Annual Benefit Enrollment (ABE) Period October 7 - November 1, 2013
October 3, 2013
This is the time of the year to evaluate your benefits, review upcoming program changes and determine your benefit needs for 2014. All changes made during this period will be effective January 1, 2014.
Detailed information, brochures and applications are available on the UW System Annual Benefit Enrollment (ABE) website.
This chart outlines the benefit election/changes allowed during this year's Annual Benefit Enrollment (ABE) period:
| Plan | Open Enrollment | Change Plan | Cancel Coverage | Add Dependents | Remove Dependents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Group Health | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dental Wisconsin | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| VSP Vision | Yes | NA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EPIC Benefits+ | Yes - Special Enrollment | Add/remove vision insurance only | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Employee Reimbursement Account (ERA) | Yes | Must re-enroll every year | |||
| Individual & Family Life Insurance (new maximum coverage levels for 2014) | No | Increase coverage only if currently enrolled | Yes - can cancel at any time | No | Yes - at any time |
All health plans, except the Standard Plan and State Maintenance Plan (SMP), will offer the same level of dental benefits in 2014. Previously health plans were able to offer different levels of dental coverage. You should review your new coverage levels under Uniform Dental benefits to ensure they fit your needs. The dental provider networks will continue to vary among health plans.
You must re-enroll in ERA every year. With the exception of ERA, if you do nothing, your other benefits will continue in 2014.
Health plans may make changes to their provider network so you should confirm that the doctors, clinics and hospitals you use will still be available in 2014. You will receive a mailing from your current health plan with 2014 provider information.
See the How to Enroll page on the ABE website for more information.
Don't miss your chance to enroll in or make changes to your benefits for 2014! Remember, this period is typically the only time during the year when you are eligible to make benefit plan changes unless you have a life event (marriage, birth, divorce...) that allows you to add or change benefits. All benefit elections must be submitted by 4:30 p.m., Friday, November 1, 2013.
Source: UW System Administration
Categories: Annual Benefits Enrollment (ABE)