Employee Benefits
Happening NOW - SEBB 2026 Annual Open Enrollment
The SEBB Program's Annual Open Enrollment (OE) for 2026 is happening now: October 27 - November 24, 2025. Enrollments, changes, and premiums will go into effect on: January 1, 2026. The most current information is available from the WA HCA website/"Open enrollment (SEBB)" section.
SEBB UMP Plus medical plans will close December 31, 2025
Beginning January 1, 2026, Uniform Medical Plan (UMP) Plus-Puget Sound High Value Network (PSHVN) and UMP Plus-UW Medicine Accountable Care Network (ACN) will no longer be available. During annual open enrollment, October 27 through November 24, 2025, UMP Plus subscribers must select a new medical plan, or they and any enrolled dependents will be automatically enrolled in UMP Achieve 2 with coverage starting January 1, 2026.
To make sure subscribers are well informed about this change, the SEBB Program has planned mailings to UMP Plus subscribers leading up to open enrollment. Affected subscribers will get an email or postcard about this change in August. Letters will also be mailed to all UMP Plus subscribers in September. Look for information about this change and your 2026 plan options in your October SEBB Intercom newsletter. All annual open enrollment information will be posted on the SEBB webpages in early October.
Retirement Timing and SEBB Benefit Eligibility
The School Employees' Benefits Board (SEBB) provide health insurance to eligible school employees. As you plan to transition from being a working employee to a retiree, you will need to consider health coverage. If you are planning to receive SEBB benefits in July and August, you may not choose a June or July retirement date. For more information on how your retirement date affects your SEBB benefit coverage, please review the "School employees: how to time your retirement" article posted on February 13, 2025 by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems. Prospective retirees may find information about PEBB retiree benefits such as eligibility, the enrollment process and benefit availability by visiting the WA HCA Retirees section.
Need to make a change to your SEBB benefits?
Certain life events let you change your benefits outside of annual open enrollment. These events are called "special open enrollment" events. To learn what events qualify for special enrollment and the steps you need to take to change your benefits, please visit the WA HCA website/"Special open enrollment" section.
SEBB Eligibility - How is eligibility determined?
SEBB benefit eligibility is triggered by specific employment circumstances, based on the rules in WAC 182-30 and WAC 182.31. The most current information on SEBB benefit eligibility is available from the WA HCA website>School Employees/"Am I eligible?" section. If you are determined to be eligible for SEBB benefits, your monthly premiums can be reviewed via Employee Access>Check History>"Deductions" and will appear coded according to your medical plan selection.
Please note: for SEBB eligible employees who WAIVE benefit coverage, the district is still responsible for the "employer contribution" paid to the WA HCA, which will appear on Employee Access>Check History>"Benefits" in the amount of $1,178.00 per month (9/1/24-8/31/25 rate). This is the mandatory employer contribution paid by the school district, not the employee, to the WA HCA for all SEBB eligible employee determinations.
Newly eligible for SEBB benefits?
If you are recently hired and benefit eligible, your SEBB benefits will begin the first day of the month following your start date (per WAC 182-31-040). All SEBB benefit information is available to start exploring, at any time, by visiting the WA HCA website>"School Employees" section. SEBB benefit eligibility/enrollment information will be sent to employees via email, as soon as the district eligibility determination has been made.
SEBB Enrollment Guide - Plan Comparisons, Costs, Supplemental Plans, etc..
Plan ID cards - After you enroll, your health plans will send you an identification (ID) card to show providers when you receive care.
If you have questions about your ID card, contact your plan.
The Uniform Dental Plan does not mail ID cards, but you may download one from the the Delta Dental website.
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Current employee plan changes & information
Need to contact one of your plans? CLICK HERE!
Behavioral Health Services - each medical plan provides access to behavioral health services. Review behavioral health services by plan to learn more about the services available and how to access them. Start exploring your SEBB Behavioral Health Services options with these toolkit materials:
- SEBB Behavioral Health Resources Flyer
- SEBB Behavioral Health FAQ
- SEBB Behavioral Health Glossary of Terms
What changes can you make at any time?
What changes can you make during annual open enrollment?
How do you make changes outside of annual open enrollment?
To make changes that do NOT qualify as a Special Open Enrollment (SOE) event,
the next annual open enrollment is:
The next SEBB Program's Annual Open Enrollment (OE) will be
October-November 2025, exact dates TBD.
What happens if you stop working?
SEBB Continuation Coverage Info
Other Benefit Options:
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free and confidential counseling services for employees. (Four sessions per person, per issue).
Contact: First Choice Health, Phone#: 1.800.777.4114. Please reference Username: shoreline
Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) - which allows you to set aside pretax money from your paycheck to help pay for qualifying child care or elder care expenses. You must re-enroll in this benefit every year if you want to participate.
Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs) - allow you to set aside pretax money from your paycheck to pay for out-of-pocket health care costs. You must re-enroll in this benefit every year if you want to participate.
Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
Long-term Disability (LTD) Insurance
SEBB Intercom Flyers
SEBB Intercom October 2025 Flyer - mailed to staff 10/14/2025 - learn about benefit changes for 2026, review plan premiums, see the in-person benefits fair schedule, and learn all about open enrollment.
SEBB Intercom May 2025 Flyer - mailed to staff 5/15/2025 - provides ideas on how to get started with behavioral health care, advice for preparing for retirement, tips for summer sun safety and travel, and much more.
SEBB Intercom February 2025 Flyer - mailed to staff 2/13/2025 - contains information about understanding blood pressure, using your vision benefits and apps to support wellness and much more!
SEBB Intercom October 2024 Flyer - mailed to staff 10/11/2024 - contains information about open enrollment, premiums, plan options for 2025, changes to the program, and much more.
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