What is Annual Benefits Enrollment?
The Annual Benefits Enrollment (ABE) period is an annual opportunity for eligible employees to enroll in or make changes to most benefit plans for the upcoming calendar year. This is the only time you are eligible to make changes unless you have a qualifying life event, such as a family or employment change.
Changes made during ABE will be effective January 1, 2023
Check out the 2023 benefits information summarized below. Find information about 2022 benefits on the UW System Employee Benefits website.
Updated: 01/25/2023
Benefits Changes for 2023
Check out the Annual Benefits Enrollment Highlights video to see what’s changing for 2023.
Attend an in-person benefit fair (offered at some institutions) and/or virtual benefit sessions to learn more about your benefits. For dates, times, and registration review the Benefit & Wellness Fairs web page.
Review the information below to understand the changes so you can make informed decisions for you and your family.
Employee premium changes effective January 1, 2023:
- State Group Health Insurance: Premiums will increase slightly for most plans.
- Uniform Dental Insurance: Premium for employee only coverage will increase slightly.
Go to the Premiums web page for 2022 premiums.
State Group Health Insurance
The health plan designs (health plan vs high deductible health plan) and most health plan components will remain the same (for example, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance). There will be carrier changes, health plan name changes, and covered services enhancements.
Action Required: If you are currently enrolled in a plan with WEA Trust as the carrier or an Access Plan, you must act during ABE or you will not have health insurance coverage in 2023.
For 2023, the following changes will be made:
- Health Insurance Plan Carriers – Will Not Be Available
- WEA Trust East
- WEA Trust West – Chippewa Valley
- WEA Trust West – Mayo Clinic
- Health Insurance Plan – Carrier Change
- Access Health Plan and Access HDHP
- WEA Trust no longer available.
- Will continue to provide nationwide coverage.
- New Carrier: Dean Health Plan
- State Maintenance Plan
- WEA Trust no longer available.
- For Florence County
- New Carrier: Dean Health Plan
- Access Health Plan and Access HDHP
- Health Insurance Plan Carriers – Name Changes
- The following insurance plan carriers will have a name change. If you are currently enrolled in a plan with a name change, you will remain enrolled in the renamed plan. However, you may want to contact your carrier to make sure your preferred doctors, clinics, and hospitals will remain in network. Use the Decision Guide for health plan carrier contact information and to review your options.
- Dean Health Plan-Prevea360 to Dean Health Plan-Prevea360 East
- GHC of Eau Claire to GHC of Eau Claire Greater Wisconsin
- HealthPartners to HealthPartners West
- The following insurance plan carriers will have a name change. If you are currently enrolled in a plan with a name change, you will remain enrolled in the renamed plan. However, you may want to contact your carrier to make sure your preferred doctors, clinics, and hospitals will remain in network. Use the Decision Guide for health plan carrier contact information and to review your options.
- Health Insurance Plan Carriers – New
- The following new health insurance plans will be available. You should contact the carrier to make sure your preferred doctors, clinics, and hospitals will be in network. Use the Decision Guide for health plan carrier contact information.
- Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative (coverage area: Eastern WI)
- Dean Health Plan-Prevea360 West and Mayo Clinic Health System (coverage area: Western WI)
- GHC of Eau Claire River Region (coverage area: West Central WI)
- HealthPartners Southeast (coverage area: Southeast WI)
- Security Health Plan (coverage area: West Central WI)
- The following new health insurance plans will be available. You should contact the carrier to make sure your preferred doctors, clinics, and hospitals will be in network. Use the Decision Guide for health plan carrier contact information.
- Covered Services
- Allow health insurance carriers to waive prior authorization for remote patient monitoring, when appropriate.
- Establish specific coverage criteria for pulmonary rehabilitation therapy.
- Allow separate behavior therapy sessions with a patient’s immediate family as part of a mental health and substance use disorder treatment plan.
- Implement a clear bagging program through UW Specialty Pharmacy for some level 4 specialty drugs.
- Employee Premiums (see chart below)
- Employee premiums will increase slightly effective January 1, 2023.
All other health insurance plan carriers remain in the program.
In the Forms & Resources section below find:
- Health & Pharmacy Comparison to help you choose a plan design.
- Health Plan Search and Health Plan Decision Guide to help you determine which counties are covered by each insurance carrier.
- How To Choose Your Health Insurance Plan web page provides steps to help you select a health plan design that fits your needs and a health insurance carrier that will provide services in the county you would like to receive services in.
Review the State Group Health Insurance web page for additional information.
State Group Health Insurance – 2023 monthly Premiums (active employees)*
| 2023 Monthly Employee Premiums
(without Uniform Dental) |
Health Plan (WRS benefit package) |
High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) (WRS benefit package) |
Health Plan (non-WRS Graduate Assistant / Short-Term Academic Staff benefit package) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | Family | Individual | Family | Individual | Family | |
| Health Plan & HDHP (excludes Access Plans) | $100.00 | $248.00 | $35.00 | $87.00 | $50.00 | $124.00 |
| Access Health Plan & Access HDHP | $241.00 | $599.00 | $176.00 | $438.00 | $120.50 | $299.50 |
| Access Health Plan & Access HDHP (if required to work outside of Wisconsin) |
$154.00 | $387.00 | $89.00 | $226.00 | $77.00 | $193.50 |
*All employee premiums in the above chart are without Uniform Dental. Review the chart in the dental section below for the employee dental premiums for 2023.
Note: The health plan and HDHP do not provide out-of-network coverage except for emergencies and urgent care situations.
Health Insurance Opt-Out Incentive
If you do not need health insurance coverage through the UW System, you may be eligible for the Health Opt-Out Incentive. The Opt-Out Incentive is taxable and the $2,000 is paid evenly over 24 pay periods (two paychecks each month).
Enrollment is required each year to receive the Opt-Out Incentive.
Note: Enroll by selecting the health opt-out option in the MyUW portal. If you select the waive option in the MyUW portal, you will not receive the health opt-out incentive in 2023.
See the How to Enroll section below for enrollment information. Or review the Health Insurance Opt-Out Incentive web page for additional information.
Pharmacy Benefits
The employee premium for pharmacy benefits is included in the State Group Health Insurance premium. Find in-network pharmacies and formulary lists on the Navitus website, or call Navitus at (866) 333-2757 with questions.
Uniform, Preventive & Supplemental Dental Insurance
Uniform and Preventive Dental Insurance plans provide the same coverage for diagnostic, preventive, basic, and orthodontic services. Review the following to determine which plan (Uniform Dental or Preventive Dental) you are eligible for:
- If you enroll in State Group Health, you are eligible for the Uniform Dental Insurance plan.
- If you waive State Group Health OR elect the Health Opt-Out Incentive, you are eligible for the Preventive Dental Insurance plan.
You may enroll in either the Uniform or the Preventive plan and one Supplemental Dental Insurance plan (Select or Select Plus plan).
Your enrollment, coverage level, and dependents will remain the same from 2022 to 2023 if you do not make a change.
For 2023, the following changes will be made:
- Employee Premiums (see chart below)
- Uniform Dental: Employee premium for individual coverage will increase slightly.
- Preventive and Supplemental Plans: Employee premiums will remain the same.
For additional information, review the plan comparison and premium chart provided below.
Dental Insurance Comparison
| Uniform Dental Insurance and
Preventive Dental Insurance |
Supplemental Dental –
PPO Select |
Supplemental Dental –
PPO Plus Premier Select Plus |
|
| Provider Network | Delta Dental PPO & Delta Dental Premier | Delta Dental PPO | Delta Dental PPO & Delta Dental Premier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benefit Maximum | $1,000 / person | $1,000 / person | $2,500 / person |
| Deductible | None | $100 / person | $25 / person |
| Preventive | 100% | No coverage | No coverage |
| Basic Services | 100%: fillings, periodontal maintenance 80%: anesthesia, emergency pain relief | No coverage (except anesthesia at 50%) |
No coverage (except anesthesia at 80%) |
| Major Services | No coverage | 50% | 60% or 80% (varies by service) |
| Orthodontia
(lifetime maximum) |
50% up to $1,500 (to age 19) |
No coverage | 50% up to $1,500 (in addition to Uniform or Preventive Dental) (includes adult ortho) |
Dental Insurance – 2023 monthly Premiums (active employees)
| 2023 Monthly
Employee Premiums |
Uniform Dental | Preventive Dental | Supplemental Dental –
PPO Select |
Supplemental Dental –
PPO Plus Premier Select Plus |
| Individual | $4.00 | $34.72 | $9.76 | $20.98 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual + Spouse | $9.00 | $86.80 | $19.52 | $41.96 |
| Individual + Child(ren) | $9.00 | $86.80 | $13.16 | $38.96 |
| Family | $9.00 | $86.80 | $23.40 | $64.28 |
Vision Insurance
This plan provides coverage for an annual eye exam and materials (contacts/glasses). Employee premiums for 2023 will remain the same.
Your enrollment, coverage level, and dependents will remain the same from 2022 to 2023 if you do not make a change.
| 2023 Monthly Employee Premiums | |
| Individual | $5.72 |
| Individual + Spouse | $11.42 |
| Individual + Child(ren) | $12.88 |
| Family | $20.58 |
Review the documents provided in the Forms & Resources section for additional information.
Individual & Family Life Insurance
There are no changes to the Individual & Family (I&F) Life Insurance Program for 2023.
If you have coverage in force, you may increase coverage during the Annual Increase Option (AIO) period; September 26 – October 21, 2022. You may increase your coverage through the MyUW portal or by submitting the I&F Annual Increase Option Form available in the Forms & Resources section below.
To decrease or cancel your coverage at any time, submit the I&F Insurance Application (available in the Forms & Resources section below) to your institution benefits contact.
Your enrollment and coverage level will remain the same from 2022 to 2023 if you do not make a change.
Review the Individual & Family Life Insurance web page for details on the program.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
You may enroll, change, or cancel your AD&D coverage at any time. Changes made during ABE to your AD&D coverage will be effective January 1, 2023. If you would like to change your coverage prior to January 1st, submit the AD&D Application available in the Forms & Resources section below to your institution benefits contact.
Your enrollment and coverage level will remain the same from 2022 to 2023 if you do not make a change.
Review the AD&D Insurance web page for details on the plan.
Accident Insurance
This plan will help cover expenses by providing a lump sum payment to you for specific injuries due to an accident (for example: fractures, stitches, hospitalization). Additional features of the plan include:
- Accidental death & dismemberment coverage
- Identity Theft coverage from Generali Global Assistance
Your enrollment, coverage level, and dependents will remain the same from 2022 to 2023 if you do not make a change.
For 2023, the following changes will be made:
- Coverage Enhancements
- Cash benefit payment amounts will increase for most covered injuries due to an accident.
- Cash benefit payments will be added for surgical anesthesia, joint replacement, and modifications to home and/or vehicle.
- Employee Premiums
- Employee premiums will remain the same for 2023
| 2023 Monthly Employee Premiums | |
| Individual | $4.38 |
| Individual + Spouse | $6.26 |
| Individual + Child(ren) | $8.44 |
| Family | $12.32 |
Review the Accident Insurance web page for additional information.
Spending and Savings Accounts
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
For 2023, the contribution and carryover amounts are as follows:
| FSA Account Type | Minimum | Maximum | Carryover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Limited Purpose FSA | $50 (new) | $2,850 per year (increase) | $570 (increase) |
| Dependent Day Care Account | NA | $2,500 or $5,000 (depending on tax filing status) | NA |
| Parking & Transit Accounts | $50 (new) | $280 per month (increase) | Unlimited |
Re-enrollment is required each year to participate in the FSA.
See the FSA web page for details on current 2022 benefits.
Health Savings Account (HSA)
For 2023, the following changes will be made:
The below maximum contribution amounts include the employer contribution ($750 for individual coverage, $1,500 for family coverage):
- Individual HDHP: $3,850* (increase)
- Family HDHP: $7,750* (increase)
Re-enrollment is required each year to participate in the HSA.
*If you are or will attain age 55+ in 2023, you may contribute an additional $1,000 to your HSA.
See the HSA web page for details and eligibility requirements.
ACTION REQUIRED: You must re-enroll in the Spending & Savings Accounts each year you want to participate.
Changes Allowed During ABE
| Benefit Plan | What Changes are Allowed during ABE? | Add or Remove Dependents* | Cancel |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Group Health Insurance | Enroll, Change Plan Design and/or Carrier | Yes | Yes |
| State Group Health Insurance Opt-Out Incentive |
MUST re-enroll each year | N/A | N/A (automatically ends December 31st) |
| Uniform Dental Insurance | Enroll (if enrolled in State Group Health) |
Yes | Yes |
| Preventive Dental Insurance | Enroll (if not enrolled in State Group Health) |
Yes | Yes |
| Supplemental Dental Insurance | Enroll, Change Plans (Select OR Select Plus) | Yes | Yes |
| Vision Insurance | Enroll | Yes | Yes |
| Individual & Family Life Insurance | Annual Increase Option (current enrollees only) |
No – Add Yes – Remove (anytime) |
Yes (anytime) |
| Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance | Enroll, Change Volume of Coverage | Yes | Yes (anytime) |
| Accident Insurance | Enroll | Yes | Yes |
| Flexible Spending Accounts | MUST re-enroll each year | N/A | N/A (automatically ends December 31st) |
| Health Savings Account (must have High Deductible Health Plan) |
MUST re-enroll each year | N/A | N/A (automatically ends December 31st) |
* To determine if you can cover your spouse and/or dependent children, see the Dependent Eligibility Chart available in the Forms & Resources section below.
How To Enroll
Once you have made your decisions, enroll using the MyUW portal (September 26 – October 21, 2022).
You will be required to provide the below dependent information through the MyUW portal.
- Dependent Names, Social Security Numbers, Date of Birth, and Gender
- Health insurance coverage information (if you have other health insurance coverage)
View a video on How to Enroll Using the MyUW portal (available in the Forms & Resources section under MyUW portal).
After you enroll using the MyUW portal, you will receive an e-mail within 24-48 hours with instructions on viewing your Confirmation Statement for elections. Review your Confirmation Statement to ensure your elections are accurate. If you do not receive a confirmation statement resources, contact your institution benefits contact.
Other Considerations for 2023
Premium Changes
- Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS): Employee and employer contributions to the WRS will increase to 6.8% for most employees effective January 1, 2023.
- University Insurance Association Life Insurance: Premium will increase effective January 1, 2023
- Income Continuation Insurance (ICI): Premiums will decrease effective February 1, 2023
- State Group Life Insurance: Employee coverage premium will increase 5% for most age groups effective April 1, 2023. Spouse & Dependent coverage premium will remain the same.
No open enrollment opportunity for the below plans (except through evidence of insurability).
- State Group Life Insurance
- UW Employees, Inc. Life Insurance
- Individual & Family Life Insurance
- Income Continuation Insurance
Enroll in the below plans at any time during the year.
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- UW 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program (SRP)
- Wisconsin Deferred Compensation (457) Program
- Parking & Transit Accounts
- Long-Term Care Insurance
Well-being Resources
The $150 Well Wisconsin incentive is available to you and your spouse in 2023 if you enroll in State Group Health Insurance. To earn the incentive, complete a health assessment questionnaire, health check, and one of the WebMD well-being activities.
- Deadline for the 2022 Incentive: October 14, 2022
- Deadline for the 2023 Incentive: October 13, 2023
Review the Well-Being Resources web page for information on the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), flu vaccine clinics, mental health resources, and well-being webinars.
You may make changes beginning September 26, 2022. All benefit elections must be submitted by Friday, October 21, 2022 (4:30 pm). Paper applications must be received by your institution benefits contact by Friday, October 21, 2022 (4:30 pm). Changes are effective January 1, 2023.
Forms & Resources
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Individual & Family (I&F)
Life Insurance
- I&F Fact Sheet
-
(use to increase coverage) - I&F Application
(use to decrease or cancel coverage)
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
Accident Insurance Plan
Spending & Savings Accounts
Every effort has been made to ensure this information is current and correct. Information on this page does not guarantee enrollment, benefits and/or the ability to make changes to your benefits.