News and Resources
Washington State
Premera and EvergreenHealth Reach Agreement
(Puget Sound Benefit Services)
A new multi-year agreement between Premera and EvergreenHealth ensures there is no disruption for Premera members who receive care at EvergreenHealth.
Washington State Employment Law: Employee-Paid Long-Term Care Program
(Puget Sound Benefit Services)
This document describes Washington's state-operated public insurance program to pay for long-term care services, to be funded solely through employee payroll assessments.
Vaccinate Washington: Washington State's Vaccine Eligibility Tool
(WA State Dept of Health)
This tool helps Washington State residents determine their current eligibility for a COVID-19 vaccine and find appointments by zip code.
Washington Cares Fund Implementation Delayed
(Puget Sound Benefit Services)
Employees will begin contributing to the Washington Care Fund in July 2023, delayed from an initial implementation plan to fund the program beginning in 2022.
Washington State Coronavirus Response
(WA State Coronavirus Response)
This resource includes information on a variety of topics including vaccines and vaccine phases, business reopening guidance, and safety recommendations for gatherings.
Testing for COVID-19 in Washington State
(WA State Dept of Health)
This website helps Washington State residents find a nearby COVID-19 testing location, and answers FAQs about testing.
Washington State Announces PFML Rates for 2022
(Puget Sound Benefit Services)
Washington state’s paid family and medical leave (PFML) premium rate will increase in 2022, while the employer-paid portion of that rate will be a smaller percentage.
Washington's COVID-19 Vaccine Phases
(WA State Dept of Health)
This infographic provides a visual vaccine eligibility timeline showing vaccine phases and their currently scheduled dates.
COVID-19 News and Updates from Washington Governor's Office
(WA State Governor's Office)
This web page on the Washington Governor's website has the latest information on government action related to COVID-19.
National
IRS Issues Guidance for HDHPs on COVID-19 and Preventive Care
(Puget Sound Benefit Services)
On June 23, 2023, the IRS issued Notice 2023-37 to update its guidance for high deductible health plans (HDHPs) on expenses related to COVID-19 testing and treatment. Notice 2023-37 also discusses preventive care under tax rules for HDHPs.
HHS Extends COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Until April 2023
(CDC)
The PHE extension allows group health plans and insurers to continue relying on federally instituted pandemic-era flexibilities, such as covering COVID-19 vaccines, tests and treatments; expanding telehealth services, etc.
COVID-19 Guidance: Businesses and Employers
(CDC)
Implementing this guidance from the CDC may help prevent workplace exposures to COVID-19 in non-healthcare settings; separate guidance is available for healthcare settings.
The Resuming Business Toolkit
(CDC)
The CDC's Resuming Business Toolkit is designed to assist employers in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and lowering the impact in their workplace when reintegrating employees into non-healthcare business settings.
COVID-19 Vaccine Questions and Answers
(CDC)
This website provides information on COVID-19 vaccines, including efficacy, side effects, eligibility, and what to expect after being vaccinated.
COVID-19 Advice for the Public: Mythbusters
(WHO)
This resource from the World Health Organization serves as a fact checker against common misconceptions and misinformation about COVID-19.
OSHA Workplace Guidelines for COVID-19
(OSHA)
This resource from OSHA provides information for employers on implementing COVID-19 procedures to prevent exposure, infection, and spreading in the workforce while continuing to provide services.