WCIF Benefits Blog: July 2025


2025 COBRA Rates Update

All 2025 COBRA rates have been uploaded to SIMON. To access them, navigate to the Documents section and type “2025” into the Search Bar—the rates will populate from there.

We recommend groups review their COBRA materials to ensure they’re using the most current rates for plan communications and administration. If you have any questions or need assistance locating the documents, please don’t hesitate to reach out.


Kaiser Permanente: Lynnwood Medical Center Transitions to Everett Medical Center

Kaiser Permanente now offers members more choices for receiving convenient, world-class care with its newly expanded Everett Medical Center, located at 2929 Pine St., Everett, WA 98201.

The expanded areas of the medical center opened on June 3, and members affected received notice in May. Click here to view the member letter. 

The Everett Medical Center offers primary care and pediatric care and has specialty care departments for cardiology, urology, orthopedics, spine care, sports medicine, gynecology, urogynecology, otolaryngology, allergy care, nephrology, pulmonary care, mental health care, ophthalmology, optometry, and physical therapy.

With the expansion, the medical center will offer six additional specialty care departments to serve Kaiser Permanente members: dermatology​, endocrinology​, podiatry​, neurology​, gastroenterology​ and rheumatology.

In addition, the expansion adds advanced imaging and diagnostic services, including MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray, mammography and bone density testing. The redesigned pharmacy will offer staffed counters for in-person service, and self-serve lockers for easy prescription pickup.

With its unique integrated health plan coverage and care delivery model, Kaiser Permanente uses a team-based approach, where doctors and other clinicians collaborate to provide patients with effective, personalized care. Kaiser Permanente members can choose from convenient care options, including in-person visits and 24/7 virtual care.

Conveniently located off Interstate 5 and accessible by public transit, the Everett Medical Center supports greater access to care across the region.​

Members can schedule a visit at the Kaiser Permanente Everett Medical Center through their kp.org account online or by calling 1-800-422-2844.


VSP Vision Care: Eyemart Express is Now In-Network with VSP

VSP members save more, faster. Eyemart brings you added savings, special offers and an extra dose of convenience when you visit in-store!

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I save money using a VSP in-network doctor?
As a member of VSP, you’ll save an average of $471 each year — saving on exams, lens enhancements, and frames. Based on state and national averages for eye exams and most commonly purchased brands. Your actual savings will depend on the eyewear you choose, the plan available to you, the eye doctor you visit, your copays, your premium, and whether it is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax.

How do your special offers on Featured Frame Brands work?
VSP Members can get an extra $20 frame allowance to spend on Featured Frame Brands in-store. Look for the VSP heart logo on the lens of included frames to help maximize your VSP benefits. Frame brands and promotions subject to change. Extra $20 to spend is in addition to your frame allowance, and available only to VSP members with applicable plan benefits.

What locations are available to me?
Call to make an appointment and view details and offers per location. Visit https://eyemartexpress.com/pages/store-locator for more information.

Yakima                                                       Kennewick
2402 S 1st St Ste 112                        1220 M Columbia Center Blvd Ste G
Yakima, WA 98903                             Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 972-7594                                   (509) 591-9020

Spokane                                                    Spokane Valley
7808 N Division St                             15319 E Indiana Ave Ste 3
Spokane, WA 99208                         Spokane Valley, WA 99216
(509) 598-2890                                   (509) 608-3917