What’s new in 2023
Strong Trust performance in 2022 allows us to continue offering the same high quality plans in 2023. Contributions will increase slightly (see below), as we budget to keep pace with the increasing cost of healthcare delivery. Please note the following, which are effective January 1, 2023:
VEBA Contribution Increase
Trustees made the decision to increase the VEBA contribution from the current levels to $3,500 for individual coverage and $7,000 for family coverage. This is based on their review of overall plan performance and recognition of the value members’ place on the VEBA.
Additional VEBA Contributions tied to annual exam completion
For 2023, if members completed their fire fighter exam in 2022, prior to the September 30th deadline, they earned an additional $500 VEBA contribution. For 2024, we’re happy to announce we are once again offering an incentive to earn a VEBA bonus by completing your fire fighter exam. In order to earn the additional $500 bonus contribution in 2024, members will need to complete their annual exam between October 1, 2022 and September 30, 2024.
2023 Member Contributions
Your monthly contributions will change modestly so that we can keep up with our expected costs for 2023. The amount of change varies based on which bargaining group you belong to and which family members you are covering. Please refer to the table within the Guide for a breakdown of 2023 Member Contributions.
There are no other changes to our plans for 2023. However, please take the time to review your Guide as it contains useful information on a number of items, including:
- Plan Highlights for your Medical/Vision, Prescription Drug and Dental Plans
- Information on your VEBA Benefit
- Trust Eligibility
- Teladoc Virtual Health Services
- The Trust’s partnership with MultiCare Rockwood Spokane Valley Primary Care (formerly known as Spokane Internal Medicine or SIM) for our Annual Fire Fighter Exam
NOTE:
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Tax Requirements
The Trust Office will provide you with Form 1095-B, which shows whether you and your family had qualifying health coverage for part or all of 2022.
You DO NOT need Form 1095-B to file your taxes. Just like last year, you can check a box on your tax return verifying you had qualifying health coverage.
You can expect to receive Form 1095-B for the 2022 tax year in the mail by January 31, 2023. Check to make sure it’s accurate and keep it with the rest of your tax documents.
If you have any questions about Form 1095-B, please contact the Trust Office at (888) 563-0665, option 4.
Helpful Resources
Teledoc Virtual Care
Get convenient access to care whenever and wherever you need it via a phone call, online video, or other online media.
Prescription Drug Plan
You can reach Sav-Rx 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (800) 228-3108.
Know the lingo
We've created a glossary of terms to help you navigate the world of unruly acronyms.