Three medical plans are offered to employees and dependents through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC):

• Regence High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account. The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee and dependents, and makes contributions to the Health Savings Account.
• Regence HealthFirst Plan ($250 deductible). The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee and 86% of the premium for dependents.
• Kaiser Permanente Plan ($200 deductible). The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee and 86% of the premium for dependents.

Employees may be eligible to opt out of medical insurance coverage to receive a $1,500 annualized contribution to their deferred compensation account and/or flexible spending (IRS Section 125) account.

During the first year of employment, employees are required to enroll in the High Deductible Health Plan unless precluded by a documented, ongoing medical condition or if covered by insurance outside of the City.

The effective date of health insurance is the first day of the month following hire.

VOLUNTARY FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT
The Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125) is an optional tax savings program which is offered to employees annually. It allows employees to reduce taxable income by using part of their salary on a pretax basis to pay for out of pocket health care expenses and dependent care costs.

VISION INSURANCE
A separate vision plan provides for annual eye examinations for employees and dependents. A $25 deductible benefit is also provided for lenses, frames and contact lenses.
 
DENTAL INSURANCE
Washington Dental Service (WDS) Plan E insurance is provided through AWC. The City pays the entire premium cost for employees and dependents. This is an incentive based plan – 70% to 100% of Class I and Class II benefits (routine exams, basic cleaning, x-rays, fillings, etc.) are covered. Class III benefits (crowns, inlays and onlays) are paid at 50%. The dental plan pays a maximum of $2,000 per individual annually for covered benefits per incentive period (a calendar year). A separate orthodontia plan provides a one time orthodontia benefit of $1,000 for eligible children.
 
SURVIVOR INCOME LIFE INSURANCE*
A monthly survivor income benefit is paid to an employee’s eligible spouse and children upon the employee’s death. Prior to any reduction for Social Security survivor’s benefits, a benefit amount equal to 30% of the employee’s insured earnings is paid to the spouse or children, and 60% is paid if both spouse and children survive.
 
LIFE/ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE*
The City provides basic life insurance/accidental death and dismemberment insurance through Standard Insurance. The basic life insurance benefit is equal to the employee’s annual salary rounded up to the next thousand to a maximum of $100,000. An additional life insurance benefit is provided through the Washington State Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). The benefit is $15,000 for loss of life and $85,000 for accidental death and dismemberment.
 
DISABILITY INSURANCE*
Short and long term disability insurance is provided through the Washington State FOP. The plan has a 29 day elimination period for off the job injuries and a 180 day elimination period for on the job injuries. The benefit amount is 66.67% of regular pay, to a maximum benefit of $7,500 monthly.