UNDERSTAND

Many employers offer just one or two medical plans. At the University of Washington, we understand that one size does not fit all. Benefits-eligible faculty and staff choose from four medical plans and three dental plans.

New Employees

As a new employee, you have 31 days from your initial eligibility date to select and enroll in the medical and dental plan of your choice. Follow the steps in the Act section below to determine if your position is benefits-eligible and how your initial eligibility date is determined.

New employees must turn in an enrollment form to activate medical and dental coverage. New employees who do not select and enroll in a plan within the 31-day deadline will lose the ability both to select among all the plans and to enroll dependents until the next annual medical/dental open enrollment. Uniform Medical and Uniform Dental are the default plans if no action is taken by the employee. However, note that without an enrollment form, even the "default" enrollment will be delayed up to 90 days, limiting ability to access services. You cannot change your plan until the next open enrollment period or unless there is a qualifying change in your family circumstances.

Temporary Employees

Please see information about when temporary employees become eligible for insurance coverage.

UW Physicians

UW Physicians (UWP) offers benefits to its member doctors. Review your options at the UW Physicians Member website (UWNet ID required). If you have questions or wish to schedule an appointment with a benefits specialist, please email benefits@uwp.washington.edu or call 206-543-6420.

Current Staff & Faculty

Remember that you can choose a new plan during the annual open enrollment period that runs from late October through November.

ACT

1. Determine if your position is benefits-eligible.
   Note to temporary employees: Please see information about when temporary employees become eligible for insurance coverage.
2. Learn about benefits eligibility for your dependents and/or Qualified Domestic Partner
3. Research the medical plans and dental plans available to UW benefits-eligible faculty and staff.
4. Use the Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB) enrollment/change form to subscribe the insurance plans of your choice and return it to Benefits & Work/Life.

EXPLORE

• Learn about all your benefits at Online Employee Benefits Orientation & Enrollment.
• See medical premiums.
• The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is the agency that purchases and coordinates health insurance benefits for public employees, including employees of the University of Washington, through the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) program. See the Medical Plan Book.
• Visit the UWellness website.
• Learn about Self-pay Insurance -- while on leave or lay off.
• Get details on COBRA: continuing medical insurance after loss of eligibility.

• uwhr@u.washington.edu |
• HR Contacts

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