The UW System provides additional benefit programs to eligible employees outside of the traditional “insurance” benefits. See below for more information.
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.
Edvest, Wisconsin's 529 College Savings Plan, allows you to save for your child's K-12 education expenses and post-high school education. Funds can cover tuition, books, room and board, computers, tablets, and many other expenses at universities, colleges, professional schools, technical colleges, and graduate programs across the country and even at some institutions abroad.
The program offers low fees, a low minimum contribution of $15 per pay period, and can provide tax deductions for Wisconsin residents (limitations apply). UW System employees are also able to direct deposit from their payroll.
For more information and to set up an account, visit the Edvest website.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides employees and members of their household with confidential resources to address personal and/or work-related concerns. EAP services are offered at no cost to employees.
Select your institution from the list below for details on EAP services available at your institution.
*EAP services are administered by FEI. FEI may be contacted for services by employees (as well as members of their household) by calling (866) 274-4723 (TTY: (855) 255-1367) or visiting the FEI website at www.feieap.com (username: SOWI).
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, call collect +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 PricewaterhouseCoopers 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.
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 type of insurance 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, your parents, and your spouse’s parents. Anyone covered by the plan must live in Wisconsin.
Enrollment
As an active employee, you may apply for coverage at any time. There is no open enrollment period since 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 exclude 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 insurance policy, refer to the information in the Insurance Carriers section below.
Premiums
Premiums are determined by your age, health and the level of coverage selected. You pay the full premium for this insurance; there is no employer contribution. Premium payments can be made by:
- Automatic transfer from bank account
- Direct billing
- Payroll deduction (employee coverage only – you must notify your payroll office of any premium changes)
Under federal law, long-term care premiums may not be taken on a pre-tax basis.
Insurance Carriers
Mutual of Omaha offers long-term care insurance (LTCi) to new enrollees. For questions about new and existing Mutual of Omaha policies, 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, Transamerica and John Hancock. You may no longer enroll with these insurance carriers; however, if you have an existing policy and have questions about your coverage, you should contact the carrier directly.
Additional Information
For additional information on long-term care insurance, click here.