State Group Life Insurance

Eligibility

Employees must meet the following requirements to enroll in this plan:

• Eligible for coverage under the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS); and
• Under age 70 at the time of initial enrollment (if 70 or older when initially eligible, can only apply for coverage through Evidence of Insurability); and
• Not receiving a WRS annuity

Enrollment

• You have 30 days from your date of employment or your newly benefits-eligible job to enroll in State Group Life Insurance.
• Coverage begins on the first day of the month on or following the date of enrollment.

If you do not enroll during your initial 30-day enrollment period, you may apply for coverage:

• If you have a qualifying life event. See Qualifying Life Events. Coverage is effective the first of the month on or following the election of enrollment.
• Through Evidence of Insurability. You may apply at any time; however, approval is not guaranteed. Coverage is effective the first of the month on or following approval by the program’s underwriter.

Coverage Levels

Employee Coverage

You may select up to five units of Employee coverage. Each unit of coverage is based on your highest annual WRS earnings, rounded to the nearest $1,000. Your coverage level will automatically increase if your salary increases.

The following is a summary of the Employee coverage options available.

• Basic Coverage: Provides one unit of coverage equal to your highest calendar year’s earnings, rounded to the next higher $1,000.
• Supplemental Coverage: Provides one unit of coverage equal to your highest calendar year’s earnings, rounded to the next higher $1,000. You must have Basic coverage to enroll in Supplemental coverage.
• Additional Coverage: Provides up to three units of coverage, with each unit equal to your highest calendar year’s earnings, rounded to the next higher $1,000. You may choose one, two, or three units of Additional coverage. You must have Basic coverage to enroll in Additional coverage. Enrollment in Supplemental Coverage is not required to enroll in Additional Coverage.

The Universities of Wisconsin System contributes towards the cost of Basic and Supplemental coverage. You pay the full cost of Additional coverage.

Spouse and Dependent Coverage

You may select up to two units of Spouse and Dependent coverage. Each unit insures your spouse for $10,000 and each of your children for $5,000. You must be enrolled in Employee coverage to elect this level of coverage.

For information on who you can cover on this program, review the Dependent Eligibility Chart (UWS 25).

Continuation and Conversion

Continuation of group policy coverage at retirement is available (eligibility requirements must be met). Continuation of group policy coverage is also available at termination with at least 20 years of WRS service (eligibility requirements must be met). Basic Employee coverage will continue after age 65 at a reduced rate at no cost to you. Continuation at retirement is automatic if you begin a WRS annuity within 31 days of when your active employee coverage ends. If you do not begin your WRS annuity, submit a continuation form within 31 days after your active employee coverage ends.

Conversion of coverage to an individual policy at the end of employment (not retirement) is available if you were continuously insured for six months preceding termination of coverage. To convert coverage, submit a conversion form and pay the required premium within 31 days after your group coverage ends.

Contact UW–Shared Services, Service Operations at GetHelpUW@support.wisconsin.edu or (888) 298-0141 (Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) to obtain a continuation or conversion form.

Beneficiary Designations

You should review and update your Beneficiary Designation with each qualifying life event.