GIB Reviews Wellness Program, Approves Life Insurance Rates
Today, the Group Insurance Board reviewed redesign options for the Well Wisconsin program.
In addition, the Board approved life insurance rates and received updates related to the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program (GHIP).
Wellness Program Redesign
The Board previously directed the Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) to identify opportunities for redesigning the Well Wisconsin program to better align with the Board’s goals of improving member health outcomes and maximizing the value of the program.
Return-on-investment analyses have shown limited returns, most recently a net loss of approximately $0.89 for every dollar invested in the program.
ETF shared findings based on its extensive assessment of the program and a review of peer states and preliminary program redesign options for the Board’s consideration.
ETF provided options for redesigning the program with a focus on chronic condition management and increased emphasis on prevention and early detection of disease. Program success would be measured by long-term outcomes, including:
- Reduce avoidable health care utilization
- Slow progression and severity of chronic conditions
- Maximize the value and return on investment
ETF will finalize program redesign options, outcomes, and incentive structures for the Board’s consideration in November.
Pre-tax Savings Accounts
ETF updated the Board on the transition from Optum to Total Administrative Services Corporation (TASC) for the third-party administration of pre-tax savings accounts for state employees and retirees.
The multiphase transition and implementation plan that started in 2025 was successfully completed in April 2026.
ETF and TASC are working to improve customer service and continue refinement of administrative processes. These efforts include additional resources and system enhancements to help members better understand Internal Revenue Service requirements and documentation expectations.
Other Business
The Board approved the following items for the Wisconsin Public Employers Group Life Insurance Program:
- A 5% rate increase for the state plan, and a 2.25% rate decrease for state employer contributions to the Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefit for accidental deaths involving aviation, effective April 1, 2027
- Revisions to the vendor contract and life insurance policy to align with capabilities of the My Insurance Benefits system and administrative responsibilities of ETF
- The annual financial report for the 2025 policy year, as prepared by Securian
ETF also reported that decision guides and other resources about GHIP benefit changes and cost sharing for the 2027 plan year will be available on the ETF website prior to the open enrollment period, October 5-30, 2026. There will also be online vendor forums, and ETF will be participating at some employer benefit fairs.
The My Insurance Benefits online system was fully implemented in July 2026, offering eligibility, enrollment, and billing functionality. With the system, state and local employees can securely enroll in, change, or review their ETF-administered insurance benefits.
ETF is collaborating with employers and vendors to resolve post-launch issues and complete system stabilization over the next several months.
The Board’s next meeting is November 18, 2026.
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