Paying for benefits

When do I make my first payment?

COBRA and Unpaid Leave subscribers

You must submit your first payment and any applicable premium surcharges no later than 45 days after your election period ends. Your election period ends no later than 60 days from the date PEBB health plan coverage ended or from the postmark date on the PEBB Continuation Coverage Election Notice, whichever is later. You will not be enrolled in coverage until payment is received.

Real-world example

A PEBB subscriber's employment ends on September 15, and they lose coverage on September 30. They choose PEBB Continuation Coverage (COBRA) on November 15. If they make the first payment in November, it must cover the premium and any applicable premium surcharges for October. If they make the first payment in December, it must cover premiums and applicable premium surcharges for October and November.

Employer Group Ended Participation subscribers

You must submit your first payment and any applicable premium surcharges no later than 45 days after your election period ends. Your election period ends no later than 60 days after your employer group ends their participation.

Coverage effective date

PEBB Continuation Coverage (Employer Group Ended Participation) will begin the first day of the month following the day you lose eligibility for PEBB retiree insurance coverage.

How do I make my first payment?

You must mail or bring in your first premium payment. Make checks payable to the Health Care Authority.

Mail to (for first payment only):
Health Care Authority
PO Box 42691
Olympia, WA 98504-2691

Or bring to:
Health Care Authority
626 8th Avenue SE
Olympia, WA 98501
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

How do I make payments?

After we receive your first full payment and any applicable premium surcharges, you must pay all future continuation coverage premiums and any applicable premium surcharges as they become due. Here are your payment options:

Automatic bank withdrawals

To set up automatic bank account withdrawals, submit a PEBB Electronic Debit Service (EDS) Agreement. You cannot make your first payment through EDS because approval takes six to eight weeks. In the meantime, continue to pay the total due each month as invoiced until you receive a letter from HCA with your EDS start date.

Monthly invoice

We will send you a monthly invoice after your first premium payment is made. Payments are due on the 15th of each month for that month of coverage.

Send your payment to the address listed on the invoice.

Who to contact for help

If you have questions about paying any of your premiums, contact the PEBB Program at 1-800-200-1004.

FAQs

Will I always receive an invoice?

Depending on your payment method, you may or may not receive an invoice for your premium amount. You must pay your premiums on time, even if you do not receive an invoice.

When are premiums considered paid?

Premiums and applicable premium surcharges are considered paid on the date you mailed or hand delivered your payment to HCA or submitted through EDS. If your check is returned due to insufficient funds, or any other reason, it is not considered paid.

When is my payment due?

After you make your first payment, ongoing payments are due on the 15th of the month for that month's coverage. lf you make a monthly payment on or before the 15th day of the current month, your PEBB coverage will continue for that month.

If your premiums remain unpaid for 30 days, your payment will be delinquent and your account may be terminated depending on the amount owed.

Is there a grace period?

You are allowed a 30-day grace period from the date your payment becomes delinquent to pay the unpaid balance.

If your payment remains unpaid for 60 days from the original due date, your coverage will be cancelled back to the last day of the month your payment was received.