PEBB Medicare Increase

Last week, PEBB (Public Employees Benefits Board) met and a proposed increase of $55 per member per month was put forward for Medicare eligible retirees in Regence UMP. Around 60% of all PEBB retirees are covered under this plan. For many of our retirees, this increase will be overwhelming-especially in the face of no COLA for plan 1 members.

The explanation provided was that 60% of the increase was due to the costs of prescription drugs (50% specialty drugs). A vote is expected at a follow-up meeting Thursday July 27th at the HCA building (626 8th Ave SE) in Olympia on Thursday July 27th at 1:30 pm. While seating is limited, we are trying to get members to attend. Our representative on PEBB will be voting against this increase and we are trying to get a meeting with staff.

The link below includes the proposal for 2018.
https://www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/public-employees-benefits-board-pebb-program/meetings-and-materials#meeting-materials