The UW System provides additional benefit programs to eligible employees outside of the traditional “insurance” benefits. See below for more information.
The LifeSuite Program offers travel assistance, legal services, beneficiary financial counseling and legacy planning services and is available to all active, WRS-eligible, State of Wisconsin employees. The program is offered free of charge and no enrollment is required. Beneficiary financial counseling is only available if you are enrolled in State Group Life Insurance.
Travel Assistance is available to all active State of Wisconsin employees, spouse or domestic partner and their eligible dependents. Travel Assistance provides 24/7/365 travel assistance services when traveling 100 or more miles away from home. Services include, but are not limited to, medical professional locator services, interpretation services, assistance in cases of lost luggage and arranging transportation for a traveling companion. For more information, visit the LifeSuite Travel website or call 1-855-516-5433 in the U.S. or Canada. From other locations, you can call collect to +1 (415) 484-4677.
Legal Services are available to all State of Wisconsin employees (active or retired), along with their spouse or domestic partner and eligible dependents. The program provides access to over 22,000 attorneys nationwide for consultation on simple wills, estate planning and other legal issues. If an attorney in the network is retained, there is a 25% discount on services. Contact Ceridian at 1-877-849-6034 or visit the LifeWorks website (username: lfg password: resources).
Beneficiary Financial Counseling is available to beneficiaries who receive at least $25,000 in State Group Life claim benefits. Counseling resources are provided by PricewaterhouseCoopsers LLP (PwC) and are designed to help families make sound financial decisions at a difficult time. Beneficiaries will receive notification of this service upon payment of a claim.
Legacy Planning Services are available to all State of Wisconsin employees (active or retired), along with their spouse or domestic partner and eligible dependents. The program provides access to online information designed to help individuals and families work through end-of-life issues when dealing with the loss of a loved one or planning for their own passing. These resources are available at the Legacy Planning Services website.
Employees with a half time or greater appointment are eligible to be reimbursed for up to 100% of the cost of one course (up to 5 credits) per semester at any state accredited public or private higher educational institution. Coursework at a UW System institution is encouraged. Employees must receive prior authorization from their supervisor. Approval will rely on the potential for the employee’s increase in knowledge and skills and availability of department funding. For more information on career-related educational reimbursement, see UW System Administrative Policy 210 (SYS 210): Educational Assistance for Faculty & Staff.
Long Term Care Insurance covers services that are typically not covered by health insurance but are vital for the patient, such as assistance with activities of daily living (e.g. walking, eating, bathing). This plan provides financial protection from the rising costs of long-term care. Coverage for care in non-institutional settings, such as assisted living, adult day care, and in-home care, is also available.
Eligibility
Long Term Care Insurance is available to you, your spouse or domestic partner, your parents, and your spouse’s or domestic partner’s parents. Anyone covered by the plan must live in Wisconsin.
Enrollment
You may apply for coverage at any time during your employment. There is no open enrollment period because each application is subject to medical underwriting.
Some illnesses or pre-existing conditions may make you ineligible for coverage. However, once your policy is issued, coverage will not be limited or excluded for any pre-existing conditions or illnesses.
The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) publishes a free Guide to Long-Term Care (PI-047) to help you evaluate your needs and rights. You may contact OCI at (800) 236-8517 to request a copy.
If you are interested in a long-term care policy, contact the agent listed below.
For questions about new and existing United of Omaha policies, you may contact:
HealthChoice Insurance Solutions - Long Term Care
583 D'Onofrio Drive, Suite 101
Madison, WI 53719
Toll Free: (800) 833-5823
Local Madison: (608) 833-5823
E-mail: info@healthchoice.com
Website: healthchoice.com
Premiums
Premiums are determined by your age, your health and the level of coverage you select. You pay the full premium for this insurance; there is no employer contribution.
Premium payments can be made through any of the following:
- Payroll deduction (employee coverage only – you must notify payroll office of any premium changes)
- Automatic transfer from bank account
- Direct billing
Under federal law, long-term care premiums may not be taken on a pre-tax basis.
Providers
United of Omaha offer a long term care insurance (LTCi) plan for new enrollees. For questions about the plan or to apply for coverage, please contact the plan contact directly.
For questions about new and existing United of Omaha policies, you may contact:
HealthChoice Insurance Solutions - Long Term Care
583 D'Onofrio Drive, Suite 101
Madison, WI 53719
Toll Free: (800) 833-5823
Local Madison: (608) 833-5823
E-mail: info@healthchoice.com
Website: healthchoice.com
Other long term care insurance policies were previously offered through United of Omaha (through HealthChoice) and Transamerica and John Hancock (through SeniorCare). You may not enroll in these plans at this time but if you have an existing policy and have questions about your coverage, you may contact:
HealthChoice Long Term Care
583 D'Onofrio Drive, Suite 103
Madison, WI 53719
Toll Free: (800) 334-7988
Local Madison: (608) 833-7988
E-mail: info@healthchoice.com
Website: healthchoice.com
Senior Care Insurance Services Inc.
5721 Odana Road, Suite 208
Madison, WI 53719
Toll Free: (877) 578-8400
Local Madison: (608) 273-3443
E-mail: seniorcare@seniorcareinsurance.net
Website: seniorcareinsurance.net
The Employee Assistance Program provides employees and their immediate family members with a free and confidential opportunity to address personal and work related concerns. Select your institution from the list below for details and how to use these services.
Edvest is a Wisconsin’s 529 College Savings plan that allows you to save for your child’s college education. It is managed by TIAA-CREF. Contributions to this program are not available through payroll deduction. Read more about 529 College Savings Plans.