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Important Insurance Deadlines

Important Benefit Enrollment Deadlines - for Unclassified Employees Covered by the Wisconsin Retirement System

The deadline to enroll in most benefits is 30 days after you begin a position covered by the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). Later enrollment opportunities are sometimes available. Your WRS begin date is typically the same as the date you begin University employment. You should try to make all of your benefit decisions at one time and submit your benefit elections within your first 30 days of employment.

For a detailed summary of all of the benefits available to you, see the Unclassified Benefits Summary.

Except as noted, coverage takes effect on the first day of the month on or 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.

Important Information for Employees Previously Covered by the Graduate Assistant / Short-Term Academic Benefit Program

If you were previously eligible for benefits under the Graduate Assistant / Short-Term Academic benefits program and had less than a 30 day break in employment between your graduate/short-term and WRS-covered positions, you are eligible to enroll in all of the benefits listed below* when you begin a position covered by the WRS. You have 30 days to enroll in all benefits unless otherwise noted below. Even if you did not enroll in a plan as a graduate assistant / short-term academic, you have the opportunity to enroll in the plan once you are eligible for WRS coverage.

* If you were eligible to participate in the ERA program in your graduate assistant / short-term academic position, you do NOT have an opportunity to enroll in coverage when you begin your WRS-covered position. If you were not eligible to enroll in ERA in your former position, you may enroll within 30 days of starting your WRS-covered position.

Health insurance and related programs

State Group Health Insurance

When to enroll: Within 30 days after your WRS begin date

Later enrollment: For the remainder of 2011, you may enroll in the Standard Plan at any time (includes a 180-day waiting period for pre-existing conditions for any covered members age 19 or older). You may also enroll with 30 days of losing eligibility for other coverage. If your appointment is less than 50% and you are required to pay the less-than-half-time rates for coverage (50% of total premium), you have 30 days from the date that your appointment increases to 50% or greater to enroll in coverage.

EPIC Benefits+

When to enroll: Within 30 days after your WRS begin date

Later enrollment: During open enrollment period only - no guarantee of an annual enrollment period

Dental Wisconsin

When to enroll: Within 30 days after your WRS begin date

Later enrollment: During open enrollment period only - no guarantee of an annual enrollment period

VSP Vision Insurance

When to enroll: Within 30 days after your WRS begin date

Later enrollment: During open enrollment period only - there will be an open enrollment period every October

Employee Reimbursement Account (ERA)

When to enroll: Within 30 days after your employment begin date

Later enrollment: Open enrollment period every October; may also be able to enroll or change coverage level mid-year within 30 days of a qualifying change-in-status event (restrictions may apply).

Long-Term Care Insurance

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

University Insurance Association Life Insurance (UIA)

When to enroll: Automatic and mandatory if you meet the minimum salary standard

Individual and Family Life Insurance

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)

UW Employees, Inc. Life Insurance

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)

State Group Life 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: Can apply for coverage at any time through Medical Evidence of Insurability (acceptance not guaranteed)

Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
When to enroll: You may enroll at any time.

Coverage effective: Coverage begins the first of the month on or after the benefits office receives your application.

Disability Insurance

Income Continuation 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: Can apply for coverage through Medical Evidence of Insurability (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.