Teachers and Educational Support Personnel: Nominations Sought in Governing Board Elections
The process to elect members to the ETF Board and Teachers Retirement Board has begun! There are seats available for teachers and educational support personnel. Download the nomination materials now. More Board Election>
By Tarna Hunter, ETF Government Relations Director
Wisconsin’s 2023-25 biennial budget bill became law on July 5. Here is a summary of the provisions that relate to ETF and support our commitment to providing exceptional service, along with other legislation and proposals. More Legislative Change>
Beginning January 1, county correctional officers (jailers) who are currently categorized as general category employees will become protective occupation employees under the WRS, unless they opt out. More Law Change>
From stocks to bonds, asset classes have been impacted by high inflation, rising interest rates, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. But were venture capital and private debt investments the exception? More Venture Capital and Private Debt>
ETF has new web pages on financial power of attorney documents and guardianship orders. You'll find information and resources on these important topics and how they pertain to your WRS benefits. More POA/Guardianship>
Health Insurance Benefits Update
The 2024 health benefits open enrollment period is set for September 25-October 20. Premium rates will increase in 2024 for participating state and local government employees. Read about health benefit changes effective January 1 and consider registering for a virtual forum hosted by ETF and Group Health Insurance Program vendors. More Health Insurance Update>
Well Wisconsin Program Update
Group Health Insurance Program members: There’s still time to earn your Well Wisconsin incentive, get your flu vaccine this fall, and conquer world peace (or at least your health) with coaching. More Well Wisconsin>
Tips for Choosing a New Health Plan
Each year’s open enrollment period provides members the opportunity to change health plans within the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program. When considering a change in health plans, there are several things you may want to consider. More Choosing a Health Plan>
The SWIB Podcast: An In-Depth Look at the Economy with Todd Mattina
Lingering concerns from geopolitical crises to inflation and rising interest rates, along with the continued possibility of a recession, have created a unique set of circumstances for investors to navigate. SWIB’s Head Economist and Asset and Risk Allocation Chief Investment Officer Todd Mattina discussed the global economy on a recent episode of The SWIB Podcast. More Mattina>
WDC Update
Register for the popular Your Steppingstones to Retirement webinar on November 15, offered by the Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program. Learn how your Social Security, WRS pension, and WDC Program savings account bring you closer to a secure financial retirement. Can’t make this live event? Watch the recorded session from last spring. Check out the financial wellness educational materials and tools on the WDC website, as well as general updates for WDC participants. More WDC>
Know Your Benefits: Resolving a Dispute
Q: I want to resolve a WRS benefit dispute. Where do I begin?
A: First, contact either your health plan, your employer, or ETF to clearly explain the problem. Many issues are resolved within a few calls or emails. If you are unable to resolve the matter yourself, learn what to do next and how ETF Ombudsperson Services can help.
Other News & Features
WRS Receives AAA Issuer Credit Rating from S&P
Standard & Poor’s recently released report assigned the WRS a AAA issuer credit rating with a “stable” outlook. This rating is an acknowledgment of the robust processes, written procedures, and risk management discipline that SWIB has built over several decades, as well as the strong funding status of the WRS. More S&P>
Johnston Named AlphaEdge Rising Star by Institutional Investor
SWIB’s Ryan Johnston has been named an AlphaEdge Rising Star by Institutional Investor magazine. The AlphaEdge awards recognize distinguished allocators across a number of accomplishments including thought leadership, innovation, and alpha generation. MoreJohnston>
SWIB Relocates to Madison Yards Development
In May, SWIB moved to a newly finished building in the Madison Yards development on Madison’s near west side. The new modern workspace and building is part of the 21-acre complex that includes a 600,000-square-foot State of Wisconsin office building that opened in 2018 and houses SWIB’s sister agency, ETF. More Madison Yards>
Merfeld Appointed to Board of Trustees
Gov. Tony Evers has appointed Tom Merfeld to the SWIB Board of Trustees. Evers has also reappointed Trustees Jeff DeAngelis, public member, and Kristi Palmer, local government member, to six-year terms. More Board of Trustees>
ICI Program Changes for State and Local Employees
Review changes that will simplify the Income Continuation Insurance Program for state and local employees that are set to take effect in 2024. Did you know that coverage and benefits have been expanded to employees aged 70 or older? More ICI Program Changes>
In-Person Group Retirement Appointments Conducted Statewide
ETF offers in-person group retirement appointments statewide and will be in your area this fall. Learn more about group retirement appointments and see the schedule. More Group Appointments>
Video Series Reviews the Accumulated Sick Leave Credit Conversion Program
State employees: Make sure you know how the accumulated sick leave credit conversion program works before you retire. Our three-part video seriesreviews details about this WRS benefit, including what to know and do as you approach retirement, escrowing your credits, and more.
Video: How to Use ETF’s Online Benefit Calculator
Get an unofficial retirement benefit estimate using our online calculator and the data you enter — it’s easy to use. Watch our videofor tips and extra guidance.
Notice of Privacy Practices
ETF’s Notice of Privacy Practices describes how we use and protect the health information of Group Health Insurance Program members. To learn more about your health information rights, please review the notice on the ETF website.
Upcoming Governing Board Meetings
Find out when the governing boards of the WRS and the SWIB Board of Trustees are scheduled to meet and how to send correspondence to the boards. More Board Meetings>
WRS Calculators
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