2016 New
Employee Benefit
Orientation
Faculty, Academic Staff and Limited Appointees Covered by
the Wisconsin Retirement System
(Rev 02/16)
Attributes of Faculty, Academic Staff and
Limited Appointee employees
Faculty, Academic Staff and Limited Appointee
Employees
•
Hired as Faculty, Academic Staff or Limited appointments
•
Hired through merit based recruitment, selection and hiring
processes
•
Hired on a 9 or 12 month contract and paid on salary basis
•
Paid once per month. Earnings statement available online at
https://my.wisconsin.edu.
How do I enroll in benefits?
• Benefit applications: www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/formspubs/.
• Return applications to your benefits office. See your enrollment
deadline worksheet for specific deadline dates.
• Benefits are generally effective on the 1st of the month on or
following your WRS eligibility date (usually your date of hire) if your
application is submitted within 30 days.
• Some employees can enroll online through eBenefits – you will be
notified if eligible. You will log in to eBenefits through your MyUW
portal at https://my.wisconsin.edu (Benefit Information box).
How do I pay for my benefits?
•
Benefit premiums:
https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/premiums/
•
Premiums taken via payroll deduction
•
Most benefits paid in advance of coverage so there may be multiple
deductions from first check that includes benefit deductions
•
For all employees, except 9 month (academic year) employees, benefit
deductions are taken every month
•
9 month faculty or academic staff employees
o
Benefit deductions only taken during 9 month academic year
o
Multiple benefit deductions taken from one to three checks prior to
the end of the spring semester to keep coverage active between
academic years if appointment will continue for the following
semester
o
Benefit deductions do not come out of summer salary
Paid Leave Eligibility
Employees on a 12-month contract are eligible for:
• Vacation
• Personal Holiday
• Sick Leave
• Paid Legal Holidays
• Vacation and Personal Holiday is granted on hire date and every
July 1st thereafter
Employees on a 9-month contract are eligible for:
• Sick Leave
• Paid Legal Holidays during the contract year
Paid Leave Information
(Prorated if less than 100%)
Type of
Leave
Hours Earned
Leave Provisions
Initial Entitlement: Granted
•
st
176 hours for use during 1 18
months of employment.
Sick Leave
Personal
Holiday
Legal Holiday
After Initial Entitlement:
Earn 96 hours/year (8
hours/month if 12-month
employee; 10.6 hours/month if
9-month employee)
36 hours/year
•
•
•
Granted on hire date and every July 1st
Must be used in FY granted or hours lost
•
New Years Eve/Day, Christmas Eve/Day,
MLK Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving
Must be used in FY granted or hours lost
9 days/year
•
•
Vacation
176 hours/year
Accumulates without limit provided all
leave reports are submitted (will be
reduced if you do not submit all leave
reports)
If you miss work due to illness for 5 or
more consecutive days, must provide
written physician certification (does not
apply to FMLA approved absences)
Hours earned in FY may carryover until
end of following FY. Hours lost if not used
or banked (if eligible) by end of carryover
period.
Leave Reporting Rules
• Must establish a standard 40 hour work week (prorated if part-time) for
reporting purposes.
• Full-time employees report sick leave in half and full days
During each work day, if you miss: < 2 hrs
Report Leave of: 0 hrs
2-6 hrs
4 hrs
6+ hrs
8 hrs
• Part-time appointees report actual hours missed
• Leave report due by the 5th of every month even if no leave used
(deadline may vary by institution).
•
• Leave reports and leave balances are available in the Time and Absence
box of the My UW portal: https://my.wisconsin.edu. Leave reports are
available in the portal on the 1st of each month.
Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)
• Designed to provide you a retirement annuity (pension) once you reach
retirement age and are vested
• Administered by the Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF)
• Investments managed by the State of Wisconsin Investment Board
(SWIB)
• Minimum retirement age is 55 - normal retirement age is 65
• Vesting
o If first covered by the WRS on or after 7-1-11, fully vested after 5
years of WRS service
o If you have WRS service prior to 7-1-11, immediately vested
• Receive a WRS account statement every April in the myUW portal:
https://my.wisconsin.edu (Benefits Box – Statements Tab)
• Prior WRS service may impact benefit application deadlines, WRS
eligibility and vesting.
WRS Eligibility
If you do not meet the eligibility requirements below when you are first
hired, you will be covered under the WRS once you meet the requirements
or are expected to meet the requirements.
Once WRS eligibility requirements are met (or expected to be met),
participation is mandatory.
If you are first covered by the WRS
on or after July 1, 2011:
You are eligible for the WRS if you are
expected to work both at least one
year* and 880 hours (42% if 12-month;
56% if 9-month)
If you have WRS creditable service
prior to July 1, 2011:
You are eligible for the WRS if you are
expected to work both at least one
year* and 440 hours (21% if 12-month;
28% if 9-month)
• *One year for 9-month employees is one academic year with an
expectation of return the following academic year.
• Visiting faculty on leave from another educational institution are
excluded by state law from WRS coverage for the first twelve months of
university employment.
2016 WRS Contribution Rates
Employee Required
Contributions
Employer Required
Contributions
6.6% of salary - for all including
those covered by Executive WRS
category
6.6% of salary - for all including
those covered by Executive WRS
category
Deductions taken on a pre-tax
basis for state and federal tax
purposes.
The UW also contributes 1.2% to
fund retiree health insurance credits.
*WRS contributions subject to IRS
limits – employees and UW pay
WRS contributions on first
$265,000 in earnings.
WRS Core and Variable Funds
•
Two investment funds
o Core Fund: 50% stocks, 50% fixed income and other assets (subject to change)
o Variable Fund: 100% stocks
o Information about WRS investments: http://www.swib.state.wi.us/
•
All contributions invested in Core Fund unless you file a Variable Fund election to
send half of contributions to Variable Fund.
•
If you want to immediately elect the Variable Fund, you must submit a Variable
Fund Election to ETF within 30 days of your WRS begin date. Election available
at: http://etf.wi.gov/publications/et2356.pdf
•
If you do not elect the Variable Fund within your first 30 days, you can submit
election at any time - will be effective January 1st following the year election
received by ETF.
•
If you elect to participate in the Variable Fund and later cancel your participation,
you will not have another opportunity to participate in the Variable Fund.
•
For more information about Variable Fund participation:
http://etf.wi.gov/publications/et4930.pdf
Wisconsin Retirement System
Non-Retirement Benefits
• If you leave employment before minimum retirement age or before you
are vested, you can leave your money in the WRS to accumulate
interest.
• Separation benefit – Available if you end WRS employment before
minimum retirement age or after retirement age if not vested. Benefit
paid equals employee contributions plus accumulated interest (not
eligible to receive employer contributions).
• Death benefits – If death occurs while actively employed, full value of
WRS account is payable upon death.
• Disability benefits – If you become permanently disabled and unable
to work, you may be eligible for a WRS disability annuity (minimum
service requirements apply).
• For more information about all WRS related benefits, visit ETF’s
website: http://www.etf.wi.gov/
Domestic Partner Benefits
• You may cover a domestic partner and his/her children under all benefit plans
that provide coverage for dependents.
• To qualify as domestic partners, two people must meet all of the following criteria:
o Each person must be at least 18 years old and competent to enter into a
contract;
o Neither person is married to, or in a domestic partnership with, another;
o They share a common residence;
o Their partnership must not violate Wis. Stats. 765.03, which bars marriage
between certain persons based on kinship and divorce;
o They must consider themselves to be members of each other’s immediate
family;
o They must agree to be responsible for each other’s basic living expenses.
• See www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/dp/ for affidavits and detailed enrollment
information.
Important Tax Considerations for Those who
Cover a Domestic Partner/Partner’s Children
• A domestic partner and his/her children are typically not considered your
tax dependents under federal and state tax code.
• If you carry non-tax dependents on your health insurance, the value of
coverage provided to them is taxable income to you. This is referred to
as "imputed income” and will increase your tax liability.
• The additional taxes owed can range from under $100 to $400 or more
per month, depending on the number of covered non-tax dependents.
These additional taxes will be taken on the same paycheck as your
health insurance deduction.
• Fair market value charts, imputed tax calculators, links to IRS
publication and other tax information is available online at:
https://uwservice.wisconsin.edu/imputed-income/ and
www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/dp/.
State Group Health Insurance (SGH)
•
•
•
•
•
Must submit an application to either elect or decline coverage
Application: https://uwservice.wisconsin.edu/docs/forms/et2301.pdf
Initial Enrollment Period – within 30 days of WRS eligibility date
Coverage levels – single or family
o
If married to another state/UW employee, must carry either 2 single policies
or 1 family policy (does not apply to those in a domestic partnership)
o
If in domestic partnership, you are NOT required to carry your partner on
your family policy. However, if you want to cover your partner’s children, you
are required to cover your domestic partner as well
Enrollment options when covered by another health plan
o
Other plan is NOT a State of WI/UW plan – no restrictions – can have
coverage under both plans
o
Other plan is a State of WI/UW plan through parent or spouse/domestic
partner – remain on parent’s/spouse’s/domestic partner’s plan until no
longer eligible OR enroll in own plan; you may not be covered on both
State Group Health Insurance
Enrollment Period
•
Coverage is effective on the 1st of the month on or after your WRS
eligibility date (typically date of hire) if the application is received by
your employer, either via eBenefits or paper application, within 30 days
of eligibility.
– If using the application, ET-2301, check the box in Section 4 that
elects coverage to be effective “When the employer contributes
to premiums”.
Sample of Section 4 of ET-2301
Health Insurance Opt-Out
• You may be eligible to receive up to a $2,000 Opt-Out
Incentive from the UW if you opt-out (waive coverage) of
State Group Health Insurance coverage. The maximum
annual Opt-Out Incentive is $2,000 for single or family
coverage. You are not eligible for the Opt-Out Incentive if you
are covered under State Group Health Insurance as a
dependent.
• The $2,000 Opt-Out Incentive is pro-rated. You will receive an
equal portion of the payment in each payroll period (payment
will be made in the A and B payroll periods).
State law prohibits eligible employees who opted-out of the State
Group Health Insurance coverage in 2015 to be eligible for the Opt-Out
incentive.
Health Insurance Opt-Out
If you are considering opting-out of health insurance coverage, it is
important to know the following:
•
Impact on Sick Leave Credits. When you retire, or die while an employee, unused
sick leave is converted into credits to pay for health insurance for you or your
surviving dependents if you are covered under the State Health Insurance program.
If you Opt-Out, your unused sick leave credits have no value until/unless you reenroll in the future.
•
Re-enrolling in health insurance. You may only re-enroll during the year if you have
a qualified Life Event (such as marriage, birth of a child, loss of other coverage).
•
Enrollment in Other Benefit Plans. You may still elect the supplemental dental plans,
Dental Wisconsin and/or EPIC Benefits+ and/or the supplemental vision plan, VSP.
•
The $2,000 Opt-Out Incentive is taxable.
•
Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA requires most Americans to have health
insurance or pay an annual penalty. If you Opt-Out of this health insurance program
and do not have other coverage, you may be subject to a fine when you file your
federal income taxes.
State Group Health Insurance
Coverage Types
• You may choose the health insurance plan option that will
best meet the needs of you and your family.
• Employees have the choice between:
– It’s Your Choice (IYC) Health Plan (regional HMOs and
PPOs); or
– Access Plan (nationwide PPO network)
• Both plan options also offer a high deductible health plan
(HDHP) option which has a higher deductible in exchange
for a lower monthly premium.
• Enrollment into the HDHP option requires you to enroll in a
Health Savings Account (HSA).
• The UW will contribute to your HSA.
State Group Health Insurance
Coverage Types
IYC Health Plan
Access Plan
•Provides the same level of innetwork coverage regardless of
which health plan (insurer) you
choose
• PPO insurance plan
•Most health plans are HMOs–
must use plan providers
•PPOs pay lower level of benefits
if non-plan providers are used
•Provider networks are primarily
in Wisconsin
•Offers HDHP option
•Includes Uniform Dental
• Nationwide network and is
available in every county in WI
• Higher premium costs
• Offers HDHP option
• Includes Uniform Dental
State Group Health Insurance
Coverage
•
Most in-network medical services are subject to a deductible and
either an office visit copayment or 10% coinsurance.
•
Preventive services are covered at 100% and are not subject to the
deductible or copays.
•
Uniform Benefits is the standardized level of benefits offered by all
health plans participating in the IYC Health Plan and the IYC
HDHP.
•
All health plans, except the State Maintenance Plan, offer Uniform
Dental Benefits. Uniform Dental is included with your health plan
unless you decline Uniform Dental when you enroll. If you decline
Uniform Dental, your monthly premium will be reduced.
•
All health plans offer the Pharmacy Benefits administered by
Navitus.
State Group Health Insurance
Selecting Your Coverage
•
You have some basic decisions to make about your health insurance
enrollment. All of the offered health plans, except the Access Plan, offer
the same Uniform Benefits coverage. You are primarily choosing:
– The type of plan you want-- HMO, Regional PPO, Nationwide PPO
or and/or HDHP, based on the plans available in your area
– Provider network/ access to physicians, hospitals or other health
care providers
– Cost-- including deductible, out-of-pocket medical costs and
monthly premium costs, deductible and level of employee premium
contributions.
– Plan performance on quality measures
– Other wellness benefits or perks (e.g. healthy living rewards,
incentives, complementary medicine)
•
All health insurance information can be found in the It’s Your Choice
Decision Guide available at: http://etf.wi.gov/publications/16et2107.pdf
Health Plan Summary
IYC Health Plan
HDHP
$250 individual
$500 family
$1,500 single*
$3,000 family*
$151
$15
Office Visit Copay –
Specialty Care
$251
$25
Coinsurance
You pay 10%
You pay 10%
Annual Out-of-Pocket
Max (OOPL)
$1,250 individual
$2,500 family
$2,500 single
$5,000 family
Deductible
Office Visit Copay –
Primary Care
*HDHP members must satisfy the full deductible for the level of coverage elected (single or family) before
any benefits are payable.
1 For
IYC Health Plan, the deductible does not have to be met for office visit copays to apply.
Preventive services are covered in full.
Uniform Dental Summary
Annual Deductible
Annual Benefit Maximum
(per person)
Coverage
Covered Services
(Examples)
$0
-
$1,000
-
Diagnostic/Preventive
100%
•
•
•
Restorative
100%
•
Fillings
•
Periodontal
Maintenance Only
Local Anesthesia
Periodontal & Adjunctive
Services
80%
Orthodontia (under 19)
50%
Orthodontia Lifetime Max
•
$1,500
You must use dentists in the Delta Dental Network.
Routine Evaluations
X-rays
Fluoride Treatments
Prescription Drug Coverage
Administered by Navitus Health Solutions (http://www.navitus.com)
You will receive a prescription ID card from Navitus.
Benefit
Prescription Drug Copay
(30-day supply)
Specialty Drugs Copay
(30-day supply)
Prescription Annual Out-ofPocket Limit (OOPL)*.When
OOPL is met, 100% coverage for
remainder of calendar year.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
Level 1 - $5
Level 2 – 20% Level 3 – 40%
($50 max)
($150 max)
Level 4 Preferred – $50 if filled at specialty pharmacy
Level 4 Non-Preferred – 40% ($200 max)
Level 1 & 2 $600/person,
$1,200/family
Level 3 –
No OOPL.
Federal max
applies
Level 4
(preferred) $1,200/person,
$2,400/family
*No separate prescription OOPL for HDHP. Applied to medical OOPL.
• Mail Order is available through WellDyneRx. Up to a 90-day supply of Level 1
and Level 2 drugs may be purchased for two copayments.
• HDHP Enrollees: You must meet the annual health plan deductible before
prescriptions costs are covered per the above chart.
State Group Health Insurance
2016 Monthly Employee Health Insurance
Premium Contributions
IYC Health Plan
High Deductible Health Plan
Health Plan
Single
Family
Single
Family
All health plans with Uniform Dental
(except the Access Plan)
$86
$217
$32
$81
All health plans without Uniform
Dental (except the Access Plan)
$83
$209
$29
$73
Access Plan with Uniform Dental –
if assigned to work out-of-state
$136
$341
$82
$205
Access Plan without Uniform Dental
– if assigned to work out-of-state
$133
$333
$79
$197
Access Plan with Uniform Dental
$253
$632
$199
$496
Access Plan without Uniform Dental
$250
$624
$196
$488
State Group Health
•
Health insurance premiums are deducted on a pre-tax basis. If you would like
your premiums deducted on an after-tax basis, please contact your benefits
office.
•
Employees who work less than 50% pay 50% of the total premium
(With Uniform Dental/Without Uniform Dental).
•
Health Insurance Application
•
Annual Benefit Enrollment (ABE) Period (October of every year)
o
o
May enroll in health insurance coverage during the ABE period for
coverage effective on the following January 1
May also change health plans, change from single to family coverage
and/or add or remove eligible dependents for the following calendar
year.
Health Savings Account (HSA)
• A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a pre-tax savings account available
only to employees who enroll in a High Deductible Health Plan
(HDHP). HDHP enrollees are REQUIRED to enroll in the HSA.
• Use the HSA to pay eligible medical, dental, vision and prescription
expenses not covered by insurance for qualified dependents and
relatives as defined by the IRS.
• The UW will contribute to your account monthly. You may also
contribute, up to the federal annual limit.
Annual Contribution Information for HSA
HDHP
Enrollment
Employer Contribution
(if coverage effective January 1st)
(including ER contribution)
Single
$750/year
$3,350*
Family
$1,500/year
$6,750*
2016 Limit
*If you are 55-65 years of age, you may contribute an additional $1,000 “catch-up” per year
to your HSA.
Health Savings Account (HSA)
•
The employer HSA contribution is pro-rated and an equal
portion is deposited to your account in each monthly payroll
period.
•
Rehired annuitants are not eligible to receive the annual
employer contribution to an HSA but must still enroll in the
HSA if they elect an HDHP.
•
To enroll, please contact your benefits office for an
application.
•
For additional information, see the HDHP/HSA information
on:
• ETF’s website; or
• UWSA website
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
•
•
•
•
•
The Flexible Spending Account (FSA) program is administered by TASC.
30-day enrollment period - must re-enroll every year
Services received prior to effective date cannot be reimbursed.
Flexible Spending Accounts offered:
o
Healthcare FSA – used to pay for eligible medical expenses not covered by
insurance. Expenses can be incurred by you and/or your eligible family
members (HDHP enrollees not eligible).
o
Dependent Day Care FSA – used to pay for eligible dependent care
expenses for eligible family members (daycare, after school care, adult day
care…).
o
Limited Purpose FSA – used to pay for eligible dental, vision and postdeductible medical expenses. Expenses can be incurred by you and/or your
eligible family members (for HDHP enrollees only).
This program automatically provides pretax premium deductions for health,
dental, vision and a portion of State Group Life insurance premiums for eligible
employees regardless of enrollment in an FSA.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
•
FSA contributions are deducted pretax. State, federal and social security taxes
calculated on remaining income.
•
Annual contribution maximums
o
Healthcare & Limited Purpose FSA: $2,550 maximum
o
Dependent Day Care FSA: $5,000 maximum (restrictions may apply)
•
Plan year is 1-1-20XX to 12-31-20XX. If enrolled in 2016, you have until
December 31, 2016 to incur eligible expenses. Claims must be submitted to
TASC by March 30 following the plan year.
•
If you have any money left in your account at the end of the plan year, up to
$500 will carry over into the next plan year. Anything over $500 will be lost.
Note: This does not apply to the Dependent Day Care FSA.
•
Mid-year plan changes are restricted – must have an eligible Life Event to
change election or enroll in plan. Must file a “Change of Election” form for
approval within 30 days of an eligible Life Event.
•
Enrollment forms available at: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/formspubs/
Dental Wisconsin
(Administered by EPIC Life Insurance Company)
•
•
30-day enrollment period. No employer contribution for premium.
Two Dental Wisconsin plans available (select one):
o Preferred Provider Plan (PPO)
o Select Plan (no diagnostic or preventive coverage)
•
•
•
Application
•
Dental WI also provides a vision discount program through Davis Vision. Present your
Dental WI card at any Davis Vision provider to receive discounts on eye wear.
Plan Brochure
See any dentist but greater benefits received if you see a Delta Dental Premier Provider.
For PPO in-network benefits, use the Delta Dental PPO Provider Look-Up
2016 Monthly Premiums
Employee
Only
Employee &
Spouse/DP
Employee &
Child(ren)
Family
Select Plan
$20.52
$42.19
$48.68
$71.59
PPO Plan
$25.49
$53.96
$60.34
$91.21
Plan
Note: Once enrolled for plan year, must remain in plan for remainder of calendar year.
Dental Wisconsin Benefit Summary
Plan Name
PPO Plan
Out-ofIn-Network
Network
Select Plan
Diagnostic / Preventative
100%
75%
No coverage
Basic
Major/Restore (Includes
Endodontic, Periodontics
and Implants)
Orthodontia (Lifetime
Benefit)
Annual Deductible Per
Person
Office Visit Copay
75%
55%
75%
50%
25%
50%
Annual Benefit Maximum
Waiting Period
(if no prior coverage)
Basic Services
Major Services
Orthodontia
$1,000 Benefit
(for children under 19)
$25
$50
$1,000 Benefit
(for children under 19)
$50
None
None
$1,000
$1,000
3 Months
3 Months
12 Months
3 Months
3 Months
12 Months
EPIC Benefits+
 Enrollment period - within 30 days of employment begin date
 No employer contribution for premium.
 Application
 Plan Brochure
2016 Monthly Premiums
Coverage Level
Without Vision
With Vision
Single
$19.77
$24.02
Employee + Spouse/DP
$39.54
$47.04
Employee + Child(ren)
$39.54
$47.04
Family
$59.31
$70.34
Note: Once enrolled for plan year, must remain in plan for remainder of calendar year.
EPIC Benefits+
Summary of Benefits
Benefit
Description
Supplemental Dental
(no coverage for basic
or preventive services)
• Pays 50% of covered dental charges, after $75
deductible. $1,500 annual maximum
• $1,200 orthodontia lifetime maximum – (under age 19
only); 12-month waiting period
Hospital and Surgery
Benefit
• You receive $200/day starting on 3rd day of hospital
confinement;
• You receive $200 per eligible outpatient surgery
AD&D Benefits
Receive lump sum payment (between $1,000 and
$15,000) for accidental death or dismemberment
Vision Discount Plan
Davis Vision Affinity Discount Plan
Vision Insurance Plan
For additional premium, enroll in vision insurance
through Davis Vision Network (in- and non-network
benefits available)
VSP Vision Insurance
•
30-day enrollment period
•
Application
•
Plan Brochure
2016 Monthly Premiums
•
Employee Only
Employee +
Spouse/DP
Employee +
Child(ren)
Employee +
Family
$6.54
$13.08
$14.73
$23.54
Will not receive an ID card – must notify your eye care provider that you
have coverage under VSP. May print an ID card at www.vsp.com.
Note: Once enrolled for plan year, must remain in plan for remainder of calendar year.
VSP Vision Insurance
Summary of Benefits
Benefit
Description
Vision Exam
Annual eye exam with a $15 copay (also covered by all IYC
Health Plans with a $25 copay)
Prescription
Glasses
• Frames – covered up to $130 every other year after $25
copay
• Lenses – covered every year after copay – employee cost
depends on selected lenses
Contact Lenses $130 annual allowance – no copay for contact lenses
KidsCare
Program
•
•
•
•
Additional
Savings
• Discounts on additional glasses purchased in-network
• Discounts on in-network laser vision correction
Two exams per year
Impact resistant lenses
Lenses replaced annually or as needed
Frames replaced annually with $25 copay
Note: Note: VSP covers either lenses for your glasses OR contacts every year, but not both.
.
Dental Wisconsin, EPIC Benefits+
and VSP Vision Comparison
How do I choose what plan is right for me?
• Dental Wisconsin and EPIC Benefits+ offer similar dental benefits –
see their dental benefits compared side-by-side on our Dental
Comparison Chart.
• Dental Wisconsin, EPIC Benefits+ and VSP Vision all have some
vision benefits – see their vision benefits compared side-by-side on
our Vision Comparison Chart.
• You may enroll in any or all of these plans.
Income Continuation Insurance (ICI)
(Short term/Long term disability)
• Application: http://www.etf.wi.gov/publications/et2307.pdf
• Must submit an application to either elect or decline coverage.
• Provides up to 75% of gross base wages as replacement income if you
are unable to work due to illness or disability.
• Two coverage levels:
o Standard ICI covers earnings up to $64,000
 Employer pays portion of premium
o Supplemental ICI covers earnings from $64,001 to $120,000
 Employee pays full premium (no employer contribution)
• Maximum monthly ICI benefit is $4,000 (75% of $64,000) if enrolled in
Standard ICI only and $7,500 (75% of $120,000) if enrolled in Standard
and Supplemental ICI.
Income Continuation Insurance
•
Two enrollment/coverage effective date options
o Within 30 days of your WRS eligibility date (usually your hire date). Coverage is effective
on the first day of the month on or after your eligibility date. You pay the full premium until
you have 12 months of state/UW WRS service
o 1st of month following12 months of state/UW WRS service. Coverage begins on the first
of the month when you are eligible for the employer contribution towards your premium.
•
You must select a waiting period of 30, 90, 125 or 180 days.
•
Monthly earnings and waiting period determine monthly premium.
o Standard ICI Premiums
o Supplemental ICI Premiums (add to Standard ICI premium to calculate total premium)
•
ICI benefits begin the later of your selected waiting period or the use of all of your sick leave,
up to a maximum of 1040 hours.
•
You may increase your ICI waiting period at anytime but evidence of insurability is required to
shorten your waiting period.
•
If you do not enroll when initially eligible, can enroll in any January after you accumulate 1,040
hours of sick leave.
Life Insurance Programs
There are five life insurance programs available. All are term life insurance
policies. You can enroll in none, some or all of the programs.
Unless otherwise indicated below, if you do not enroll during your initial enrollment
period, you can apply for coverage through Medical Evidence of Insurability but
acceptance is not guaranteed.
Except as noted below, enroll within 30 days of days of WRS eligibility date
(typically your hire date). Coverage is effective on the first day of the month
following 30 days from the date of WRS eligibility.

State Group Life Insurance

Individual & Family Group Life Insurance

UW Employees Inc Life Insurance

Accidental Death & Dismemberment Life Insurance (includes Zurich Travel
Assist Travel Insurance) – Can enroll at any time

University Insurance Association Life Insurance – enrollment is automatic if
eligible
State Group Life Insurance (SGL)
•
Employee Coverage
o Each unit of coverage based on your annual earnings (adjusts on an annual
basis). Elect 1 – 5 units of coverage
o Benefit doubles if death is accidental
•
Family Coverage
o Spouse/Domestic partner – up to $20,000
o Children – up to $10,000
•
Application: http://etf.wi.gov/publications/et2304.pdf (Must submit an application
to either elect or decline coverage)
•
Beneficiary Designation: http://etf.wi.gov/publications/et2320.pdf
•
Premium based on age, calendar year earnings and coverage level
o Premiums for first $50,000 of coverage taken on pre-tax basis
•
Continuation of coverage at retirement or termination with at least 20 years of
WRS service (eligibility requirements must be met). No premium required when
you turn 65 and are retired.
Individual & Family Group Life
 Application:
https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/life/if/app.pdf
 Beneficiary Designation:
https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/life/if/bendes.pdf
 You may choose initial coverage at the following amounts:
 Employee: $5,000 / $10,000 / $15,000 / $20,000
 Spouse/Domestic Partner: $5,000 / $10,000
 Children: $2,500 / $5,000
 Premium based on employee age and coverage level
 Can increase coverage level on an annual basis during Annual Increase
Option Period every October. Maximum coverage:
 Employee: $300,000
 Spouse/Domestic Partner: $150,000 / Children: $25,000
UW Employees Inc Life Insurance (UWE)
•
Application: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/life/uwei/app.pdf
•
Beneficiary Designation:
https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/life/uwei/bendes.pdf
•
Can elect and change beneficiary online at: www.lifebenefits.com (will receive
login information from Securian after enrollment is processed)
•
Employee-only coverage – coverage level and premium based on age
Age
Coverage
Premium
Age
Coverage
Premium
< 35
$33,000
$1.00
50 – 54
$15,000
$2.40
35 – 39
$28,000
$1.25
55 – 59
$13,000
$3.80
40 – 44
$25,000
$1.60
60 – 64
$12,000
$4.35
45 – 49
$18,000
$2.00
65+
$7,000
$3.00
University Insurance Association Life Insurance
(Faculty, Academic Staff & Limited Appointees only)
• Coverage is MANDATORY, by action of the Board of Regents, for all
Faculty, Academic Staff and Limited Appointee employees with a base
salary of at least $2,567 per month.
• Coverage begins October 1
• Decreasing term life insurance
• Schedule of benefits:
https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/life/uia/fact.pdf
• Premium: $24.00 per year. (Deduction taken from October earnings,
payable on or around November 1st)
• No application – automatic enrollment if eligible
• Beneficiary designation
Accidental Death & Dismemberment Life
Insurance (AD&D) + Zurich Travel Assist
• Enroll at anytime - coverage effective on 1st of month on or after the date
application received by your benefits office.
• Application:
https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/life/add/app.pdf
• Beneficiary Designation:
https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/life/add/bendes.pdf
• Benefit payable for accidental death/dismemberment only - includes
many additional benefits for surviving dependents. Plan summary:
https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/life/add/fact.pdf
• Coverage options range from $25,000 - $500,000 for single and family
coverage.
• Includes Zurich Travel Assist package - multilingual network of
physicians, nurses and travel assistance specialists that can provide
legal, medical, informational or personal help while traveling more than
100 miles from home.
Life Insurance Summary
State Group
Life
Individual &
UW
Family
Employee
Group Life s Inc Life
AD&D Life
UIA Life
30 day
enrollment
deadline
No
enrollment
deadline
Automatic
enrollment, if
eligible
Faculty,
Academic Staff
& Limited
Appointees Only
Initial
enrollment
period
30 day
enrollment
deadline
30 day
enrollment
deadline
Who is
covered?
Employee,
Spouse/DP,
Children
Employee,
Spouse/DP,
Children
Employee
Employee,
Spouse/DP,
Children
Up to 5x annual
income
Up to
$20,000 –
can increase
annually
Coverage
based on
age
Up to
$500,000
Coverage based
on age
Up to $20,000
on spouse/DP
& $10,000 on
children
Up to
$10,000 on
spouse/DP;
$5000 on
children.
Can increase
annually
None
Certain % of
employee
coverage –
see plan
certificate for
details
None
Employee
coverage
amount
How much
coverage
is available
for my
family?
Beneficiary Designations
 A beneficiary is a person(s) or any legal entity such as an estate or trust,
that you specifically name to receive benefits payable upon death (WRS
account, life insurance, value of tax deferred retirement savings
account…)
 Most beneficiary designations available online:
https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/formspubs/
 Each benefit plan has a separate beneficiary designation. Exception –
State Group Life and WRS use the same form.
 Mail beneficiary designations directly to the address listed on the form.
 If you do not file designation, benefits will be payable per Standard
Sequence.
 It is important to keep your beneficiary designations up-to-date. Always
review your designations and update as necessary when you have a life
event (birth, death, divorce, marriage, change in domestic partnership…).
Parking and Transit
• Administered by TASC.
• TASC also offers Parking and Transit benefits that allows you to pay for
certain transportation-related expenses on a pre-tax basis. This
includes:
o Mass Transit Fares
o Parking Fees
• The UW System deducts parking costs on a pre-tax basis. If you
purchase parking through the UW, you already receive this pre-tax
benefit.
• The limits are $130 per month for transit and/or vanpool, and $255 per
month for parking. You may change your election amount at any time.
• Enrollment form
Retirement Savings Plans
Wisconsin Deferred Compensation
• Set up account, fund allocations and payroll deductions directly with
Wisconsin Deferred Compensation
• Roth (post-tax) Option available
• WDC offers 22 investment options:
o
o
o
o
o
o
6 Lifecycle Funds
1 stable value option
1 FDIC-insured bank option
10 mutual funds
4 commingled trust options
Self-Directed Brokerage Account
• Annual fees based on total account balance ($0 - $180/year)
• To enroll or for additional information, please contact Wisconsin
Deferred Compensation at 1-877-457-9327 or go to: www.wdc457.org.
• UW System can not provide specific investment advice.
Supplemental Retirement Savings Plans
TSA Program
•
Set up an account directly with a UW TSA investment company(ies)
o Online with TIAA-CREF, Fidelity, T. Rowe Price
o RiverSource (Ameriprise), Lincoln National Life (insurance
companies) – an agent will help you.
•
Submit a salary reduction agreement (SRA) to your benefits office to
begin payroll deductions
•
All fund allocations are set up directly with the investment company.
UW System cannot provide specific investment advice, but individual
counseling is available from the companies, in person or over the
phone.
•
Roth Option is available with TIAA-CREF, Fidelity, T. Rowe Price and
Lincoln National Life
•
No annual fee, low-cost institutional share classes
•
For more information: www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/ret/tsa/
LifeSuite Program
The LifeSuite Program is offered to active, WRS-eligible, State of
Wisconsin employees by Securian.
•
Travel Assistance is available if you are an active employee and you
or an eligible dependent is more than 100 miles from home. For
more information visit LifeBenefits.com/travel.
•
Legal Services are available for simple will preparation or
consultation to active or retired employees. If you retain a lawyer
within the network, you receive 25% off their services.
•
Beneficiary Financial Counseling for beneficiaries of employees
covered under the State Group Life Insurance program if they
receive at least $25,000 in State Group Life Insurance benefits.
•
Legacy Planning Services is available to active or retired employees
to deal with end-of-life issues. These resources are available at
LegacyPlanningResources.com.
Long Term Care Insurance
• Long-term care insurance (LTCi) provides financial protection for the
costs of long-term care.
• It covers services that are typically not covered by health insurance
but are vital, such as walking, eating, bathing, etc.
• Coverage includes care in non-institutional settings, such as
assisted living, adult day care, and in-home care.
• LTCi is available to you, your spouse or domestic partner, your
parents and your spouse’s or domestic partner’s parents. Anyone
covered by the plan must live in Wisconsin.
• You may apply directly to the vendor at any time.
• The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) monitors the LTCi
plans.
Life Events Impact Benefits
Contact your payroll and benefits coordinator within 30 days of a Life
Event. You only have 30 days following a Life Event to
change/enroll in the majority of benefits.
Examples of life events:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Marriage or divorce
Begin or end a domestic partnership
Birth, adoption, guardianship of a child (60 days to enroll)
Termination of employment
Disability
Change in employment status
Move
Spouse, dependent child, domestic partner death
Resources
•
View earnings, leave and tax statements as well as important benefit
information on the My UW System portal: https://my.wisconsin.edu/
•
Contact your institution’s benefits office or visit your institution’s website.
Contact information online: www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/contact/
•
UW System Administration’s benefits website:
www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/
•
Faculty, Academic Staff, Limited Employee Benefit Summary:
www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/summaries/fasl.pdf
•
New Employees Benefits website:
https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/newemp/
•
See an estimate of your total compensation package:
www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/totalcomp/