Published: June 16, 2020

Every quarter we send out an update on PERS, PEBB, and SEIU 503 Member Advantages because we know our benefits are a top concern for SEIU members. Before we jump in, a quick reminder that SeiuStateBenefits.com is the best place to find information about all your benefits in one place – you can even use our calculator to learn more about your retirement plan and get a rough estimate of what your retirement benefits will pay out when you retire.


Retirement 

Changes to the retirement plan that were passed by the State Legislature last year are slated to go into effect on July 1. The bill, SB 1049, is a cut to public employee retirement benefits.

Our Union – along with other public employee unions – is suing the State to block SB 1049 from going into effect. Today, the Oregon State Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in that case.

SB 1049 is an unconstitutional breach of contract between public employers and employees. It reduces retirement benefits for teachers, nurses, firefighters and other public servants. The plaintiffs in this case are working people who will see their Individual Account Program balances reduced. We believe the Court will see this clear injustice and restore these lost retirement benefits.

A ruling is expected in December. For more details on SB 1049, read our FAQ.


Healthcare 

Open enrollment for healthcare plans is in October. Open enrollment is when you can change your healthcare plan or sign up for new benefits. This year, open enrollment is optional due to the pandemic, however we strongly encourage you to mark your calendar and make time to review your plans. Many SEIU 503 members can increase their take home pay by switching to a lower cost plan or, if you have a spouse who is also a public employee, by adjusting your double coverage option. In the coming months, the State will be releasing open enrollment information to help you make these decisions. We will also update Pebbexplained.com with that information when it becomes available.

The other important update to share is that our representatives on the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) have taken a stabilizing action to buy down a portion of the cost increases to the plans this year. That means PEBB will use reserve funds to protect State agencies and universities from being hit with a higher healthcare bill. That in turn will improve their budget outlook and lessen the need for cuts as we navigate the post-COVID budget process. This is an important step to protect our jobs and the critical public services we provide.

Additionally, there are no copay or deductible increases for any of the plans for 2021 thanks to PEBB’s continued work keep costs down and to prevent putting new costs onto members. The overall premium rate, what you pay each month, will increase by less than 1% across all of the plans, also ensuring that our members retain affordable benefits.

Please feel free to contact your PEBB representatives, Shaun Parkman and Siobhan Martin, at pebbreps@seiu503.org with questions around maintaining our strong benefits.


Membership Advantages 

Our Union’s Membership Advantages program has taken steps to provide members with benefits that will help us through COVID-19.

Members who have LifeMap short term disability insurance through SEIU 503 can file a claim if they contract Covid-19 or a quarantine is imposed on them. Please note that a waiting period of 3 weeks applies before benefits begin. Claims may require formal documentation from a health agency.

Do you have student loans and have seen a disruption to your income as a result of Covid-19? The SEIUMB Student Loan Forgiveness Navigator may be able to help reduce your student loan payments. SmartSavings also offers discounts on online therapy and health programs, educational programs for kids, entertainment and food delivery.

For additional information contact our Member Assistance Center at (844) 503-SEIU (7348).