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At the University of Iowa, we value our faculty and staff and are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, well-being, and professional growth. Our benefits offered to you allow you to thrive personally and professionally.
Eligibility
Regular faculty and staff with at least a 50 percent appointment and their eligible dependents may participate in the benefits described through the links below. Note that there may be tax implications when covering adult children on health and/or dental insurance who are over the age of 26.
What benefits are available
Eligible employees may enroll in the following benefits:
Health & Dental Insurance
Mandatory Retirement & Savings Plans
FSA & Other Voluntary Benefits
summary of benefits
Health Insurance
Choose from two comprehensive health insurance plans administered by Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Iowa: UISelect and UIChoice.
Both plans offer significant savings on medical care when you opt for providers and hospitals that participate at a lower benefit level. (For example, all University of Iowa Health Care providers are Level 1, making it your most affordable option.) This means that by selecting in-network providers, you can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses considerably. Importantly, you do not need to designate a specific provider level when you enroll in either plan, giving you the flexibility to choose your healthcare providers as needed.
Dental Insurance
Delta Dental of Iowa administers our Dental II plan, which features a three-tier provider network: PPO, Premier, and Non-participating providers. You can choose any provider you wish, offering flexibility in your dental care decisions.
Retirement Plans: Mandatory and Voluntary
Every employee (except for house staff, fellows, adjunct faculty, and students) with employment expected to last six months or more must participate in a retirement program. Eligible staff may choose to participate in either IPERS or TIAA. Eligible employees must enroll in their chosen plan within 60 days of their hire date. IPERS is the University's default plan.
Life Insurance
Your benefits include a group life insurance plan paid for by the university. You also have the option to purchase additional term life insurance for yourself and your dependents.
Accident Insurance
Zurich Insurance Group administers the university's accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance. AD&D provides coverage for most accidents that occur on or off the job, at home or away, anywhere in the world.
Disability Insurance
University-paid disability insurance replaces a percentage of your salary if you become disabled while actively employed. This is a required benefit for all faculty and staff who hold a regular appointment of at least 50 percent time. This benefit is provided automatically by the university at no cost to you. No enrollment is needed.
Flexible Spending Accounts
With a flexible spending account (FSA), you can set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for certain qualified expenses. You can contribute to a health care FSA, a dependent care FSA, or both. Be sure to estimate your costs carefully, as changes cannot be made unless you have a qualifying event or during the annual open enrollment period.
Voluntary Vision Insurance
World Insurance Associates, LLC, a third-party vendor, administers the voluntary vision plans. Regular benefit-eligible employees may enroll within the first 30 days of hire by contacting World directly with their enrollment information.
Other Voluntary Benefits
As a University of Iowa employee, you can access many voluntary benefit programs and purchase various voluntary insurance products at discounted rates.