Employee Matters

This column by Employee Compensation and Benefits addresses campuswide employment issues. Send questions to: wisweek@news.wisc.edu.

What happens to my benefits if I am called to active duty in the military?
You generally have two options:

• Continue coverage during the duration of your unpaid military leave by pre-paying premiums or
• Let coverage lapse and reapply within 30 days of returning to the payroll

  In all instances, you should consider updating beneficiary designation forms for plans that offer survivor benefits.

State Group Health Insurance

• Employer contribution toward the premium can be continued for the full period of time that you are serving.
• Treatment, services and supplies for any injury or illness as the result of war, declared or undeclared, are NOT covered.
• If you carry family coverage but let your health insurance lapse, your sick leave credits would not be available for your surviving dependents to pay health premiums.
• Generally military insurance will provide health coverage to eligible military members and their dependents.

State Group Life Insurance
State Group Life will cover loss of life due to military action, with payment based on the level of coverage in effect when your leave begins. The accidental death and dismemberment provision excludes payment for injury or death due to loss incurred as an act of war.

Group Life Insurance
This plan will cover loss of life due to military action.

University Insurance Association
A benefit is payable for losses due to military action, if insured.

UW Employees Inc.
No benefits are payable for losses due to military action.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
No benefits are payable for losses due to military action.

Major Medical (Epic) Insurance
The accidental death and dismemberment benefit will NOT be paid if the accident or injury is a result of military action.

Dental Insurance
No benefits are payable for dental services resulting from diseases or injuries sustained as a result of war, declared or undeclared.

Income Continuation Insurance
No benefit payments are made for disability that is a direct result of war, declared or undeclared.

Employee Reimbursement Accounts (ERA)
You may continue to participate while on a military leave of absence if you have not satisfied the annual amount you elected to contribute. Contact the local Fringe Benefits Management Company representative at 829-0435 for information.

Tax Sheltered Annuities, Deferred Compensation
You cannot participate while off payroll.

Wisconsin Retirement System
You will receive WRS credit if you leave WRS-covered employment to enter military service and return to the same employer within 180 days after being discharged.

For information: 263-7556 or 262-5650.