The WRS annual Statement of Benefits was distributed in April. The statement is a year-end summary of your WRS account. Take a look at your statement. Is everything correct? Note how much you contributed and how much your account balances change with theeffective rate of interest. We have tips for how to read and understand your statement, and online learning resources. More Statement >
ETF and the Group Insurance Board have been working with a consultant to identify ways to improve health outcomes and increase the efficient delivery of quality health care. Proposed changes for the state's group health insurance program for 2016 will be presented to the GIB for approval at its May 19 meeting. More GIB >
WRS Among the Best
SWIB Works to Reduce Risk, Protect Against Market Downturns
by Michael Williamson, SWIB Executive Director
Across the country, headlines scream of looming public pension problems for many cities and states. From reductions of retiree benefits to significant increases in employee contributions, many public pension funds are struggling to meet their obligations. In Wisconsin, things are a bit different. We can celebrate that the WRS is one of the best-funded public pension plans in the U.S., thanks to the contributions made by employees and employers, and solid investment returns. More SWIB >
A Woman's Road to Retirement
Why It's Different
You are invited to
participate in the live webcast of “A Woman’s Road to Retirement – Why It’s
Different,” on May 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon at the Department of Health
Services in Madison. This free forum is a repeat of the standing-room-only
event held in April as a part of the EMPOWER kickoff. EMPOWER is a year-long, statewide
educational campaign to inspire and encourage women to save for their
retirement. More EMPOWER>
Outreach and Education
Pep
Rallies Optional!
Although Madison-based, the nine benefits
specialists in ETF’s Outreach and Education section hit the road to bring WRS
benefit information to members in face-to-face presentations. In 2014 they
traveled more than 38,000 miles across the state – and have come to expect the
unexpected. What, no treats? More Outreach >
Protecting Investment Data
SWIB Works to Fend Off Cyber Attacks
Many companies have been hit by cyber attacks in the past year. By infiltrating some of the largest companies in the world, cyber attackers have been able to access highly-confidential information such as passwords, Social Security numbers and individual account information. SWIB works hard to secure networks and data to fend off possible attacks. More SWIB >
Ready to Retire
What
Do I Do Next?
Deciding
to retire may be the hardest part of the entire retirement process. ETF can
help you master the next steps so that you make decisions that are right
for you. We’ve got four things for your to-do list. More What’s Next >
Legislative Update
by Tarna Hunter, ETF Legislative Liaison
The governor’s 2015-2017 executive budget, a proposal of how the state should
manage expenses for the next two years, is under review by the Joint Committee
on Finance. The proposed budget, effective July 1, 2015, contains a small
number of provisions that affect the WRS benefit programs that ETF administers.
More Legislation >
Participate in Well Wisconsin
Have you received your Well Wisconsin Program incentive? This is
your opportunity to earn $150 for taking steps to build awareness of
your current health status and future risk factors.
And if you work in the Madison area, be sure to
attend the 2015 Well Wisconsin Expoon Wednesday, May 13,
from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention
Center. Hosted by ETF, this event will feature more than 20 organizations
with information on health plan resources, financial wellness, nutrition, health awareness and more. Optum, the Well Wisconsin Program’s biometric screening vendor, is conducting screenings
(pre-registration required). More Well Wisconsin >
Follow Us on Twitter
Other News & Features
Know
Your Benefits: ETF Webinars and Group Appointments
Want to know more about
your WRS benefits? Whether you are planning to retire in the distant future, within
the year or somewhere in between – we have an interactive webinar or other
e-learning that is right for you. Or, attend a group
appointment. More Benefits >
SWIB
Staff Receive National Honors
Institutional Investor – Investor
Intelligence Network has announced nominations for the second annual Investor
Intelligence Awards, recognizing the most outstanding and innovative public
plan sponsors in North America. SWIB has three nominees. More SWIB >
What
Happens if I Become Disabled?
If you are a
participating WRS employee and you become disabled and unable to work until
normal retirement age due to a physical or mental disability, you may qualify
for WRS disability benefits. More Disability Benefits >
ETF
Wins Award for Pension Plan Administration
ETF has received the Public Plans Standards Award for 2014. The award recognizes ETF for its funding and administration of the WRS. More Award >
Board
Corner
Board Election Results WRS Educational Support Personnel employees elected Leilani Paul to serve on
the ETF Board. Read about other WRS governing board election news, too. More Board Election >
Neitzel Joins SWIB
Board of Trustees In
March Scott Neitzel was appointed to serve as the Department of Administration
(DOA) secretary. Therefore, Neitzel will replace former DOA Secretary Mike
Huebsch on SWIB’s Board of Trustees. More Trustee Appointment >