WPS Health Insurance explains Open Enrollment Periods

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Corporate Communications
608-512-5754
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

WPS Health Insurance explains Open Enrollment Periods

MADISON, Wis.—Oct. 7, 2021—Depending on the field you work in or what time of year it is, you’ve probably heard the phrase Open Enrollment Period. You may have questions about what Open Enrollment is, why it matters, or even why it exists in the first place.

In the health insurance industry, Open Enrollment is the time every year, typically in the fall, when you’re able to sign up for a new health insurance plan or make adjustments to your existing insurance plan. 

Different types of insurance, different enrollment periods

Many types of health insurance have enrollment periods. Employer-based health insurance, Medicare, and individual health insurance all offer Open Enrollment Periods. The big difference is these plans operate on different timelines and each has its own distinct Open Enrollment Period. 

“Knowing when you can or cannot enroll in health insurance is vital,” explained Jim Baird, Executive Vice President of WPS Health Insurance. “Whatever type of health insurance you plan on using, it’s crucial to understand when each particular Open Enrollment Period begins and ends.”

For example, with employer-based health insurance, the Open Enrollment Period is set by the employer. It can occur at any time throughout the year but is usually set in the fall.

Under the Affordable Care Act, Open Enrollment for individuals and families runs from Nov. 1, 2021, to Jan. 15, 2022. People can typically only buy health coverage for themselves or their family during this time unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. People who miss this window can still buy a short-term health plan.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), also called Medicare Open Enrollment, runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year. That’s the time when Medicare beneficiaries can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa. Medicare supplement plans have different Open Enrollment Periods that are determined by each state’s Medicare supplement insurance rules; anyone who has Original Medicare can sign up for one of those anytime if they can pass a few health underwriting questions. Beneficiaries cannot have a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare supplement at the same time.

Why Open Enrollment matters

Someone might think that missing an Open Enrollment Period may not matter because they can just sign up next year, but that could be risky thinking. Missing an Open Enrollment Period could mean going without coverage completely or ending up with inadequate health insurance coverage.   

Typically, Open Enrollment is the only time you can enroll in a health insurance plan or make changes to your existing plan unless you experience a qualifying life event. 

What’s a qualifying life event?

Qualifying life events can cover a broad range of scenarios depending on your health insurance company and your particular plan. Qualifying life events can include, but are not limited to:

• Involuntarily losing health coverage 
• Getting married
• Having or adopting a child

When someone experiences a qualifying life event, that person becomes eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. This means the person can add a spouse or child to their current coverage. It also means they may be eligible to enroll in a new health insurance plan when starting a new job. 

A Special Enrollment Period for events such as getting married or having a child do not remain open indefinitely. When these events happen, it’s a good idea to move quickly to find new coverage or adjust an existing plan.

Why do enrollment periods exist?

Open Enrollment Periods encourage everyone to sign up for health insurance whether they are currently healthy or not. 

“Enrollment periods provide an incentive for people to sign up for coverage and to play it safe by enrolling sooner rather than later,” Baird said. “Plus, when more people have coverage, it helps make health insurance more affordable for everyone.”

About WPS Health Insurance

As one of the largest health benefits providers in the state, Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Insurance) remains not-for-profit and offers high-quality health plans to the public and private sectors. Headquartered in Madison, Wis., WPS Health Insurance offers Preferred Provider Organization health plans for individuals and groups, third-party administrator services, plus Medicare supplement plans and Medicare prescription drug plans. Visit wpshealth.com for more information.

About WPS Health Plan

WPS Health Plan, Inc. (WPS Health Plan) is a local, customer-focused choice in a crowd of national health insurance giants. Based in Green Bay, Wis., WPS Health Plan continues its tradition of Wisconsin-based service and is always looking for ways to make owning and using health insurance easier. WPS Health Plan offers Health Maintenance Organization and Point-of-Service plans to the group and individual markets in eastern and north-central Wisconsin, plus third-party administrator services. Visit wpshealth.com/healthplan for more information.

Wisconsin Union: Distinguished Lecture Series Speaker and Onion.com Founder Scott Dikkers Knows How to Write Funny and Build Brands

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 4, 2021

Contact: Shauna Breneman
Phone: (608) 262-8862
Email: sbreneman@wisc.edu

DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES SPEAKER AND ONION.COM FOUNDER SCOTT DIKKERS KNOWS HOW TO WRITE FUNNY AND BUILD BRANDS

Comedy empire creator will talk about building a world-renowned brand, fake news, marketing, and a work culture of honesty and creative freedom

MADISON – Scott Dikkers made a business out of mocking popular culture and producing news satire in creating the world’s first humor website TheOnion.com and helping establish the Onion newspaper. Patrons can attend a talk by this comedy empire-founder on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. in Shannon Hall at Memorial Union as part of the free Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) Committee’s lecture series. 

During the talk, called “The Funny Story Behind Funny Stories,” Dikkers will share his story of building a world-renowned brand with almost no marketing budget and developing a creative culture of brutal honesty and freedom.

The Onion began as a small campus publication in 1988 in Madison, Wis., created by University of Wisconsin-Madison students Tim Keck and Christopher Johnson. Dikkers began his involvement with The Onion by creating cartoons for the first few issues and helping the students name the publication. He says that by the third issue he became the de facto editor.

After the first year, its founders sold The Onion to multiple people, including Dikkers. Dikkers founded TheOnion.com in 1996. Today, readers can access The Onion solely online where its legacy of making fun of everything and providing fake news unapologetically and intentionally continues.

His talent for humor sprang from a challenging childhood during which he sought escape through comedy and writing. As a child, he endured bullying and watched his parents’ marriage dissolve all while experiencing hardships caused by poverty. Dikkers, who has brought laughter and levity into people’s lives for decades, attempted suicide at eight years old.

He climbed his way through his pain with the help of Mad, a satirical magazine, which in part inspired his passion for comedy. He channeled this love for comedy and finding the humor in the mundane into the creation of a popular comic strip, called Jim’s Journal, and a career in voice acting, before joining The Onion team.

Today, he is the longest serving editor-in-chief of The Onion and the author and co-author of many books, including “Our Dumb World,” “Our Dumb Century,” and “Outrageous Marketing,” and currently hosts “The Comedy Insider Podcast.”

Seating for this free event is available on a first come, first served basis. Dikkers’s talk will be followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Additional WUD DLS lecture opportunities include a lecture, question and answer session and book signing with Dr. Reuben Jonathan Miller, Ph.D., on Nov. 9. Dr. Miller is a sociologist, criminologist, social worker and University of Chicago associate professor whose 2021 debut book “Halfway Home: Race, Punishment and the Afterlife of Mass Incarceration” compiles 15 years of research on life after prison.

The WUD DLS Committee brings engaging and influential people to the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus to encourage thought-provoking conversations. WUD includes 11 committees and six Wisconsin Hoofers clubs that program thousands of events each year.

More information about the upcoming DLS event is available here.

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About the Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series Committee

The Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series Committee contributes to the educational experience of University of Wisconsin–Madison students, Wisconsin Union members and community members by bringing engaging and influential people to campus. Founded in 1987, the series aims to expose the campus community to a diverse and vibrant array of people, backgrounds, and ideas. Learn more: union.wisc.edu/dls.
[Note: Click here to download a photo of Scott Dikkers. Photo by Nicki Fietzer.]

To read this release online, visit union.wisc.edu/about/news/scott-dikkers.

‘WPS Diversity in Insurance’ scholarship expands to include programming and additional financial support

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Corporate Communications
608-512-5754
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

‘WPS Diversity in Insurance’ scholarship expands to include programming and additional financial support

MADISON, Wis.—Sept. 23, 2021—WPS Health Solutions has expanded its support of five Madison College students currently enrolled in the Risk Management and Insurance Program through the ‘WPS Diversity in Insurance’ scholarship. 

In 2020, The WPS Charitable Foundation established the scholarship to allow underrepresented students the opportunity to earn an insurance certificate through Madison College. The Urban League of Greater Madison worked with Madison College to enroll students in the 14-credit Insurance Certificate for the Business Professional program under full scholarships.

A second financial commitment of $25,000 to the Madison College Foundation from the WPS Charitable Foundation broadens the depth and breadth of WPS’ impact to more than a financial contribution. Programming will now include additional support for the scholarship recipients, including:

• Continued financial commitment
• Academic support
• Mentorship and networking
• Designated internships at WPS Health Solutions

Additionally, the scholarship will now fund a 35-credit technical diploma for the students instead of a professional certificate. With this change, students will:

• Qualify for additional financial aid, if necessary
• Receive additional time to be integrated with WPS Health Solutions
• Complete an internship as a required component of the program
• Gain a deeper and broader background in insurance with the additional programming and internship

“The additional academic support and funding from WPS Health Solutions will provide five full scholarships to students who have been historically underrepresented in the insurance industry,” said Dr. Jack Daniels, president of Madison College. “These scholarships will allow students to attain a broad knowledge of the industry and increased knowledge of career opportunities that will lead to successful employment in the insurance industry.”

“We are proud to partner with Madison College and the Urban League of Greater Madison to intentionally increase representation across a field that has historically been homogenous,” said Jihan Bekiri, WPS Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “We are inspired by our 2021/22 scholarship recipients and are committed to their future success.”

This scholarship program is a key component of WPS Health Solutions’ investment in diversity, equity, and inclusion. The scholarship is intended to help diversify the pipeline of talent while building authentic relationships with community organizations.

About WPS Health Solutions
Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Solutions), founded in 1946, is a nationally regarded benefits administrator for a variety of U.S. government programs and a leading not-for-profit health insurer in Wisconsin. WPS Health Solutions serves active-duty and retired military personnel, seniors, individuals, and families in Wisconsin, across the U.S., and around the world. WPS Health Solutions, headquartered in Madison, Wis., has more than 3,100 employees. Within the enterprise, there are three divisions: WPS Government Health Administrators, WPS Military and Veterans Health, and WPS Health Insurance/WPS Health Plan/EPIC Specialty Benefits. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.

About Madison College
Madison College serves more than 33,000 students throughout a 12-county district in south-central Wisconsin, offering nearly 180 diverse career programs, diplomas, and certificates. Its mission is to provide open access to quality higher education that fosters lifelong learning and success in the communities it serves. Madison College is the second-largest institution in the Wisconsin Technical College System.

About the Urban League of Greater Madison
The mission of the Urban League of Greater Madison is to ensure that African Americans and other community members are educated, employed, and empowered to live well, advance professionally, and contribute to the common good in the 21st century. The Workforce Development team provides connections between high-demand industries and job seekers in the community. For more information, please visit ulgm.org.

Wisconsin Technology Council: Calling all companies! Sign up for Early Stage Symposium; learn a lot, meet with investors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (9-13-21)
Contact: Joe Kremer or Tom Still at 608-442-7557
Or visit wisearlystage.com to learn more

Calling all companies! Sign up for Early Stage Symposium; learn a lot, meet with investors

MADISON, Wis. – Applications are being accepted now from young companies that want to tell their stories to investors at our annual Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium, planned for an in-person format Nov. 3-4 at Madison’s Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.

The 2021 format includes two pitch opportunities – the Tech Council Investor Networks track (five-minute presentations) and the popular Elevator Pitch Olympics. All registered companies are eligible for “Investor Intros,” which will allow pre-selected companies brief, one-on-one meetings with targeted angel and venture investors.

Instructions for how to apply for all or a mix of the investor presentation opportunities can be found at wisearlystage.com on the “ESS Application” tab.

General registration is also now open by clicking here!

At least one applicant must register in advance for the conference at a discounted rate of $179. Additional team members may register at the rate of $129. All meals, breaks and reception included. Companies selected for the Tech Council Investor Networks track presentations will also receive a complimentary individual membership to the Tech Council’s Innovation Network for one year (a $120 value).

The deadline to apply online is 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24.

Here are the three company forums; companies may apply for one, two or all three opportunities to be seen, heard and make a splash!

Tech Council Investor Networks Track – Wednesday, Nov. 3:

These tracks will feature more than 20 companies from the Midwest representing an array of industries, such as advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, health care, information technology, medical device and mobile application sectors.

Companies selected will have many opportunities to interest investors: a five-minute presentation, networking receptions and an executive summary published in the investor-only program. Selected companies will also be invited to participate in a pre-conference practice session with a group of mentors.

Elevator Pitch Olympics – Thursday, Nov. 4:

Companies or entrepreneurs selected for the Elevator Pitch Olympics will give a 90-second pitch in front of conference attendees and a panel of investors. The investors will score the presenter on a scale of 1 to 5, focusing on whether the pitch was compelling enough to arrange a follow-up meeting, and will offer immediate feedback.

About 15 companies will be selected for the Elevator Pitch Olympics. In past years, these have been companies just forming, seeking a smaller investment round or planning to do so within the next year. There are crystal awards for the top presenters!

Investor Intros – Thursday, Nov. 4:

Companies selected for the popular Investor Intros will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with investors from Wisconsin and beyond. To foster this type of communication, the Investor Intros will feature pre-scheduled, strategic meetings between investors and emerging companies. This format will resemble a “speed dating” exercise, allowing both parties to learn more about each other and explore potential relationships.

The conference will feature a number of opportunities for young companies to learn:

• Keynote speakers and targeted panel discussions featuring leading entrepreneurs, investors and others tied to the tech sector making an impact nationwide.
• The 8^th annual “Excellence in Entrepreneurial Education” award presentation and luncheon.
• Exhibit hall showcasing more than 40 innovative Wisconsin companies.
• A Nov. 3 conference reception, two luncheons, two breakfasts and other networking opportunities, including an investors-only dinner.

The Tech Council produces the conference. Sponsors so far include: Aberdean Consulting, Advanced Materials Industrial Consortium, Advocate Aurora Health, American Family Insurance, American Transmission Co., AT&T, Baird Capital, Baker Tilly, BDO, City of Fitchburg, CUNA Mutual, Dedicated Computing, DeWitt, Exact Sciences, Findorff, First Business Bank, Godfrey & Kahn, Google, HealthX Ventures, Husch Blackwell, Idea Fund of La Crosse, KW2, M3 Insurance, Madison Development Corp., Madison Gas & Electric, Makin’ Hey Communications, Marquette University, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Michael Best, Mobile22, Morgridge Institute for Research, N29 Capital Partners, Neider & Boucher, One City Schools, Perkins Coie, Quarles & Brady, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, RSM US, State of Wisconsin Investment Board, TASC, University Research Park, UWM Research Foundation, UW-Madison Computer Sciences, Venture Investors, Versiti, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., Wipfli, WEA Trust, Zendesk and Ziegler.

To learn more about sponsorship information, please reach out to Angela Schlobohm at angela@wisconsintechnologycouncil.com.  

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gener8tor Madison Accelerator to Showcase Four Startups Selected for 2021 Cohort at Virtual Premiere Night

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 14, 2021

MEDIA CONTACT
Jenni Le
jenni@gener8tor.com

MADISON, WISCONSIN – Nationally ranked startup accelerator gener8tor will host a virtual Premiere Night featuring this year’s cohort for its 12-week accelerator in Madison.

Each of the four companies selected from around the world to participate have received a $100,000 investment. Due to the pandemic, the accelerator programming has been virtual this year. The cohort kicked off on March 11 and will conclude with an in-person Premiere Night, where the startups pitch their businesses to investors and the public, on September 21. 

The Madison 2021 cohort is composed of startups in the fashion, music, AI and beverage industries. Three were founded by women and three are led by minority founders. Chosen from over 1,500 companies, the four startups selected to participate and receive investment are:

Wildwonder (San Francisco, CA): Founded by Rosa Li, Wildwonder makes wellness accessible, starting with a better drink for gut health. Inspired by the healing tonics Li’s grandma brewed for her, Wildwonder offers the first microbiome expert-approved symbiotic (prebiotic + probiotic) beverage for the $125B functional beverage market, and broadens the market for Kombucha with no fermented taste and low sugar. Wildwonder employs a unique multi-prong distribution strategy that’s more capital efficient. Wildwonder has sold over 700K bottles since launch, online and in select Whole Foods and Sprouts stores.

Dora Maar (New York, NY): Founded and led by Lauren Wilson, Dora Maar’s influencer marketplace allows influencers to sell luxury consignment to their consumers and become their own personal luxury brands by monetizing their closets. Dora Maar allows luxury consumers to have a truly personalized shopping experience by giving them access to shop the closets of influencers, known as muses, they trust and follow every day. Dora Maar has been featured in VOGUE, Forbes and features over 30 Muses.

Awayr AI (Boston, MA): Led by co-founders Adam Beal and Dr. Ben Sawyer, Awayr AI’s modeling and simulation software helps automotive engineers run virtual experiments to determine how people will interact with vehicle user interfaces in the real world with a high degree of accuracy. Rather than needing to build a complete car and hire dozens of people to perform months-long road tests, Awayr AI completes testing using only digital designs of a proposed vehicle interface, one employee, and about an hour. Awayr AI is proven to be 5,700x faster, and 600x less costly than human safety and usability testing with eye tracking (HSUT). Awayr AI is currently in negotiations for paid pilots with major automakers.

Streo (Los Angeles, CA): Under the leadership of Arush and Pre Dhawan, Streo’s on-demand live events platform enables DJs and live bands to stream their events from all over the world. Artists can archive and distribute their live streamed gigs for paid access. Audiences can stream live events on demand for $10/month. Streo has live streamed 5,200 events with 1,400 artists at 600 nightclubs, and has had 250K user signups.

“We are honored to add these four startups to the gener8tor family,” said Jenni Le, Managing Director of gener8tor Madison. “Over the last few months, the gener8tor team has been working closely with each founder to focus on growth, mentorship and fundraising. We are so excited about the momentum each of these teams has going forward and cannot wait to see where they go.”

All four companies will pitch their business models to investors, entrepreneurs and the community during gener8tor’s virtual Premiere Night. The virtual Premiere Night will be held September 21 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM.

Please direct any questions about the gener8tor Madison program to managing director Jenni Le at jenni@gener8tor.com.

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About gener8tor

gener8tor’s turnkey platform for the creative economy connects startup founders, musicians, artists, investors, universities and corporations. The gener8tor platform includes pre-accelerators, accelerators, corporate programming, upskilling, conferences and fellowships.

Jenni Le
Managing Director
gener8tor Madison Accelerator

Jayne Patterson
Program Manager
gener8tor Madison Accelerator