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Start Here
Explore programs that help you stay well, plan for the future, and stay connected to the University of Iowa community. Whether you work here, study here, or continue with us in retirement, these benefits are designed to support you at every stage. Availability varies based on your role with the university.
New Hires / Newly Eligible
Learn about your benefits and the steps to take during your first 30–60 days of employment at the University. Explore resources designed to help you get oriented and started with confidence.
Employees
Explore your benefits, including paid time off, health and retirement plans, short‑term disability, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and other programs that support you throughout your career at the University of Iowa.
Students
Learn about the University of Iowa student health and dental insurance plans, including coverage details, eligibility, enrollment, and resources to help you manage your care while you’re a student.
Retirees
Learn about benefits available to University of Iowa retirees, including health insurance options and other programs that continue into retirement. Find resources to help you understand eligibility, enrollment, and coverage.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Important Dates and Deadlines
Benefits enrollment is time-sensitive. Whether you are a new employee, experiencing a qualifying life event, planning for retirement, or enrolling as a student, you must meet required deadlines. Review the key dates below to understand when action is required and when your coverage will begin.
Employees
- New Employees Must Enroll:
- Benefits: Within 30 days of the start/newly eligible date.
- Mandatory Retirement Plan: Within 60 days of the start/newly eligible date, if applicable.
- Benefits take Effect: First of the month after your start date or newly eligible date.
- Qualifying Life Event: Requests must be submitted within 30 days (60 days for birth or adoption).
- Coverage is effective the first of the following month, or the month of birth/placement for birth or adoption.
- Annual Open Enrollment: Takes place late October to mid-November. Changes take effect January 1 of the following year.
Students
- Student Open Enrollment per Semester:
- Fall - August 1 to September 9
- Spring - January 1 to February 9
- Summer - May 1 to June 9
- Coverage Effective Date: Based on the enrollment period (Fall, Spring, or Summer) and the start month selected (e.g., Aug 1 or Sept 1 for Fall) during enrollment process.
- Qualifying Life Event: Submit within 30 days (60 days for birth/adoption).
- Coverage begins the first of the month after the event (birth/adoption starts the month of birth or placement).
Retirees
- Retirees Must Enroll: Within 30 days of their retirement/termination date from the University.
- Coverage Effective Date: Retiree coverage will begin the first of the month following the retirement date.
- Retiree Annual Open Enrollment: Takes place every October 15 through December 7 with a new effective date of January 1 of the following year.
Watch the mail for an Open Enrollment letter from the Benefits Office. - Cancellation of Coverage: Retiree must notify University Benefits in writing before the first of the month in which they wish to cancel coverage.
Resources and Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT OUR SITE:
Our website's information describes only the plans' highlights and does not constitute official plan documents. Additional terms and conditions apply. If there are any discrepancies between the data contained herein and the official plan documents, the plan documents will govern.