When you think about your total compensation package, don’t forget about your benefits. Along with your pay, Wahpeton Public Schools has provided a benefit program with real financial value. A great deal of time and effort has been invested in designing, funding, and maintaining a quality benefit plan. But you and your family can also play an important role in getting the most from your benefits by making sure that you understand them.
This app is designed to help you understand the coverages, premiums, and options for this year. This is a reference for you and your family to make informed insurance decisions based on your specific needs. If you have questions, please contact a member of our Human Resources Department.
All active employees working 20 hours or more per week are eligible for benefits. All coverage will be effective on the first of the month following the first day of eligible employment. Upon termination, benefits will end on the last day of the month in which termination occurs or eligibility for benefits ceases. Premiums will be deducted from your paycheck once a month on a pre-tax basis.
If you are an active employee and elect coverage for yourself, you may also cover your eligible dependents. Eligible dependents include your spouse and dependent children under age 26.
Your eligible dependents include:
- Legal spouse
- Dependent child(ren) up to 26 years of age
- Children for whom health care coverage is required through a Qualified Medical Child Support Order (QMCSO or other court or administrative order, even if the child does not reside within the service area)
- Physically or mentally disabled child(ren) beyond age 26 if they are incapable of self-support
Each year, you have the opportunity to make changes to your benefits during open enrollment. You may make mid-year changes to your benefits only if you have a qualifying life event. Examples of qualifying life events include:
- Marriage, legal separation, or divorce
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Change in employment status for you or your spouse
- Change in a dependent’s benefits eligibility status
- A significant change in the cost or coverage of your spouse’s benefits
- Change in place of residence causing a loss of eligibility
- Change in the cost of dependent care (only for the dependent care FSA)
- Loss of a dependent (death)
You have 30 days from the date of the event to notify Human Resources of the change. Keep in mind, the changes you make must be directly related to the event.