Snohomish Health District merger cuts off insurance for retirees

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

EVERETT — As the merger of the Snohomish Health District and Snohomish County became final, dozens of retirees learned they will lose access to their health insurance.

-snip-

According to district spokesperson Kari Bray, because the health district will cease to exist Jan. 1 and the county does not contract with PEBB, the 65 retirees cannot stay in PEBB plans. They can choose to buy an exchange plan, Medicare if they are eligible, or pay a lot more for COBRA for up to 18 months.

The district Board of Health voted to merge with the county May 31, and the County Council voted to approve the merger Jun. 8. At that time, the district knew retirees would lose coverage through PEBB.

The Health Care Authority sent letters to retirees Nov. 16, and again Nov. 22, notifying them of the change and their options. The district sent a first letter to retirees Nov. 22, two days before Thanksgiving.

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/snohomish-health-district-merger-cuts-off-insurance-for-retirees/

So they waited several months to let people know.

[Skittles]

1. 660 a month for a Medicare supplement plan?

[ChcioInf]

2. Notified about that via EM

Applied for a lower level position at SHD last month. Since they're transitioning/integrating systems per the deadline HR paused interviews. Hurry up and wait.