Eligible WSU employees may participate in the Voluntary Employees Beneficiary Association-Medical Expense Plan (VEBA-MEP) as determined by a vote of each employee group, which is to be completed by Dec. 30.
VEBA-MEP is a tax-free benefit plan for retirees for the payment of medical expenses. In lieu of cash remuneration of unused sick leave, retiring employees deposit their sick leave cash-out funds into a medical expense trust account.The deposit makes the funds tax-free and interest bearing; they are also tax-free when withdrawn from the account for medical expenses.
A VEBA representative will conduct information sessions noon-1 p.m. and 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, in Lighty 403.
Voting by groups varies. Employees eligible to retire the following year in each collective bargaining unit (classified staff only) vote each year. Non-represented classified staff, administrative professional employees, and eligible faculty may vote only when 10 percent of their group petitions to conduct a vote in the fall.
Ballots will be available at the information sessions, on the Human Resource Services (HRS) website, http://www.hrs.wsu.edu, and in HRS, French Ad 139. Ballots are to be returned to HRS by Dec. 30. Direct questions to HRS at 335-4521.
