State Health Insurance Premiums to Increase; First Increase in Three Years
An overall 4% health insurance premium increase and 2020 plan changes for the Group Health Insurance Program were recently approved by the Group Insurance Board. This is the first premium increase for state employees in three years. More State Health Insurance>
The annual It's Your Choice open enrollment period for health benefits is September 30-October 25. Watch for information and materials in the next few weeks. In the meantime, consider attending a benefits fair—we’ve scheduled more than 40 in locations statewide from mid-September to the end of October. More Open Enrollment>
ETF’s new website offers quicker, easier access to retirement, health and other benefits information, decision-making tools, and educational resources – all in a mobile-friendly design. Review WRS benefits by employer, use search filters to find educational events and health plans by location, share content via social media, and much more. More New Website>
SWIB Invests in Technology and People
SWIB’s investment strategy is to grow and protect the trust funds of the WRS. To continue to be a premier public pension asset manager, SWIB must also invest in itself. Read how SWIB invests in the technology and people needed to manage more than $108 billion in WRS trust funds. More SWIB Invests>
Know Your Benefits
Q: I want to retire in the next 5-7 years. Should I attend the Preparing for Your Retirement presentation at this stage of my career?
A: Yes! Even if you don't have a retirement date or year in mind, we recommend taking in one of our Preparing for Your Retirement presentations. Check out the fall schedule—or stay home and take in our live webinar on September 26! More Know Your Benefits>
By Tarna Hunter, ETF Government Relations Director
Wisconsin’s biennial budget bill, 2019 Wisconsin Act 9, became law on July 3. The budget didn’t make any changes to WRS benefit programs, but there are other current legislative proposals related to ETF and/or WRS benefit programs that may be of interest to you. More Legislative Update>
Nomination materials are now available for the Milwaukee Public School Disrict Teacher member seat on the Teachers Retirement Board. ETF is seeking a diverse list of nominees. Download nomination forms now. More Board Election>
SWIB’s Wisconsin Private Debt Portfolio provides a way to invest meaningful capital directly into Wisconsin companies that not only provide market rate returns, but also lead to enhanced economic activity throughout the state. More SWIB Private Debt Portfolio>
New Video: Get Medical Care When You Need it Fast
Group Health Insurance Program members: Have you ever needed medical care fast and didn’t know where to turn? Our new video reviews available options and helps you decide which one would be best, depending on the situation. More Get Medical Care>
Drummond Recognized for Driving Asset Management Innovation
Chief Investment Officer magazine named SWIB Funds Alpha Manager Derek Drummond to its Class of 2019 NextGens list of money management professionals seen as rising leaders in the investment industry. More Drummond Recognized>
ETF Surveys Members to Improve Services
Last fall, ETF emailed a customer service satisfaction survey to more than 92,000 WRS members. Find out how we did and let us know if you’d like to participate in the next survey. More ETF Surveys Members>
Survey: Members Struggle with Out-of-Pocket Health Care Costs
A recent survey on how Group Health Insurance Program members are managing out-of-pocket costs points to the need for more help navigating their health care benefits and expenses. More Out-of-Pocket Costs>
Other News & Features
Well Wisconsin Program Update
Keep your happy, healthy way of life going by making your health a priority. Learn how the Well Wisconsin Program can help get you there. Schedule a health screening, complete a well-being activity, and much more. More Well Wisconsin>
ALEX Online Tool Helps Evaluate Options and Costs
If you need help navigating health insurance plan designs and supplemental benefits, or if you have questions about how your insurance works, try using ALEX—it’s like having your own personal benefits counselor! More ALEX>
Call Center Software Enhancements = Service Improvements for Members
Software upgrades to a call routing system in ETF's customer service call center will translate into better service the next time you contact us by phone. You’ll love the changes! More Service Improvements>
Ancel Appointed to SWIB Board of Trustees
Esther Ancel, an emeritus professor of finance in the Lubar School of Business Administration at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, has been appointed to serve on the SWIB Board of Trustees as a public member. Ancel brings 25 years of experience in finance and corporate finance to the Board. More Ancel Appointed>
Media Story Spotlights WRS Design and Development
A recent MarketWatch article was complimentary of the WRS, pointing out its consistent 100% funding levels and “trail-blazing” shared risk-reward design. More Spotlight>
Deadline for Canceling Variable Fund Participation
An article in the May edition of WRS NewsOnline provided basic information about how participation in the Variable Trust Fund affects your WRS account. If you want to cancel your participation, here is the form and information on filing deadlines. More Canceling Variable>
Upcoming Governing Board Meetings
The ETF Board, Teachers Retirement Board and Wisconsin Retirement Board are scheduled to meet September 19. The next Group Insurance Board meeting is set for November 13. Find the meeting agendas and materials here.
The SWIB Board of Trustees meets quarterly in Madison, in addition to its annual off-site Trustee workshop. Information about the September 11 meeting and the schedule of 2020 meetings and materials can be found here.
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