Employee Benefits
Important Insurance Deadlines
Important Insurance Deadlines — classified employees
These deadlines assume that you are a new employee who has never been covered by the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) before. Shorter deadlines apply to employees with prior WRS service. Check with your benefits office if either of the following applies to you:
Minimum WRS Service Requirements: Some insurance plans require you to have two or six months of service under the WRS before you are eligible for coverage. If you already meet this requirement, your deadline to enroll is generally 30 days after your employment begin date.
Transfers from another state agency: If you are transferring to the University from another state agency, and you have not taken a WRS benefit or had a 30-day break in service, you are often restricted to the same levels of coverage that you had in your previous position. Your staff benefits office can tell you whether you need to file a new application to continue your state benefit plans (state group life, state group health, income continuation, and deferred compensation). In addition, you definitely need to apply for plans that are specific to the University, such as the Individual and Family Life Insurance plan.
If you have had a break in service of 30 days or more, or if you have taken a WRS benefit since your last WRS position, you must file new applications to resume all of your benefits coverage.
Later enrollment opportunities are sometimes available. But it's best to make all of your insurance decisions at one time and apply early!
Except as noted, coverage takes effect on the first day of the month after the date you submit your application to your employer, assuming you are eligible at that time. If you apply on the first of the month, coverage is effective that day.
Health insurance and related programs
When to enroll: within 30 days after your WRS begin date OR on or before the first of the month following the completion of two months of WRS coverage as a state employee (LTE's must complete six months of WRS coverage as a state employee). Employer contribution to premiums starts after you complete two months of WRS covered employment with the State (six months of WRS covered employment for an LTE).
Later enrollment: Within 30 days after you first become eligible for a higher employer contribution (by moving from a less-than-half-time position to a half-time or more position); or within 30 days after you lose eligibility for outside health insurance. You may enroll at other times but you will be temporarily restricted to the Standard Plan with a 180-day waiting period for pre-existing conditions.
- Epic Dental and Excess Major Medical Insurance (includes EyeMed Vision Discount Plan)
When to enroll: Within 30 days after your WRS begin date OR on or before the first of the month following completion of two months of WRS coverage as a state employee (six months for an LTE).
Later enrollment: None guaranteed
- Dental Insurance for members of the following unions. Consult your union for plan details. You are also eligible to enroll in the DentalBlue Dentacare plan.
State Engineering Association
United Professionals for Quality Health Care (Patient Care)
Wisconsin Education Association (WEAC)
Wisconsin State Employees Union (WSEU)
Wisconsin Science Professionals
Wisconsin Professional Employees Council (WPEC)When to enroll: Within 30 days after your union membership begins
Later enrollment: Consult your union
When to enroll: Within 30 days after your WRS begin date OR on or before the first of the month following completion of two months of WRS coverage as a state employee (six months for an LTE).
Later enrollment: None guaranteed
When to enroll: Within 30 days after your WRS begin date
Later enrollment: There will be an annual open enrollment period October of every year.
When to enroll: Within 30 days after your employment begin date
Later enrollment: Each October for the following calendar year, or within 30 days of the event if you have a change in marital status, number of dependents, job location, or other factors that affect your eligibility for medical or dependent care coverage.
When to enroll: You may apply directly to one of the approved providers at any time (under-writing always required)
Coverage effective: Determined by insurance company
Life Insurance Programs
When to enroll: Within 30 days after your WRS begin date
Later enrollment: Can apply for coverage at any time through Medical Evidence of Insurability (acceptance not guaranteed)
When to enroll: Within 30 days after your WRS begin date
Later enrollment: Can apply for coverage at any time through Medical Evidence of Insurability (acceptance not guaranteed)
When to enroll: Within 30 days after the first of the month following completion of six months of WRS coverage (with any WRS covered employer)
Later enrollment: Can apply for coverage at any time before age 70 through Medical Evidence of Insurability (acceptance not guaranteed)
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Accidental
Death and Dismemberment Insurance
When to enroll: You may enroll at any time
Coverage effective: Coverage begins the first of the month after the benefits office receives your application.
Disability Insurance
When to enroll: Within 30 days after the first of the month following completion of six months of WRS coverage (with any employer)
Later enrollment: During January following the first calendar year in which you accumulate 80 hours of sick leave (pro-rated for part-time), or first accumulate 520 or 728 hours of sick leave, or any year in which your sick leave balance exceeds 1,040 hours, or any time, by submitting evidence of good health (Note: the standard of good health in this program is very demanding)
When to enroll: Automatic
- Benefits for Permanent Disability through the Department of Employee Trust Funds
When to enroll: Automatic when you qualify for the Wisconsin Retirement System
This document was last revised on April 12, 2010
