Public employers participating in the WRS are eligible to join the Income Continuation Insurance Program (ICI), authorized by the Wisconsin State Statutes. ICI is a voluntary income replacement benefit payable to an enrolled employee if they become disabled. The resolution for ICI becomes effective the first of the month on or after 90 days following receipt by ETF.
What are the Steps to Participate?
Employers interested in joining the ICI Program should complete the following:
- Read the How to Become a Participating Employer Under the Wisconsin Public Employers’ Group Income Continuation Insurance Program (ET-1140) manual to learn more about what it means to be a participating employer in the ICI Program.
- If electing participation, complete and submit the required forms below:
If you have questions about joining the ICI program, contact the Employer Communication Center at 1-877-533-5020 or email us at ETFSMBESSNewEmployer@etf.wi.gov.
What Costs are Associated with ICI Participation?
The local ICI plan is currently on a premium holiday, based on the strong financial position of the local ICI plan. This means that employers and employees will not pay premiums for either standard or supplemental ICI coverage. Rates outlined in the Local Employers Income Continuation Insurance (ET-2129) brochure were in effect prior to the premium holiday and are for illustration purposes only.
Employee Cost Upon Premium Holiday Expiration
The employee’s cost is based on their previous year's average monthly earnings and the selected elimination period of 30, 60, 90, 120, or 180 calendar days. The elimination period is the minimum number of consecutive calendar days which must elapse between the date of disability and the beginning of benefit payments. The premium is reevaluated annually in April based on the previous year's earnings.
Employer Cost Upon Premium Holiday Expiration
Employer cost is based on a percentage of the employee's average monthly earnings in the previous year and the elimination period selected. The minimum amount which must be paid by the employer is .25% of the average monthly earnings. The employer is not required to contribute the same percentage of premium for all participants and may vary the contribution on the basis of classification of employees or union contract groups.
Employers can not contribute any portion of the supplemental ICI premium; the employee must pay the entire premium for the supplemental coverage.
What are the Employer's Responsibilities?
Each participating employer is required to name an agent or agents to administer insurance benefits. The agent is responsible tasks such as:
- Determining initial coverage eligibility for each employee
- Auditing and submitting premium payments (when applicable)
- Collecting, auditing, and maintaining applications
- Maintaining payroll deductions (when applicable)
- Distributing information to employees
- Responding to inquiries from ETF and the third-party administrator
For More Information:
Chapter 1 of the WPE Income Continuation Insurance Administration Manual (ET- 1145) provides a full list of responsibilities. ETF encourages employers to review this information prior to submitting a resolution.
What Employees are Eligible?
Employees who are employed in a WRS-covered position are eligible to participate in the ICI plan.
All employees, including part-time and seasonal employees, participating in the WRS are eligible for ICI coverage if the employer elects to participate in this program. All employees eligible for ICI must be offered coverage.
For More Information:
See Chapter 2 of the WPE Income Continuation Insurance Administration Manual (ET- 1145). The Income Continuation Insurance recorded webinar found on the Employer Training page guides employer through the basic rules and processes of eligibility, enrollment, and the employer error provision.