal, allowing employees to easily navigate their insurance choices. With these offerings, SEBB demonstrates a steadfast commitment to the well-being and security of school employees and their families.

SEBB Life and Accidental Life & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance Information 

The School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) offers Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs) as a strategic tool for school employees to efficiently manage and plan for their out-of-pocket health care expenses. By utilizing FSAs, employees have the ability to allocate a portion of their salary before taxes to cover various medical costs. SEBB presents two distinct types of FSAs: a Medical FSA, which covers a broad range of health care expenses, and a Limited Purpose FSA, tailored exclusively for dental and vision costs, making it ideal for those enrolled in the UMP High Deductible plan. It's essential for participants to re-enroll annually, as FSAs don't automatically renew each year. Additionally, the program offers the potential to carry over certain unspent funds to the subsequent year, ensuring that employees can maximize the benefits of their contributions. This structured approach to health care financing provided by SEBB aids employees in effectively budgeting for their health care needs while enjoying the advantage of pre-tax savings.

SEBB Medical Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSA) Information 

SEBB Limited Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSA) Information 

The School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) offers the Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) as a financial tool to support school employees in managing their child and elder care expenses. By allowing participants to allocate pre-tax funds from their salaries for qualified care expenses, the DCAP provides monetary relief for one of the significant expenditures many families face. Managed by Navia Benefit Solutions, the program is tailored to cater to school employees who anticipate working a minimum of 630 hours within the school year. Eligible dependents under DCAP include children aged 12 and below, and those above 13 who, due to certain disabilities, reside and need care within the participant's household. It's crucial for participants to re-enroll annually, as enrollment doesn't automatically carry over. Contribution limits are set at $5,000 per year for single taxpayers or married couples filing jointly, and $2,500 for married individuals filing separately. Participants can submit claims for reimbursements to Navia through multiple avenues, and any unclaimed funds by the end of a plan year are forfeited if not utilized by March 31 of the succeeding year.

SEBB Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) Information 

The Deferred Compensation Program (DCP), offered through the School Employees Benefits Board, presents a strategic approach for educators and school staff to fortify their retirement provisions. Specifically engineered for those looking to bridge the gap between their pension and Social Security, DCP stands as a tax-deferred savings mechanism, ensuring that contributors gain an immediate advantage by reducing their current taxable income. Moreover, the taxation on the growth and contributions is deferred until the funds are withdrawn during retirement. An added benefit of the DCP is its effortless contribution process, as the designated amount is auto-deducted from the participant's paycheck, beginning from as minimal an amount as $30 monthly. Flexibility remains at the program's core, allowing contributors to adjust their investment choices and contribution amounts as needed. Furthermore, with a range of investment options overseen by the Washington State Investment Board, participants can trust in the expertise and low fees associated with the DCP's offerings. Those enrolled in the program also benefit from "one-step" funds, which intelligently recalibrate asset allocations in tune with the participant's projected retirement date. Governed by the Washington Administrative Code, DCP ensures adherence to state regulations, guaranteeing a transparent and trustworthy savings avenue for school employees.

DRS Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) Website

This notice provides employees with information on what a 403(b) plan is, how they can contribute, what providers to which they can contribute, and the amounts they can contribute annually.

Access the 403(b) availability notice here