Author: deeringk

The IRS recently announced an increase in the 2023 retirement plan contribution limits. The limits apply to the UW 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program (SRP) and the Wisconsin Deferred Compensation (WDC) 457 Program.

Contributions
In 2023, employees may contribute a basic maximum of $22,500 to the UW 403(b) SRP (an increase from $20,500 in 2022). Employees age fifty and over can contribute an additional $7,500 (an increase from $6,500 in 2022) for a total of $30,000. These same limits apply to WDC and you may contribute the full amount to both the UW 403(b) SRP and WDC.

If you have 15 years or more of service with the UW System and have contributed less than an average of $5,000 per year over your UW System employment, you may have an additional “catch-up” opportunity with the UW 403(b) SRP.

Both pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) contributions count towards the annual limits. Note: Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are a type of retirement account separate from the UW 403(b) SRP and WDC Program and have separate limits.

Change Elections and Enrolling in the UW 403(b) SRP
To increase (or decrease) your UW 403(b) SRP deduction:

• Login to the MyUW portal
• Launch the Benefits Information tile
• On the bottom of the screen, click on “Update 403(b) Deductions” and follow the additional instructions to make your change(s)

To enroll for the first time:

• Use the EZ Enrollment Form
• Or complete a Salary Reduction Agreement eForm and set your account up online (or paper application) with the recordkeeper(s) of your choice

For questions on the UW 403(b) SRP, review the SRP web page.

Change Elections and Enrolling in the WDC (457) Program
To change your WDC contribution log into your account using the WDC website or call Empower, the third-party WDC plan administrator, at (877) 457-9327. The WDC website also has information about enrolling in the program. WDC changes must be made with Empower.

Questions
If you have questions after reviewing the available information, contact Human Resources at hr@uwgb.edu.

Source: UW System Human Resources

The annual premium for the University Insurance Association (UIA) Life Insurance plan will increase from $24.00 to $38.40 effective January 1, 2023. The increase, approved by the UIA Board, will maintain the financial integrity and benefit coverage levels of the plan. This is the first premium increase to the UIA plan since 1967.

The UIA plan provides decreasing term life insurance to eligible Faculty, Academic Staff and Limited Appointees. Employees who meet the minimum monthly salary threshold on January 1 are automatically enrolled in the plan. For the 2023 plan year the minimum monthly salary threshold is $2,952.

Resources
University Insurance Association Life insurance web page

Questions
If you have questions after reviewing the available information, contact Human Resources at hr@uwgb.edu.

Source: UW System Human Resources

An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is a statement that shows claims information about the services provided during your health or dental visits. An EOB is created by your insurance carrier to show you the total cost of your services. It also shows you the portion that was paid by insurance, the discounts for obtaining services within an approved network of providers, and the amount that you will need to pay. Your EOB will show how much of your deductible and out-of-pocket has been met for the calendar year.

Review the following samples for what to expect on an EOB:

• Sample EOB – Health Insurance
• Sample EOB – Dental Insurance

How do I access my EOB and who should I contact with questions?

You may access your EOB by logging into your health or dental insurance plan carrier’s website. If you have questions about the information on your EOB, you should contact your health or dental insurance plan carrier. The website and contact information is on your EOB or your insurance cards.

When will I receive an EOB?

You will receive an EOB every time you obtain medical or dental services. It is important that you show your health or dental insurance ID card whenever you receive services. It may take a few weeks for your insurance carrier to create your EOB.

Do I need to submit payment to my doctor’s or dentist’s office when I receive my EOB?

An EOB is not a bill. You should not submit payment when you receive an EOB. Your doctor or dentist will send you an invoice after they receive payment from your insurance. The invoice sent to you by your doctor or dentist should match the amount indicated as your responsibility on your EOB.

What should I do with my EOB?

Review your EOB for accuracy and save it in a secure place since it may contain personal health information. Remember to use your EOBs as follows:

• If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), your EOB is an ideal document to:
  • Estimate how much to contribute to your HSA. Since an HSA is a component of your High Deductible Health Plan, you should be financially prepared to pay 100% of most services, except preventive services (since you must meet your deductible before the insurance will pay).
• If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), your EOB is an ideal document to:
  • Substantiate your claims with the FSA administrator
  • Estimate how much to put into your FSA on an annual basis

Reminder: Save your EOBs as documentation to show you are using your funds for IRS eligible expenses.

Source: UW System Human Resources

The Annual Benefits Enrollment (ABE) period is your annual opportunity to review your benefits and enroll or make changes. Changes made during ABE are effective January 1, 2023.

Act NOW before the ABE period ends on October 21, 2022.

Prepare

• • Review your current benefit enrollments in the MyUW portal (Benefit Information tile).
  • Visit the ABE web page for the following information and resources:
    • ABE 2023 Highlights video
    • Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) Health Benefits Decision Guide
    • Benefit plan comparisons
    • Virtual benefit sessions and onsite benefit fair schedules

Decide

• • You may be eligible to enroll in, change, or cancel coverage for the plans listed below. For some plans you can add or remove dependents. Visit the ABE web page for additional information.
    • State Group Health Insurance
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Individual & Family Life Insurance (current enrollees only)
    • Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
    • Accident Insurance
    • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Health Care FSA, Limited Purpose FSA, and Dependent Day Care
    • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • You must re-enroll in these plans each year to participate:
    • Flexible Spending Account (FSAs): Health Care FSA, Limited Purpose FSA, and Dependent Day Care
    • Health Savings Account (HSA): Required if you enroll in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
    • State Group Health Insurance Opt-Out Incentive

Act

• • Enroll on the MyUW portal for UW System institutions or for UW-Madison.
    1. Go to the Benefit Information tile
    2. Click on the Enroll Now button
  • The ABE Self-Enrollment Guide provides instructions for how to enroll through the MyUW portal.
  • All enrollments and changes must be submitted by 4:30 p.m., Friday, October 21, 2022.

After you enroll, you will receive an e-mail within 24-48 hours with instructions on viewing your Confirmation Statement for elections effective January 1, 2023. Review your Confirmation Statement to ensure your elections are accurate.

For more information review the ABE web page. If you have questions after reviewing the available resources, contact Human Resources at hr@uwgb.edu.

Source: UW System Human Resources

Virtual benefit sessions are being offered by a number of benefit vendors throughout the annual open enrollment period (9/26-10/21). Vendors will be providing information and an opportunity to ask questions in a group setting.  Click here to see a list of live benefit sessions being hosted by the vendors during ABE.  Vendors include the Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF), Health Insurance Carriers, Delta Dental, DeltaVision and Optum (FSA/HSA).