Employee Matters

This column is prepared by staff from the Office of Human Resources. E-mail questions to benefits@ohr.wisc.edu or call 262-5650. For more information, visit http://www.bussvc.wisc.edu/ecbs/ecbs.html.

May multiples and summer benefit deductions

Those not on payroll during the summer will not have benefit deductions taken for any benefit plan. Certain groups of unclassified employees will automatically have extra deductions taken from the May payroll check to provide summer coverage.

Those not eligible for May multiple insurance deductions can still ensure continuous coverage during the summer. Arrange to pay by personal check or elect to have extra deductions taken from payroll checks before going off payroll. Contact your department benefits coordinator or e-mail benefits@ohr.wisc.edu as soon as you know that you will not be on payroll for the summer.

What are May multiple insurance deductions?

May multiple insurance deductions are taken from your May payroll check if you hold one of the following unclassified appointments and are not terminating in June, July or August: faculty or academic staff academic (nine-month) appointment; or project or program assistant with an appointment end date in May.

Why multiple deductions?

Multiple insurance deductions are taken from the May payroll check to ensure that insurance coverage is continuous during the summer. Insurance premium deductions are not taken from the summer session payroll. Deductions resume with the Oct. 1 payroll check.

How is the number of deductions found?

Four deductions will be taken for each insurance program, one each for May, June, July and August unless you retire or terminate in June, July or August.

What about multiple deductions for TSA, DC or ERA programs?

Multiple deductions are not taken for tax-sheltered annuities, deferred compensation or employee reimbursement accounts. Consider this when enrolling in these programs. Deductions for these programs will resume with the Oct. 1 check.

How do you continue benefits if terminating employment in the summer?

Advise your department benefits coordinator of your termination date as soon you know it. Request continuation/conversion information and application forms for all benefit plans that you want to continue. Application deadlines apply to each plan.

How do you continue benefits if retiring in the summer?

Make an appointment with a benefits specialist via the online appointment system or contact Benefits Services at 262-5650. Schedule appointments one to two months before your retirement date. A benefits specialist will advise about continuation/conversion of your benefits and coordinate conversion of sick leave for continuation of State Group Health Insurance through the Department of Employee Trust Funds.

Are you anticipating a family-status change in the summer?

Notify your department benefits coordinator immediately if a family status change such as a marriage, divorce or birth occurs during the summer as most plans have 30-day deadlines for submitting changes. Family status changes can affect a number of benefit plans i.e. single-to-family, or family-to-single coverage for health insurance, a change to ERA deductions, beneficiary designation changes, etc.)