Employee Benefits
Important Insurance Deadlines
Important Insurance Deadlines - for permanent and long-term unclassified employees
For most optional insurance plans, your deadline to enroll is 30 days after you begin Wisconsin Retirement System coverage. This date is normally the same as the date you begin University employment. 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
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 temporarily you will only be eligible for the Standard Plan with a 180-day waiting period for pre-existing conditions.
When to enroll: Within 30 days after your WRS begin date
Later enrollment: None guaranteed
When to enroll: Within 30 days after your WRS begin date
Later enrollment: None guaranteed
- OptumHealth Vision Insurance (formerly Spectera)
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
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: Automatic and mandatory if you meet the minimum salary standard
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 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) or within 30 days after completion of twelve months of WRS coverage as a state employee.
Later enrollment: By submitting evidence of good health (Note: the standard of good health in this program is very demanding) OR by January 30th following any calendar year that you have accumulated 1040 or more hours of sick leave.
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 September 18, 2008
