Benefits Overview
This comprehensive webpage offers faculty and staff an in-depth look at the outstanding benefits available to eligible employees. We encourage you to review the current plan details and reach out with any questions you may have.
The HRS Benefits Team is here to help!
Let us assist you in making the most of your UNI benefits.
- Location: 027 Gilchrist Hall
- Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Phone: 319-273-2423
- Email: hrs-benefits@uni.edu
Benefits Eligibility Overview
Non-Temporary Employees
To be eligible for benefits, non-temporary employees must:
- Work at least 20 hours per week (50% FTE)
AND
- Hold an appointment of nine (9) months or longer
Temporary Unit Faculty
Temporary unit faculty are eligible for health insurance if they meet both of the following:
- Have a current assignment of 50% FTE or greater
AND
- Had a prior assignment of 25% FTE or greater in either the preceding academic semester or academic year
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Eligibility
If you do not meet either of the above criteria, you may still qualify for health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) guidelines.
Coverage Start Dates & Enrollment Deadlines
Understanding when your coverage begins and when to take action is important. Here’s a breakdown by benefit type:
Health, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Account (FSAs), and Voluntary Term Life (VTL)
- Coverage Begins: First of the month following your eligibility date.
- Action Required: You must enroll within 30 days of becoming eligible.
Group Term Life, Long-Term Disability and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Coverage Begins: Automatically on the first of the month following your eligibility date.
- Action Required: No enrollment required—coverage is automatic.
Group Retirement Plans
- Coverage Begins: On your eligibility date
- Action Required: You have 60 days to enroll from your eligibility date.
TIAA Retirement Protection Plan (only available to employees enrolling in the TIAA Retirement Plan)
- Coverage Begins: On your eligibility date as long as you enroll in the TIAA Group Retirement Plan.
Coverage End Dates
Health, Dental, Vision, FSA, Retirement Plans, and Well-being Benefits
Coverage ends on either:
- The last day of the month in which your appointment is no longer eligible
OR
- The last day of the month in which your employment ends—whichever comes first
Group Term Life, Voluntary Term Life (VTL), Long Term Disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Iowa Workers’ Compensation
Coverage ends the day after you are no longer eligible for these benefits.
Who Can You Cover?
Coverage is Available for:
- Yourself
- Your spouse
- Your common law spouse or domestic partner
- Children up to age 26, regardless of student or marital status
- Unmarried full-time student children over age 26
- Qualified children over age 26 who are totally and permanently disabled, provided the disability began before age 26
Required Documentation
If you are adding dependents to your benefit plan(s), you are required to verify their eligibility. Below are examples of acceptable documentation:
Spouse:
- Marriage certificate
- Common law spouse affidavit
Domestic Partner:
- Notarized domestic partner affidavit
Child:
- Birth certificate (must include parent names)
- Adoption paperwork
- Court order
- Legal guardianship documentation
When You Can Make Changes to Your Benefits
Qualifying Life Event
You may enroll, waive, or change your coverage selection based on a qualifying life event.
Annual Open Enrollment
If you do not make any changes during open enrollment your coverage selection will remain the same.
How to Make Changes to Your Benefits
UNI Works is designed to help you enroll, make changes, and view your current benefit elections, dependents and beneficiaries all in one location. When logging into UNI Works, select Benefits and Pay from the Main Menu.
What Does Self-Insured Mean?
When a plan is self-insured the employee and employer premiums are put into an account. When a claim occurs, money from that account is used to pay that claim. If claim costs increase, then premiums must increase to cover the additional costs.
Health Insurance
UNI offers eligible employees two self-insured health plans from Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield to help cover medical expenses. When a plan is self-insured, both employee and employer premiums are deposited into a shared account. Funds from this account are then used to pay health care claims as they occur.
Because claims are paid directly from this pool of funds, being a wise consumer is important. If claim costs rise, premiums may also increase to ensure the account can continue covering future expenses.
UNI PPO Plan (Alliance Select)
This plan offers flexibility by allowing you to visit any in-network physician or healthcare provider without needing a referral from a designated personal doctor. This plan includes providers nation-wide, such as Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.
UNI Blue HMO Plan
This plan features a coordinated care approach, with a network of doctors, clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and other providers who work together to manage and deliver your healthcare services. This plan includes providers within the state of Iowa, unless the service is not available in Iowa.
| Health Insurance Premiums | UNI PPO (Alliance Select) | UNI Blue HMO |
|---|---|---|
| Employee | $60.00 | $30.00 |
| Employee + Child(ren) | $380.55 | $201.00 |
| Employee + Spouse | $428.10 | $226.05 |
| Family | $475.65 | $251.10 |
| Family Dual UNI Spouse | $237.75 | $87.75 |
Premiums displayed are a monthly 1/12 premium.
Find a Provider
In-network providers will save you and the plan. Visit wellmark.com/find-care to locate in-network providers.
Getting Started with the Provider and Facility Search
- First enter the location of the provider or facility.
- Next, enter your plan information, which is differentiated by a three letter code.
- For the UNI PPO plan, the code is UON.
- For the UNI Blue HMO plan, the code is XQW.
- Refer to your Wellmark ID card. The first three letters of your member ID will be either UON or XQW.
- The search automatically defaults to All Categories. You can narrow your search results by doctors by name, doctors by specialty, places by name, or places by type.
- In the search field, enter in the doctors, hospitals and clinics by name or specialty.
- Finally, click or tap the search icon or press enter to run the search
To see which health plan you are enrolled in, log in to UNI Works.
How to Change Your Provider with Wellmark
If you are enrolled in the UNI Blue HMO health insurance plan and would like to change your Primary Care Physician (PCP), please call the Wellmark customer service 800 number located on the back of your card.
Guest Membership
The UNI Blue HMO plan allows coverage for members who will be out of the network for 90 consecutive days or more through a Guest Membership. To set up a Guest Membership, call the number on the back of your Wellmark ID.
Prescriptions
UNI’s health plans cover prescriptions the same on each plan. The BlueRx Value Plus℠ Formulary is utilized for prescription coverage.
myWellmark®
The secure myWellmark® account and myWellmark® App provide tools and resources to help manage your health plan and prescriptions.
Telehealth/Virtual Doctor
Both of UNI’s self-insured health plans cover telehealth visits. Wellmark contracts with Doctor on Demand® for telehealth services. You can utilize Doctor on Demand® to speak to a board-certified physician, or team of psychiatrists/psychologists.
Blue365®
If you are a member of a health insurance plan offered at UNI, then you are eligible for savings through the Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield Companies member discounts. Discounts may be available for vision materials purchases. Some deals will give you a coupon code instantly on the Blue365® site. This coupon code can be applied directly to a purchase on a vendor’s website or will provide a discounted option on a product or service.
Other deals may take you to a vendor’s website directly to make a discounted purchase or enroll in a special discounted program instantly.
Blue365® Categories
- Apparel & Footwear
- Fitness
- Hearing & Vision
- Home & Family
- Nutrition
- Personal Care
- Travel
Tax Information: Pre-Tax Premiums
Health and dental insurance premiums are automatically deducted from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis, which lowers your taxable income and reduces the amount of taxes you pay each pay period. This is the default method established by the University. If you prefer to have your premiums deducted after taxes, you may opt out of the pre-tax benefit by completing the After-Tax Premium Option Form.
Dental Insurance
UNI Dental Plan is a self-insured dental plan from Delta Dental to help cover dental expenses.
When a plan is self-insured, both employee and employer premiums are deposited into a shared account. Funds from this account are then used to pay for claims as they occur.
Because claims are paid directly from this pool of funds, being a wise consumer is important. If claim costs rise, premiums may also increase to ensure the account can continue covering future expenses.
| Monthly Dental Insurance Premiums | UNI Dental Plan |
|---|---|
| Employee | $6.45 |
| Employee + Child(ren) | $46.05 |
| Employee + Spouse | $51.75 |
| Family | $57.45 |
| Family Dual UNI Spouse | $48.90 |
*Premiums displayed are a monthly 1/12 premium.
Additional Delta Dental Benefits
Enhanced Benefits Program
Your dental plan includes Delta Dental of Iowa’s Enhanced Benefits Program, which offers additional dental services to members with certain conditions. This program is available to employees and their family members who are enrolled in the UNI Dental Plan.
Annual Maximum Carryover – To Go℠ Program
The To Go℠ Program allows you to carry over unused annual benefit dollars from one year to the next. This offers greater flexibility and helps you plan for future dental expenses, such as crowns or root canals.
Special Health Care Needs Benefit
Covered members with a qualifying special health care need are eligible for additional support—regardless of age.
DeltaVision® Discount Program
Employees and their family members enrolled in Delta Dental coverage can automatically access vision discounts.
Vision Insurance and Discount Options
Eligible employees can choose from three options to help with vision expenses. Only one option can be used per service or purchase.
DeltaVision® Discount Program
Employees and their family members enrolled in Delta Dental coverage can automatically access these discounts:
- Discounts on eye exams
- Reduced pricing on lenses and lens options
- Savings on eyeglass frames and conventional contact lenses
- Competitive pricing on contact lenses through Contact Lenses by Mail
- Discounts on LASIK and PRK
- Unlimited use within a large provider network
Avēsis
Employees can choose between two vision coverage options designed to fit their needs:
Both plans offer the same coverage for materials such as eyeglass lenses, frames, and contact lenses. The only difference is that the Exam and Materials plan also includes coverage for a routine eye exam.
Blue365®
If you are a member of a health insurance plan offered at UNI, then you are eligible for savings through Blue365®.
Additional Discounts and Services
Overview
Through your group benefits with Principal Life Insurance Company, you are eligible for several discounts and services. Use them to help make a positive impact on your physical and fiscal well-being. Offered by some of the most trusted companies in the U.S., these discounts and services are one more way Principal Life gives you an edge. These discounts are not insurance.
Eligibility
The discounts and services listed here are available to members, and/or their dependents or beneficiaries, with group coverage underwritten by or with administrative services provided by Principal Life Insurance Company.
Available With All Products
Laser Vision Correction – Through the National Lasik Network, administered by LCA-Vision, Inc., you, your spouse and dependent children receive savings on one of the most frequently performed elective surgeries in America. The discount includes 15% off standard pricing or 5% off promotional pricing. www.principallasik.com or 888-647-3937
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
UNI offers eligible employees the option to enroll in two types of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) administered by ASIFlex. These accounts allow you to set aside money from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis to cover eligible out-of-pocket expenses. Because these contributions are made before taxes, most participants save at least 25% on every dollar contributed.
Health Care FSA
Used to help cover costs associated with out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision and prescription expenses.
- 2026 IRS Maximum Contribution: $3,400*
- Minimum Annual Contribution: $240
Dependent Care FSA
Use for eligible childcare or elder care expenses that allow you (and your spouse, if applicable) to work.
- 2026 IRS Maximum Contribution: $7,500*
- Minimum Annual Contribution: $240
*Subject to IRS updates. Always refer to official IRS guidelines or the UNI Benefits Team for the most current limits and eligibility rules.
Plan Year and Grace Period
- Eligible expenses must be incurred between January 1 and March 15 of the following year, or prior to your employment end date.
- Any unused funds remaining after the March 15 grace period will be forfeited, per IRS regulations (use-it-or-lose-it rule).
Life Insurance
Two life insurance plans are offered for those who are benefit eligible. An automatic group sponsored term life insurance, and a voluntary term life insurance. Both plans are administered by Principal Life Insurance Company.
Group Term Life Insurance
Participation is automatic, with coverage beginning on the first day of the month following the eligibility date. Premiums are paid entirely by UNI.
| Coverage Details | Coverage Amounts |
|---|---|
| Eligible employees earning less than $84,000 | 2 times your annual salary, up to a maximum of $126,000 |
| Eligible employees earning more than $84,000 | One and a half (1.5) times your annual salary to a maximum of $300,000 |
| All Benefit Eligible Staff | Flat reduced coverage option of $50,000 |
All benefit-eligible staff may choose an optional flat coverage amount of $50,000, which eliminates the imputed income obligation.
Voluntary Term Life Insurance ( VTL) & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
This optional life and AD&D insurance plan, administered by Principal Financial Group, provides additional coverage for employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and/or children. Employees must elect coverage for themselves in order to cover a spouse or child(ren). Coverage for the spouse and/or child(ren) cannot exceed the coverage elected for the employee.
Employee Coverage
- Elect up to $500,000 in $10,000 increments
- Guaranteed coverage up to $300,000 (no medical information required)
- Amounts over $300,000 require a proof-of-good-health questionnaire and approval by Principal Financial
Spouse/Domestic Partner Coverage
- Elect up to $100,000 in $5,000 increments
- Guaranteed coverage up to $50,000 (no medical information required)
- Amounts over $50,000 require a proof of good health questionnaire and approval
Child(ren) Coverage
- Elected coverage is $10,000 for each eligible child 14 days to age 26
Age-Based Reductions
- Coverage reduces by 35% at age 70
- Further reduces by an additional 15% at age 75
If enrolling in coverage during the annual open enrollment period:
- Statement of health questionnaire will be required if electing an amount greater than $20,000, or increasing a current election by any amount greater than $20,000. Once approved, coverage begins on January 1.
Long Term Disability (LTD)
LTD coverage provides income replacement if you become disabled and are unable to work due to injury or illness. This benefit is administered by Principal Financial Group.
Benefit Details
- If you become disabled, and are approved for LTD, the monthly benefit equals 66⅔% of your pre-disability earnings, up to a maximum of $6,667 per month.
- Participation is automatic for employees and the premium is paid for by UNI.
TIAA Retirement Plan Supplement Benefit
- This benefit continues TIAA retirement contributions for employees who qualify for LTD benefits and are enrolled in the TIAA retirement plan.
- Coverage is automatic, and the premium cost is fully paid by UNI.
Group Retirement Plans
Eligible staff members may choose to participate in Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS) or the Teachers Insurance Annuity Association (TIAA).
As a newly eligible employee, you must make a one-time, irrevocable decision between the IPERS and TIAA retirement plans within 60 days of your hire date.
- Contributions begin with your first paycheck.
- If you do not make a selection before your first paycheck, you will be automatically enrolled in IPERS, and contributions will be deducted accordingly.
- If you later select TIAA before the end of the 60-day election period, your IPERS contributions will be refunded, and TIAA contributions will begin with the next available paycheck.
Tax-Deferred Annuity Plans (TDA Plans)
A Tax-Deferred Annuity Plan (TDA) allows you to invest in fixed and variable annuities and mutual funds in a tax-deferred account which allows you to save more for retirement outside of the university sponsored retirement plans.
When an employee is enrolled in a tax-deferred annuity, they will see their elected contribution deducted any time they receive pay.
Eligibility
- All Faculty and Staff are eligible to participate.
Employee Contribution Types
- TIAA Pre-Tax Option
- TIAA Roth After-Tax Option
Contributions
Employee contributions only; the University does not contribute to this plan.
Making Changes to Your TDA
Employees may change their retirement contribution amounts as often as they’d like.
- If the request is submitted before payroll is processed: the change will be effective for the current month.
- If the request is submitted after payroll has processed: the change will take effect the following month.
Provision Options
Catch-up Provision
If you are age 50 or over, you are eligible to take advantage of the "Catch-up Provision" and may defer additional amounts.
Lifetime Catch-Up Provision
The Lifetime Catch-Up Provision allows you to contribute an additional $3,000 over the annual IRS limit if you have been employed at UNI for 15 years or more; unless:
- You have already contributed $15,000 in prior years because of this rule
OR
- You have already contributed $5,000 times the number of your years of service at UNI in a TDA in prior years.
If you are enrolling in a TIAA TDA and would like to know if you qualify for the Lifetime Catch-Up Provision, please email hrs-benefits@uni.edu.
Super Catch-Up Provision
Starting in 2025 participants who are ages 60 - 63 can make a super catch-up contribution to their TDA. This amount is 150% of the catch-up provision of $7,500 equaling $11,250.
Employee Well-Being
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is your personal support system, offering free and confidential services to you and your family members to navigate life’s challenges and reach your full potential—on the job and at home.
WeightWatchers
WeightWatchers purpose is to inspire healthy habits for real life. No matter what your goal is—to lose weight, eat healthier, be more active, develop a more positive mindset, or all of the above. Enrollment in WeightWatchers is free for all benefits eligible employees.
Flu Prevention
UNI Student Health Clinic staff administers on-campus flu vaccination clinics for faculty and staff. All vaccinations are provided at no cost to all benefits eligible employees.
Confidential Biometric Screenings
Confidential Biometric Screenings are performed by MercyOne Wellness Services. A biometric screening determines your overall health and assesses your risk for health concerns. Screenings take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.
Weekly Campus Walk
Faculty and staff, join your colleagues by walking your way to a healthier you on a weekly campus walk. Promote your physical and mental health by adding up to 2,000 steps.
Stress, Mental Health and Grief Services
UNI offers a variety of resources to support stress management and mental health. Mental health services are covered through both the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the UNI self-insured health plans, in addition to support available through local resources.
Other Benefits
Identity Protection Services
Wellmark, Principal Financial, and your EAP all offer identity protection resources. Visit our Identity Protection Services webpage for more information.
Travel Assistance Services
UNI employees covered by UNI's group term life insurance policy from Principal Life Insurance Company are eligible for travel assistance services provided by AXA Assistance.
You, your spouse, and dependent children (whether traveling together or separately) have access to travel, medical, legal, and financial assistance plus emergency medical evacuation benefits when traveling domestically or internationally 100 or more miles away from home for up to 120 consecutive days.
Will Preparation Services
This is a free benefit for UNI employees covered by UNI's group term life insurance policy from Principal Life Insurance Company.This service is offered through ARAG Services, LLC and allows you to create a will, living will, and/or power of attorney documents for free. These documents provide legal documentation of your wishes if you are not able to speak for yourself. As long as you are covered by UNI’s life insurance plan, you will be able to create and change the documents with no charge. Visit the Will Preparation Services webpage for more information.
Workers’ Compensation
The Workers’ Compensation program provides medical expense coverage and salary replacement for employees who are injured on the job or suffer from job-related illnesses.
- This program is administered by Sedgwick CMS.
- Coverage includes necessary medical treatment and wage replacement as determined by the State of Iowa’s Workers’ Compensation laws.
Staff Tuition Reimbursement Program (STRP)
After completing 12 months of continuous, non-temporary employment at UNI, eligible staff may apply for tuition reimbursement for coursework taken at an Iowa Regents institution.
Important Information:
- Submitting an application does not guarantee an award.
- Funds are limited and are awarded based on established prioritization criteria.
- Full details regarding eligibility, funding limits, program requirements, and recent procedural updates can be found in UNI Policy 4.75.
Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
UNI employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which forgives the remaining balance on qualifying federal student loans after certain conditions are met.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must work full-time for a qualifying public sector employer (such as UNI)
- Must make 120 qualifying monthly payments on a federal Direct Loan
All eligibility criteria must be met before loan forgiveness can be granted.
For more details on eligibility and how to apply, visit the Federal Student Aid PSLF webpage.
Wellness and Recreation Center (WRC)
Faculty and staff may purchase a discounted membership for themselves and their families. Membership includes access to WRC facilities, services, and fitness classes/programs.
Family-Friendly Benefits
The University of Northern Iowa offers a variety of family-friendly benefits and programs to assist employees in balancing work and life.
Nursing and Lactation Rooms
The University of Northern Iowa supports nursing employees and students by providing reasonable break time and private spaces to express breast milk during the workday or academic schedule. The University offers eight private lactation rooms across campus for this purpose. Visit our webpage for more information.
Child Development Center (CDC)
Located on campus, the UNI Child Development Center provides child care and early education services to students, faculty, and staff. The CDC is affiliated with the College of Education.
UNI Camps
UNI offers a variety of camps for children and youth, including:
- Panther Sports Camps
- Wellness and Recreation Center (WRC) Youth Camps
- Academic Camps