Legal Notices

Federal laws require the County to post information about certain laws and employee rights.  Please contact Human Resources with any questions, (360) 778-5300.
Law / Purpose Target Audience Notice Requirement
Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) / up to 12 workweeks of paid, job-protected (based on qualifications) leave in a 12-month period for specified family and medial reasons OR up to 16 weeks if you face multiple events in a year OR up to 18 weeks if you experience a serious health condition during pregnancy that results in incapacity. Employees qualify for paid leave with a minimum of 820 hours from a Washington State Employer during the qualifying period, which is about the last year.

Employees qualify for leave protection with a total of 12 months of work at Whatcom County and have worked at least 1,250 hours in the 12 consecutive months before leave begins.
PFML Notice

Refer to the  PFML online resource to apply and for more information.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) / up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health benefits OR up to 26 workweeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness Employees who have worked for Whatcom County a total of 12 months (need not be consecutive) and who have worked at least 1,250 hours in the 12 consecutive months before leave begins. 

FMLA Notice Refer to FMLA online resource for more information

Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) / the right to temporary continuation of health benefits when coverage is lost due to certain events Benefit Eligible Employees with Status Changes Refer to COBRA online resource
Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) / protects the security and confidentiality of health care information and provides the ability to transfer and continue health insurance coverage Benefit Eligible Employees Notice of Privacy Practices
Uniformed Services Employment & Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) / protects job rights for employees who take leave from work to perform military service Military Employees USERRA Notice
Medicare Part D / helps cover the cost of prescription drugs Benefit Eligible Employees and their Spouses 65 years and older 2021 WCIF Med D Creditable Coverage Notice

WSNA and IBU employees: Creditable Coverage for plan year 2022

Affordable Care Act (ACA) / provides affordable health care for all Americans

County medical benefits and eligibility meet ACA requirements

Exchange Notice

Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) / premium assistance for those on Medicaid

Unlikely to apply to County employees

CHIP