End of 2021 benefits updates and reminders

WA Cares Fund: details and resources

Washington State’s new mandatory long-term care (LTC) insurance under the WA Cares Fund will pay for long-term care expenses (up to $36,500 in total) for those who reside in Washington State when they require long-term care. The WA Cares Fund will be funded by a new payroll tax, starting January 2, 2022, of 0.58% of gross wages. The tax will affect all employees in the state unless they take action to opt out.

Washington State allows individuals that have purchased qualifying private LTC insurance before November 1, 2021, to opt out of the WA Cares Fund. Private LTC insurance ranges with respect to coverage and premiums, as compared to the WA Cares Fund and attendant payroll tax. Two typical differences:

Private LTC insurance typically provides coverage in all U.S. states rather than just Washington State, and in some cases outside the U.S. as well.
Private LTC premiums typically must be paid beyond retirement, until claim or death.

As a state institution, UW is not authorized by the Health Care Authority (HCA) to offer group-based long term care insurance programs. The PSO encourages all professional staff to learn about the WA Cares Fund and to decide what option is best for their individual circumstances.

For more information:

WA Cares Fund website
UW HR Benefits website
Faculty Council for Benefits and Retirement, which has been evaluating this initiative from the faculty perspective and has generously made available their findings.
A list of insurance companies approved to sell LTC insurance in Washington State https://www.insurance.wa.gov/long-term-care-insurance-companies-approved-sell-washington-state
Geekwire explainer: https://www.geekwire.com/2021/receive-long-term-care-email-employer-heres-means-opt-opt/

Event: Promoting Equity and Justice for Caregivers at UW

The Faculty Council on Women in Academia will host a discussion of current realities, polices, practices, and support during COVID-19 and beyond. (Event website)

Friday, October 30, 2020 from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (PST)

Open to all University of Washington caregivers.

Join the event on Zoom:

One tap mobile: +12063379723,,5608294138# US (SEATTLE),
+12532158782,,5608294138# US (TACOMA)

Zoom meeting ID: 560 829 4138

Notes from University Facilities and Services (FCUFS) meeting

Notes from University Facilities and Services (FCUFS) meeting Meeting Oct 1st

COVID and back to work planning

UW Employees returning to on-campus work are encouraged to voluntarily enroll in the Seattle Flu Study. https://seattleflu.org/uw
Daily attestation in Workday requirements remain in place.
Covid testing site in ground floor of Odegaard library.
UW Employee up-to-date Covid-19 information here: https://www.washington.edu/coronavirus/employees/
EH&S is doing campus contact tracing with limited resources & is concerned a large outbreak could overwhelm capacity.
HVAC systems across campus have been brought up to date on maintenance and air filters replaced – but not emphasizing because mask use and hand washing are primary protective activities – i.e. “Good HVAC” is no substitute for either, so not part of primary messaging.
Heat may be turned off this winter in building that are “closed” – your building coordinator might be a good place to start if concerned

Some Covid-related notes about Students returning to campus:

Facilities related to students and COVID19: Opening day was really light. Residence hall have 10K capacity, but only 3500 have moved in, only 750 (of those 3500) have in-person classes.
Prime student concerns include having a “good place to study” outside their residence. South campus center and the HUB ballroom are the two designated places to study and are husky-card controlled, masks required.
UW Student life has no jurisdiction over greek system, where spread and mask use concerns continue. Fraternities/sororities are only subject to king county public health rules, not UW rules.
UW Libraries are not open