Human Resources

Washoe County New Employee Benefits

 Eligibility and Enrollment

Benefit Enrollment Timeline (printable version)

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

Newly hired and rehired employees that are full or part-time (21 hours or more per week) are eligible for health benefits on the 31^st day of employment.  

You must set up a meeting with an American Fidelity account manager to open your Health Savings Account. The County provides a pro-rated HSA contribution based on your benefits effective date. Your account must be established to receive this contribution. Click to schedule an appointment or use QR code.

Health Savings Account Flyer 

Eligible dependents include:

• Your legal spouse or domestic partner. If covering a domestic partner, you must provide the State of Nevada's Declaration of Domestic Partnership.
• Your children to age 26, including stepchildren, legally-adopted children, children placed with you for adoption, and children of your domestic partner.
• Your dependent children of any age who are incapable of supporting themselves due to physical or mental disability (documentation will be required).

WHEN TO ENROLL

• Within 30 days of joining Washoe County as a new employee.
• During the annual benefits open enrollment period.
• Within 30 days of a qualifying life event.

If you do not enroll your dependents during the initial enrollment period (within 20 days of employment), you will not be able to elect coverage for them until the next annual open enrollment period or if you experience a qualifying life event. 

HOW ENROLL

Follow these steps to enroll in benefits (must be completed within the first 15 days of employment):

1. Log into ESS  and select the Life and Work Events tab.
2. Select the New Hire Instructions link and follow the steps.
3. Enter family member/dependent information (name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, etc.)
4. Add dependents to your health insurance coverage, if applicable.
5. Add life insurance beneficiary(ies) for the Washoe County provided life insurance benefit.
6. Enter employee Health Savings Account contribution (voluntary).

ESS New Hire Instructions (printable version)

ADDING OR REMOVING A DEPENDENT 

Due to IRS regulations, you cannot add/delete a dependent until the next annual open enrollment period. The only exception is if you experience a qualifying life event. Dependent election changes must be consistent with your life event.

Qualifying life events include:

1. Marriage or divorce
2. Birth or adoption of an eligible child
3. Death of your spouse or covered child
4. Change in your spouse's work status that affects his or her benefits
5. Change in your child's eligibility for benefits
6. Qualified Medical Child Support Order

To submit a request for a qualifying life event, log into ESS and select the Life and Work Event tab and follow the steps. Proof of the life event will be required; for example, marriage certificate, divorce decree or birth confirmation. Email documentation to Health Benefits at healthbenefitsmailbox@washoecounty.gov.

Qualifying Life and Work Event Timeline (printable version)

Questions? Call 775-328-2081 or email HR-healthbenefits@washoecounty.gov.