What is Annual Benefits Enrollment?
The Annual Benefits Enrollment (ABE) period is an annual opportunity for benefits 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 status change.
Changes made during ABE will be effective January 1, 2024
The 2024 benefits information is summarized below. Find information about 2023 benefits on the Universities of Wisconsin Employee Benefits website.
Updated: 12/10/2023
Benefits Changes for 2024
Check out the Annual Benefits Enrollment Highlights video to see what’s changing for 2024.
Attend an in-person benefits fair (offered at most institutions) or virtual benefit sessions to learn more about your benefits. For dates, times, and to register for the virtual sessions, review the Benefit & Wellness Fairs web page.
Review the information below to understand the benefits changes so you can make informed decisions for you and your family.
Employee premium changes effective January 1, 2024:
- State Group Health Insurance: Premiums will increase.
- Dental Insurance: Premiums will change.
- Accident Insurance: Premiums will decrease.
Go to the Premiums web page for 2023 premiums.
State Group Health Insurance
The health plan designs (health plan and high deductible health plan) will remain the same. The copayments and coinsurance levels within the plan designs will also remain the same.
For 2024, the following changes will be made:
High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) – Deductible
To remain compliant with the federal minimum deductible requirement for HDHPs, the annual deductibles will increase to $1,600 for individual coverage and $3,200 for family coverage.
Health Insurance Plan Carriers
GHC of South Central Wisconsin will split into two separate networks starting January 1, 2024. Both networks will include UW and Meriter hospitals and specialists.
- GHC of South Central Wisconsin – Dane Choice: will include in-network providers in Dane County.
- GHC of South Central Wisconsin – Neighbors: will include in-network providers in Columbia, Grant, Iowa, Sauk, Jefferson, Juneau, and Lafayette County.
If you are currently enrolled in a plan with GHC of South Central Wisconsin as the carrier, you will default to the same plan and dependents with GHC of South Central Wisconsin – Dane Choice for 2024 unless you select a different plan and/or carrier during ABE. Contact the carrier to make sure that your preferred doctors, clinics, and hospitals will remain in-network. Use the Decision Guide (available in the Resources section below) for carrier contact information and to review your options.
All other health insurance plan carriers will remain in the program for 2024.
Covered Services
- Expand coverage for advance care planning and palliative care services
- Remove expectation requirement that physical, speech, and occupational therapy yield significant patient improvement within two months of beginning treatment
- Enhance support for continuity of care for individuals that change health insurance carriers during an inpatient stay
- Remove requirement for a 30-day rental of infusion pumps for insulin, pain relievers, and other drugs prior to the purchase of equipment
Employee Premiums (see chart below)
All employee premiums will increase effective January 1, 2024.
The following resources can be found in the Forms & Resources section below.
- Health & Pharmacy Comparison will help you choose a plan design
- Health Plan Search and Health Plan Decision Guide will show you 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 – 2024 monthly Premiums (active employees)*
| 2024 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) | $112.00 | $276.00 | $39.00 | $97.00 | $56.00 | $138.00 |
| Access Health Plan & Access HDHP | $267.00 | $663.00 | $194.00 | $484.00 | $133.50 | $331.50 |
| Access Health Plan & Access HDHP (if required to work outside of Wisconsin) |
$170.00 | $428.00 | $97.00 | $249.00 | $85.00 | $214.00 |
*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 2024.
Note: The health plan and HDHP only provide out-of-network coverage for emergencies and urgent care situations.
Health Insurance Opt-Out Incentive
If you do not need health insurance coverage through the Universities of Wiscosnin, 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 2024.
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 2023 to 2024 if you do not make a change.
For 2024, the following changes will be made:
- Employee Premiums (see chart below)
- Uniform Dental (except individual), Select Plus and Preventive plans: employee premiums will increase
- Uniform Dental (individual) and Select plans: employee premiums will decrease
For additional information, review the plan comparison and premium chart provided below.
Dental Insurance Comparison
| Uniform Dental Insurance and
Preventive Dental Insurance |
Supplemental Dental –
Select Plan |
Supplemental Dental –
Select Plus Plan |
|
| 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 – 2024 monthly Premiums (active employees)
| 2024 Monthly
Employee Premiums |
Uniform Dental | Preventive Dental | Supplemental Dental –
Select Plan |
Supplemental Dental –
Select Plus Plan |
| Individual | $3.00 | $36.10 | $9.08 | $21.60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual + Spouse | $10.00 | $90.28 | $18.16 | $43.22 |
| Individual + Child(ren) | $10.00 | $90.28 | $12.24 | $40.12 |
| Family | $10.00 | $90.28 | $21.76 | $66.20 |
Vision Insurance
This plan provides coverage for an annual eye exam and materials (contacts/glasses). Employee premiums for 2024 will remain the same.
Your enrollment, coverage level, and dependents will remain the same from 2023 to 2024 unless you make a change during ABE.
| 2024 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 2024.
If you have coverage in force, you may increase coverage during the Annual Increase Option (AIO) period; September 25 – October 20, 2023. 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 benefits contact.
Your enrollment and coverage level will remain the same from 2023 to 2024 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, 2024. 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 benefits contact.
Your enrollment and coverage level will remain the same from 2023 to 2024 if you do not make a change.
Review the AD&D Insurance web page for details on the plan.
Accident Insurance
This plan provides 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 2023 to 2024 if you do not make a change.
For 2024, the following changes will be made:
- Employee Premiums
- Employee premiums will decrease for 2024
| 2024 Monthly Employee Premiums | |
| Individual | $3.72 |
| Individual + Spouse | $5.32 |
| Individual + Child(ren) | $7.16 |
| Family | $10.46 |
Review the Accident Insurance web page for additional information.
Spending and Savings Accounts
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
For 2024, the contribution and carryover amounts are as follows:
| Account Type | Minimum | Maximum | Carryover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Limited Purpose FSA | $50 | $3,050 per year (increase) | $50* – $610 (increase) |
| Dependent Day Care Account | NA | $2,500 or $5,000 (depending on tax filing status) | NA |
| Parking & Transit Accounts | $50 | $300 per month (increase) | $50* – Unlimited |
*NEW: To be eligible for carryover from 2023 to 2024, you must:
- have a minimum balance of $50 in your FSA at the end of the run-out period (March 31, 2024) OR
- re-enroll for the 2024 plan year during ABE
Reminder: If you are eligible for carryover, it will be applied on/around April 15, 2024.
Re-enrollment is required each year to participate in the FSA. See the FSA web page for details on current 2023 benefits.
Health Savings Account (HSA)
For 2024, 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: $4,150* (increase)
- Family HDHP: $8,300* (increase)
*If you are or will attain age 55+ in 2024, you may contribute an additional $1,000 to your HSA.
For employees paid on an academic year basis (over 9 months), the employer and employee contributions will be processed on 18 paychecks during the academic year. Contributions will no longer be processed on summer paychecks. Employees will receive the full employer contribution (if eligible) and meet their annual employee contribution amount; however, over 18 paychecks (instead of 24).
For employees paid on an annual basis (over 12 months), the employer and employee contributions will continue to be processed on 24 paychecks per calendar year.
Re-enrollment is required each year to participate in the 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 25 – October 20, 2023).
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)
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 and dependents are accurate. If you do not receive a confirmation statement resources, reach out to your benefits contact.
Other Considerations for 2024
- Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS): Employee and employer contributions to the WRS will increase to 6.9% for most employees effective January 1, 2024.
- Income Continuation Insurance (ICI): Effective February 1, 2024, premium rates will decrease and the plan will be simplified (standard and supplemental plans will be consolidated into one coverage level).
- State Group Life Insurance: Employee coverage premium will increase 5% for most age groups effective April 1, 2024. Spouse & Dependent coverage premium will decrease.
- Payroll Deduction Schedule:
- Currently, insurance premiums for health, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and accident insurance are deducted one month prior to the coverage month. Starting in 2024, insurance premiums will be deducted the same month as the coverage month. For most employees, this transition means that premium deductions will not occur on the December 14 or December 28, 2023 paychecks. Note: Coverage will remain active. If enrolled for 2024, insurance premium deductions for health, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and accident insurance will begin on your January 11, 2024 paycheck.
- Currently, contributions for the 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program (SRP) and Wisconsin Deferred Compensation (WDC) 457 Program are processed each paycheck (26 paychecks per calendar year). Starting in 2024, contributions for the 403(b) and WDC will be processed the first two paychecks of the month (24 paychecks per calendar year).
No open enrollment opportunity for the below plans (evidence of insurability available).
- State Group 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 2024 if you enroll in State Group Health Insurance. To earn the incentive, complete a health assessment questionnaire, health check, and a WebMD well-being activity.
- Deadline for the 2023 Incentive: October 13, 2023
- Deadline for the 2024 Incentive: October 11, 2024
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 25, 2023. All benefit elections must be submitted by Friday, October 20, 2023 (4:30 pm). Paper applications must be received by your benefits contact by Friday, October 20, 2023 (4:30 pm). Changes are effective January 1, 2024.
Health Insurance Study
As part of ABE, a research study is being conducted to learn more about how well Universities of Wisconsin employees understand the health insurance plan design options available to them in the State Group Health Insurance Program. The goal of the study is to obtain information that will enhance information provided about the health insurance plan design options and features available.
Active Universities of Wisconsin employees eligible for the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Benefits Package who intend to remain enrolled in or will enroll in the State Group Health Insurance Program in 2024 can participate in the study. Participation is voluntary.
If you are eligible to participate in the study you received an email with a link to the study which includes a Consent to Participate in Research form. To participate in the study, you can also access the survey here: Health Insurance study survey
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.