Employee Benefits
Important Insurance Deadlines
These deadlines assume that you have just become eligible for coverage under the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) for the first time. Shorter deadlines apply to employees with prior WRS service. Check with your benefits office if either of the following applies to you:
Six months' WRS coverage: Some insurance plans, such as state group life insurance and income continuation insurance, require you to have six months coverage under the WRS. If you already meet this requirement, your deadline to enroll is generally 30 days after your new WRS coverage begin date.
Transfers from another state agency: If you are moving to the University from another state agency, and you have not taken a WRS benefit or had a lapse in your insurance coverage, 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 benefits (state group health, state group life, and income continuation). You definitely need to file applications for any programs that are specific to the University, such as Individual and Family Group Life Insurance.
If you have had a break in WRS-covered service of more than 30 days, or have taken a WRS benefit since your last WRS position, you must submit new applications to resume your benefit coverages.
Late 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
- State Group Health Insurance
Deadline: Within 30 days after your WRS begin date OR within 30 days after the date you complete six months of WRS coverage as a state employee. The employer contribution begins on the first of the month after you complete six months of WRS employment if your application is received by your benefits office by that date.
Late enrollment: Within 30 days after you 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 other comparable health insurance in which you are enrolled. 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/Excess Major Medical Insurance
Deadline: Within 30 days after your WRS begin date OR on or before the first of the month following completion of six months of WRS coverage with any employer.
Late enrollment: None guaranteed
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DentalBlue
Dentacare Insurance
Deadline: Within 30 days after your WRS begin date.
Late enrollment: Same as for health insurance.
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VSP Vision Insurance
Deadline: Within 30 days after your WRS begin date.
Late enrollment: Same as for health insurance.
- Long-Term Care Insurance
Deadline: You may apply directly to one of the approved providers at any time (under-writing always required).
Late enrollment: Determined by insurance company
Life
- Individual and Family Life
Deadline: Within 30 days after your WRS begin date
Late enrollment:: By submitting evidence of good health
- University Employees, Inc.
Deadline: Within 30 days after your WRS begin date
Late enrollment: By submitting evidence of good health
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State
Group Life Insurance
Deadline: Within 30 days after the first of the month following completion of six months of WRS coverage (with any employer)
Late enrollment: By submitting evidence of good health
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Accidental
Death and Dismemberment Insurance
Deadline: You may enroll at any time
Late enrollment: Coverage begins the first of the month after the benefits office receives your application.
Disability Insurance
- Income Continuation Insurance
Deadline: Within 30 days after the first of the month following completion of six months of WRS coverage (with any employer).
Late enrollment: By submitting evidence of good health. (Note: the standard of good health in this program is very demanding.)
Since LTEs do not accumulate sick leave, the deferred enrollment opportunities based on sick leave accumulations do not apply to them.
- Workers Compensation
Deadline:Automatic
- Benefits for Permanent Disability through the Department of Employee Trust Funds
Deadline: Automatic when you qualify for the Wisconsin Retirement System
This document was last revised on March 28, 2008
