The deadline to enroll in or increase your optional life insurance for yourself or eligible dependents has been extended from Nov. 30 to Dec. 16.

Current employees can elect up to $500,000 in coverage (in $10,000 increments) without answering health questions or having a medical exam – even if you have previously been denied life insurance coverage.  

You can also elect or increase life insurance coverage for a spouse/state-registered domestic partner or children.  Note: If you currently have Dependent Basic Life Insurance for your spouse, state-registered domestic partner, or child(ren), you must act in by December 16 to elect Optional Life Insurance for them for 2017 to avoid a lapse in coverage.  MetLife does not offer Dependent Basic Life Insurance, so this coverage will end December 31, 2016.

You can enroll with MetLife online at www.mybenefits.metlife.com/wapebb.  Just create an account by using PEBB Benefits - State of Washington as your employer name and sign up for your optional life insurance benefits.  Even if you are not enrolling in or changing life insurance amounts for 2017, you should create an online account and name your beneficiaries with MetLife.  (Your beneficiary designations will not automatically transfer to MetLife.)

More details can be found on the HCA website at www.hca.wa.gov/public-employee-benefits/employees/life-insurance.