BENEFIT INFORMATION
The benefit package for legislative employees is very comprehensive, covering the full range of benefits from health insurance to disability insurance to retirement. Below are general descriptions of each benefit. Please refer to specific plan documents that are provided during benefit orientation for further details and interpretation of these benefits. In the event the terms and conditions of the benefit plan itself conflicts with the terms as described in this policy manual, the terms and conditions of the benefit plan will control.
General questions relating to insurance and employee fringe benefits should be directed to the Legislative Human Resources Office (LHRO) at (608) 316-9700.
NOTE: Employees are responsible for notifying the LHRO of any change in family status (i.e., marriage, divorce, birth/adoption of dependent, etc.) for insurance purposes. This must be done within 30 days of occurrence. This timely notice is required in order to have the employee complete the necessary paperwork for changes in benefits. Failure to comply with this timely notification can result in delay, alteration, or possible denial of coverage.
A. WI RETIREMENT SYSTEM (WRS):
All benefited legislative employees must participate in the Wisconsin Retirement System. Benefited employees are required to contribute 6.9% (2024 rate) of their gross monthly salary into their retirement fund – the State matches this contribution. General employees are eligible for retirement at age 55 (57 with 30 years of service to receive full benefits) with annuity amounts based on several factors including length of service, highest three years of career salary and market performance. For more information regarding the Wisconsin Retirement system, please visit the following links:
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PROJECTING YOUR RETIREMENT BENEFITS |
B. HEALTH INSURANCE
The State of Wisconsin offers several different comprehensive health maintenance organizations (HMOs) throughout the state. In general, plans are required to provide uniform medical, dental and wellness benefits at a uniform premium to the employee. Preferred Provider Plans (PPOs) and maintenance plans are available, at a higher cost, for additional coverage needs. High deductible health plans are also available.
Co-pays, co-insurances, and deductibles may apply depending on the coverage chosen and the type of service provided.
Coverage may also be available for adult children. For more information regarding the available health plans, please visit the following links:
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C. DELTA DENTAL UNIFORM AND SUPPLEMENTAL DENTAL INSURANCE
Delta Dental provides a broad range of dental coverage options depending upon your family’s dental needs. For more information, please visit the following link:
D. VISION INSURANCE
Delta Delta vision insurance, in partnership with EyeMed Vision Care, can enhance your base vision coverage provided by your health insurance by providing discounts for eyewear and contact lenses and exams. For more information, please visit the following link:
E. GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE
Benefited employees are eligible for term, group life insurance available through the State of Wisconsin. The maximum benefit is equal to five times an employee’s annual salary. Spouse and dependent coverage is also available up to $20,000 and $10,000, respectively. Premium rates are based on age and salary and are updated yearly.
As required by the Internal Revenue Service, an imputed value is calculated on life insurance coverage in excess of $50,000.00. The value computed appears on each employee check stub and W-2 and is added to wages for tax calculations. An application must be filed with the LHRO within 30 days of employment indicating whether coverage is requested or not and if so, what level of coverage is desired. If an application is not completed in that time frame, the employee is required to complete an evidence of insurability form to request coverage. Please visit the following link for more detailed information:
F. SECURIAN ACCIDENT PLAN
The Securian Accident Plan provides a cash benefit paid directly to you (or a beneficiary) to help cover out-of-pocket expenses as a result of accidental injuries or death, regardless of health insurance coverage. It also includes travel insurance and insures against identity theft. Please visit the following link for more detailed information:
G. INCOME CONTINUATION INSURANCE
This plan will replace up to 75% of your salary in the event you should become 100% disabled.
The plan provides replacement income for disabilities that are considered short term in nature as well as those which may last for extended periods. Depending on your age at the time disability commences, the plan may continue disability payments until age 70. Please visit the following link for more detailed information:
H. EMPLOYEE REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT PROGRAM: FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT (FSA) & HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (HSA):
FSAs and HSAs allow you to set up an account to pre-fund your anticipated, eligible dependent day care expenses or medical services and supplies that are normally not covered by your insurance. You decide how much to set aside and that amount is deducted from each paycheck before your Federal, State, and FICA taxes are calculated, saving you money on taxes. Please visit the following link for more detailed information:
I. WISCONSIN DEFERRED COMPENSATION (WDC)
The WDC is an Internal Revenue Code Section 457 deferred compensation plan. With a WDC account, you can invest pre-tax or Roth (post-tax) dollars in a variety of investment options.
Pre Tax: If you choose the pre-tax option, these deferrals reduce your taxable income, which in turn, lowers your current state and federal income taxes. Also, any interest/gains you earn are tax free (until you withdraw the funds).
Roth (Post Tax): If you choose the Roth (post-tax) option, your deferrals are taxable in the year you make them. They are not taxed when distributed. Earnings are also not taxed, provided that your age is at least 59 1/2 and you have held your Roth account for at least five years. Please visit the following link for more detailed information:
J. COMMUTER BENEFITS ACCOUNT PROGRAM:
The Commuter Benefits Program allows employees to set aside money on a pre-tax basis and use these monies to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket transportation costs like parking, van pool fees, and bus passes. This program can be started, changed, or stopped at any time. Please visit the following links for more detailed information:
K. DIRECT DEPOSIT
Direct Deposit of regular monthly paychecks into a bank account is required for all employees. Funds can be deposited at almost any financial institution and into multiple accounts (if desired). Contact the LHRO for more information and/or to enroll.
L. EDVEST COLLEGE SAVINGS PROGRAM
When you contribute to the Edvest College Savings Plan, any account earnings can grow federal and Wisconsin income tax-free. Plus, withdrawals used to pay for qualified higher education expenses will be free from federal and Wisconsin income tax. Non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal and state taxes and the additional federal 10% tax.
If you are a Wisconsin taxpayer, your contributions to Edvest reduce Wisconsin taxable income up to a maximum of $3,000 per year. Please visit the following link for more detailed information:
I. EdVest
M. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The State/Legislature’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is provided by Acentra. This EAP program is a free and confidential service to all Legislative employees and their dependents. This program offers a wide variety services, including but not limited to: Work-life stresses
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- Anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders
- Relationship or other family problems, including divorce and abuse
- Substance abuse
- Parenting/Caregiver support
- Legal and financial guidance
Please visit the following website for more information:
Company Code: SOWI
N. WELL WISCONSIN
The Well Wisconsin program, administered by WebMD, provides tools and resources to help participants set health and well-being goals, track progress, stay motivated, and earn incentives. If you complete three wellness activities by October 11, 2024 (health assessment, health check, and wellbeing activity), you can earn a $150 Well Wisconsin gift card. For more details, visit Well Wisconsin, powered by WebMD ONE at webmdhealth.com/wellwisconsin. The portal will also provide you with the tools and support you need to reach your personal health goals.
O. SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION WEBSITE (MEDICARE, SSA BENEFITS, SS DISABILITY, ETC.):
Please visit the following link to view the Social Security Administration’s website:
https://www.ssa.gov/
P. STATE & FEDERAL REQUIRED NOTIFICATIONS
Please visit the following link to view the state and federal required notifications:
