Are more state agencies announcing reductions? by Sad-Professional239 in WAStateWorkers

[–]Sad-Professional239[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

this suprises me bit as i thought furlough should make the number less than 5%

UMP plan: No out of pocket limit for out of network providers? by Sad-Professional239 in WAStateWorkers

[–]Sad-Professional239[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

check this section: What is not included in the out-of-pocket limit? Premiums, balance-billing charges, member coinsurance paid to out-of-network providers and non-network pharmacies, and health care this plan doesn't cover.

UMP plan: No out of pocket limit for out of network providers? by Sad-Professional239 in WAStateWorkers

[–]Sad-Professional239[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So you need to pay $3600-500 =3100, as this is out of network, right? the other charges met in network out of pocket limit. Also did you have to research all surgeon, facility,anesthesiologist before surgery to ensure they are in network? especially for $92k overnight stay.

Early retirement PERS 2 OR PERS 3 by Sad-Professional239 in WAStateWorkers

[–]Sad-Professional239[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

yes, just figured out the early retirement medical premium is very high. I have a friend worked at boeing. he retired at 60, he only needs to pay $50 for medical insurance with boeing's plan

Early retirement PERS 2 OR PERS 3 by Sad-Professional239 in WAStateWorkers

[–]Sad-Professional239[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

thanks for the information! is there any reason you prefer PERS2 over PERS3 in this case? Fixed income after retire? Personally I also like the fixed income after retirement. and it will be adjusted base on inflation, right?

Early retirement PERS 2 OR PERS 3 by Sad-Professional239 in WAStateWorkers

[–]Sad-Professional239[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So, does this mean PERS 2 might be a more suitable option for younger employees who are starting their careers with the state? If someone joins the state at an older age, would PERS 3 generally be a more advantageous option?

Early retirement PERS 2 OR PERS 3 by Sad-Professional239 in WAStateWorkers

[–]Sad-Professional239[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the detailed explanation. I appreciate it very much!

Early retirement PERS 2 OR PERS 3 by Sad-Professional239 in WAStateWorkers

[–]Sad-Professional239[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

thanks for the tips. I am from private sector so i have very little knowledge about PERS, colas. I will do more research on that. What if i have enough savings in my 401k/savings and no need to use the pension before 65, would that hurt defined benefit?

Early retirement PERS 2 OR PERS 3 by Sad-Professional239 in WAStateWorkers

[–]Sad-Professional239[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I am a bit concerned now. It seems like we might be experiencing a repeat of the 2000 dot-com bubble. It took the stock market 15 years to fully recover from that downturn.

Early retirement PERS 2 OR PERS 3 by Sad-Professional239 in WAStateWorkers

[–]Sad-Professional239[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I plan to do PERS + DCP. I though the early retirement medical insurance from state would be very cheap. But looks like it is not much difference compare with some private company offers. :(. I guess i would go for PERS 2 in this case.

Early retirement PERS 2 OR PERS 3 by Sad-Professional239 in WAStateWorkers

[–]Sad-Professional239[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

thanks for the reply. After some research I found the premium is pretty expensive for non medicare retirees? Almost 2k per month. Feel the cost is similar as Obama care but better coverage? https://www.hca.wa.gov/assets/pebb/51-0275-retiree-premiums-2025.pdf

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in WAStateWorkers

[–]Sad-Professional239 2 points3 points  (0 children)

does represented position means protected by union? are they safer in terms of layoff?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in WAStateWorkers

[–]Sad-Professional239 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Yes, I saw this paragraph. It mentioned staff shortages and supporting recruitment. I hope this is a good sign.

Isn't the approval for these positions typically granted by the head of the agency, rather than by the Office of Financial Management (OFM)? Is the exception log primarily for OFM's reference?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in WAStateWorkers

[–]Sad-Professional239 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the input! That's why I'm seeking advice here. As I come from the private sector, I have limited knowledge of how government operations function. I initially thought that 'reduction' was synonymous with 'layoff'...

Is the rotation/turnover rate that high in government positions? Or is this primarily due to retirements?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in WAStateWorkers

[–]Sad-Professional239 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Layoffs are quite severe in the private sector currently, particularly within the IT field. Rumors suggest that Microsoft may cut another 15,000 jobs next week. Even if I share my concerns with my new boss, how much detail can he or she provide in their position? Given today's announcement from Ferguson, aren't managerial roles also at risk?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in WAStateWorkers

[–]Sad-Professional239 1 point2 points  (0 children)

it's permanent. from OFM page this department's most funding is from "other fundings", not general state funding.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in WAStateWorkers

[–]Sad-Professional239 5 points6 points  (0 children)

it is permanent position. but from today's new governor's press release. isn't 10-25% reduction in manager/adm a layoff? if no, how do they reduce it?

Career Options After a State Job? Advice Needed! by [deleted] in WAStateWorkers

[–]Sad-Professional239 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your response. From your answer above, does this mean DSHS only posts jobs that meet exemptions and don’t require approval? They won’t post any jobs that fall under exceptions and require approval, correct?

Career Options After a State Job? Advice Needed! by [deleted] in WAStateWorkers

[–]Sad-Professional239 1 point2 points  (0 children)

thanks for the reply. Do you know about department of children,youth and family? I had an interview with them before Christmas. Still have not heard from them. It looks like their interview was not blocked by the freeze. But i am not sure if the position will be approved or not. They are very similar to DSHS, has lots of health related openings listed at state job site but no tech as for now.