Benefits Website
Welcome to Your WPI Benefits Website!
Welcome to your WPI Benefits Website, your resource for around-the-clock access to employee benefits information! WPI offers you and your eligible family members a comprehensive and valuable benefits program. We encourage you to take the time to educate yourself about your options and choose the best coverage for you and your family. This website is available to you year-round so you can learn more about what benefits are available to you.
Enroll in Your Benefits from October 22 through November 5!
Open Enrollment is your once-a-year opportunity to review your current elections and evaluate what coverage you and your family will need for 2026. Check out your Open Enrollment Newsletter, which highlights what’s new for January 1, 2026. You can also explore your Benefits Guide for plan and cost details, and important carrier contacts.
Here’s a quick look at what you need to know:
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To help keep costs as manageable as possible while providing you with robust benefits, we are transitioning medical carriers from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care (HPHC) to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA), effective January 1, 2026. Note: Your copays, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts are not changing. See the Medical & Prescription Drug page for more information.
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We are also introducing a new prescription drug carrier, Express Scripts (ESI), to align with our transition to BCBSMA. We will transition away from OptumRx. See the Medical & Prescription Drug page for more information.
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Your medical plan premiums are increasing. By moving to BCBSMA, we are able to keep the medical increases more manageable for you and WPI. Keep in mind—WPI continues to absorb the majority of these increases. See the Medical & Prescription Drug page for details on cost.
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We’re partnering with Omada to support you on your GLP-1 weight-loss journey. Visit the Medical & Prescription Drug page for more information.
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The Health Savings Account (HSA) limits have increased for 2026; you can now contribute up to $4,400 for Individual coverage and $8,750 for Employee + Child(ren) or Family coverage.
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The Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) limit is increasing to $3,400* for 2026.
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We are increasing the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) amount you can contribute per year to align with the IRS maximum - $7,500 (if you and your spouse or domestic partner contribute, you can each contribute up to $3,750).
Attend Our Benefits Fair!
Join us at our annual Benefits Fair on Wednesday, October 23 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Rubin Campus Center Odeum A&B to connect with our vendor partners, including BCBSMA and ESI, ask questions, and learn about the upcoming plan year.
Hear From BCBSMA and ESI Directly!
You will have opportunities over the next few weeks to hear from Blue Cross Blue Shield and ExpressScripts representatives. Mark your calendars with the following dates if you would like to join a session. Zoom meetings are linked below for virtual sessions.
Blue Cross Blue Shield - September 19 (virtual)
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Express Scripts - September 24 (virtual)
3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Blue Cross Blue Shield -October 1 (in-person) Unity 500
3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Express Scripts - October 10 (virtual)
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Blue Cross Blue Shield - October 16 (virtual)
8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
This is an Active Enrollment!
That means that if you do not elect coverage during Open Enrollment, you and your dependents will not have coverage for 2026. It is crucial that you actively enroll in your benefits if you would like coverage through WPI.
Questions?
Email benefits@wpi.edu
The information included on this website is intended to provide an overview of the University's employee benefits programs. In the event of any inconsistency between the website content and such governing documents, the governing documents will control.
Benefits Website
Medical & Prescription Drug
WPI offers you a range of medical options to help you take care of yourself and your eligible family. Each medical option automatically comes with prescription drug coverage. Note: The medical plans cover one annual routine eye exam for enrolled members.
Who’s Eligible?
Full-time employees who are regularly scheduled to work at least 28 hours weekly and 1,456 hours annually.
Employees previously participating in the plan prior to 12/31/2019 who do not meet the annual hour requirement.
Eligible family members include:
- Your spouse or domestic partner (same-sex or opposite sex)*
- Dependent children up to age 26
- Dependent children of any age if they become physically or mentally incapable of self-support before age 19 and remain incapacitated and enrolled in the plan.
*Ex-spouse coverage is not available on WPI health plans.
When does coverage begin?
If you are a new hire, your coverage takes effect as of your date of hire, if you enroll within the deadline.
Each fall you’ll have the opportunity to update your coverage through open enrollment, which is effective the following January 1st.
Who pays for coverage?
WPI shares the cost of your medical and prescription drug coverage. You pay your share through pre-tax payroll withholdings.
| Medical Coverage
New! We are moving from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care (HPHC) to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA), effective January 1, 2026. In the face of rising health care costs for multiple reasons, we are able to keep the cost increase as low as possible by transitioning to BCBSMA.
What does this mean for you?
You’ll have access to best-in-class coverage from BCBSMA, including health and wellness programs that are included if you enroll in a medical plan.
We are working to keep disruption as minimal as possible. Almost 99% of HPHC providers are in BCBSMA’s network, and your copays, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts are not changing. If you find that your current provider is out of network under BCBSMA, please rest assured that we will work closely with you and BCBSMA to ensure that you have a smooth continuity of care
To see if your current provider is in network, or to search for a new provider:
1. Visit https://member.bluecrossma.com/fad
2. Fill in all fields, including your plan’s network and your preferred search area
3. Select Search
Important Information About Continuity of Care
If you or a covered family member are currently undergoing active treatment, are scheduled for surgery, are receiving ongoing therapy, managing a chronic condition, or more, and your current provider is not in BCBSMA’s network, you are eligible for continuity of care support. This allows you to continue working with your current HPHC provider for up to 90 days while your provider and BCBSMA transition your care. To begin this process, you can download the "Continuity of Care" form below. You and your provider will then fill out and submit this form to BCBSMA, who will handle the transition.
You have three plans to choose from, all administered by BCBSMA:
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BCBS Network Blue NE Value (similar to HPHC HMO Massachusetts)
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BCBS Blue Care Elect Deductible (similar to HPHS PPO Access America)
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BCBS Network Blue NE Saver (similar to Best Buy HSA HMO Massachusetts)
Coming Soon: Use Your Decision Support Tool
New in 2026, you’ll use Upwise, our new decision support tool, during Open Enrollment to review and choose your benefits. Get a personalized and comprehensive recommendation in 10 minutes or less on all of your benefits.
Visit upwise.com once Open Enrollment begins to learn more.
To contact Harvard Pilgrim Health Care:
Call HPHC: (888) 333-4742
Visit: harvardpilgrim.org/public/home
To contact Blue Cross Blue Shield starting January 1, 2025:
Call Team Blue: (800) 262-2583
Visit: bluecrossma.org
Medical Plan Resources
BCBSMA Resources
HPHC Resources
| Prescription Drug Coverage
New! To align with our transition to BCBSMA, we are moving from OptumRx to Express Scripts (ESI) for prescription drug management, effective January 1, 2026. When you enroll in medical coverage, you will automatically receive prescription drug coverage through ESI.
If your retail pharmacy is not in ESI’s network, you will receive communications directly from ESI with next steps and resources to help you with the transition. WPI will work closely with you and ESI to ensure that you have access your necessary prescriptions.
The amount you pay for each prescription depends on whether you fill it at a retail pharmacy or mail-order service and the tier of the prescription. The tiers define how ESI covers each drug and your applicable copay. All the medical options offer the same coverage, however, if you enroll in the HMO with HSA Plan, you pay the full cost for a prescription until you meet your annual deductible. Once you meet the deductible, you will pay the copayment amounts shown here.
For more information until December 31, 2025:
Call OptumRx: 855-546-3439
Visit: optumrx.com
Starting on January 1, 2026:
Retail prescriptions (30-day supply from any participating pharmacy):
- Tier 1: $15
- Tier 2: $30
- Tier 3: $50
Mail-order prescriptions (90-day supply of ongoing medication through the mail):
- Tier 1: $30
- Tier 2: $60
- Tier 3: $100
New! We’re partnering with Omada to support you on your GLP-1 weight-loss journey. Starting January 1, 2026, if you are prescribed a GLP-1 for weight management, you will be required to participate in the healthy lifestyle program through Omada. Omada provides guidance and resources to help you build lasting healthy habits that, when combined with your GLP-1 medication, can support your progress and help you feel your best. Look for more information and contact details coming soon.
ESI Resources
OptumRx Resources
Medicare Advocacy Services
Through WPI, you have access to Medicare Advocacy Services from Brown & Brown Eligibility Services. Understanding how Medicare works is essential when evaluating what is best regarding your healthcare coverage.
These services are available at no cost to you. Meet with a Medicare advocate who will provide personalized guidance to help you and/or your family member understand the available health coverage option and how enrolling in Medicare may impact your specific healthcare needs.
How Does it Work?
- Brown & Brown Eligibility Services will contact you if you are turning 65 within four months or are already 65.
- A Medicare advocate will provide education on Medicare basics and Medicare plan options based on your specific needs.
- They then compare the available plans in your area to see which plan aligns to your specific providers, prescription drugs, and pharmacies to make sure you have the support you need.
Watch this educational video to learn more:
We know that Medicare can be complicated, and making uneducated decisions can lead to costly financial penalties. Medicare Advocacy Services can help you:
- Monitor your eligibility date
- Enroll in Medicare benefits
- Identify alternative options for dependents
- Determine SSDI eligibility
- Manage your Health Savings Account (HSA) once you’re enrolled in Medicare
- And much more
To contact an Advocate:
Call: 833-830-2386
Email: medicareeligibility@bbabsence.com
Visit: bbabsence.com/medicare-employee-assistance/
Questions?
Email benefits@wpi.edu
Benefits Website
HSA & FSA
WPI offers two tax-advantaged accounts to help reimburse you for qualified health care expenses.
| Health Savings Account
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged personal savings account that is paired with a qualified high deductible health plan, such as the BCBS Network Blue NE Saver. You can use your account to pay for qualified medical, dental & vision expenses with tax-free dollars.
- The account holder owns the account
- No “Use-It-Or-Lose-It” provision
- The account stays with you even if you leave WPI
- Balance plus earnings carry over year-to-year, tax-free
- Investments and interest earned on account are tax-free
- HSA eligibility requirements are based on IRS guidelines
Contribution Limit
The contribution limit is the amount set by the IRS that you can contribute to your HSA in a plan year. This includes the amount that WPI contributes to your account and any amount you choose to contribute. See below for the 2025 and 2026 limits.
- Single coverage: $4,400
- Employee + Child(ren)/Family coverage: $8,750
- Catch-up contribution for age 55+: $1,000
The 2025 maximum contribution allowed by the IRS:
- Single coverage: $4,300
- Employee + Child(ren)/Family coverage: $8,550
- Catch-up contribution for age 55+: $1,000
Why HSAs?
Save now:
- Pre-tax payroll contributions
- HSA distributions aren’t taxed
- Typically lowers income tax liability
- Can be used to pay eligible healthcare expenses as you incur them
Save for the future:
- HSA funds roll over from year to year
- Tax-free interest earned
- Once your balance reaches $1,000 you can invest. Check with Voya on investment options available
- You keep the money even if you change jobs or insurance plans or retire
- Can be used as a part of your retirement strategy to save for healthcare expenses in the future, even in retirement
How to fund your HSA:
- Make pre-tax contributions through payroll deduction
- Make post-tax contributions directly through Voya
- Make or change contributions to your HSA at any time through Workday
- Changes to payroll contribution will be effective as of the next payroll cycle
WPI Contributions
- $1,800 if you cover just yourself in the medical plan
- $4,000 if you cover yourself and anyone else in the medical plan
Contributions will be prorated for anyone not participating in an HSA for the full year.
HSA Qualified Expenses
Withdrawals from an HSA that are used for Qualified Medical Expenses (QME) are not subject to federal taxes.
QMEs, as outlined in IRS Publication 502 and IRC Section 213 (D), include, but are not limited to deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, vision supplies, dental, and prescriptions.
To contact Voya:
Call: 833-232-4673
Chat: presents.voya.com/EBRC/HOME/HAS
Email: HASinfo@voya.com
Visit: voya.com
| Flexible Spending Accounts
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are benefit programs governed by the IRS and sponsored by WPI that allow you to have money deducted pre-tax from your paycheck and deposited into one or both accounts to reimburse you for health care and/or dependent care expenses that are not reimbursed from insurance or any other source. Since the money you put into your account is not considered taxable income, you save by paying less federal, state, and FICA taxes. Depending on your personal circumstances, these FSAs may mean a significant tax savings to you.
Contribution Limit
The contribution limit is the amount set by the IRS that you can contribute to your FSA in a plan year.
Health Care FSA
New! The Health Care FSA contribution amount is increasing, effective January 1, 2026.
2026 maximum: $3,400* pre-tax
2025 maximum contribution per plan year: $3,200 pre-tax
Please note:
- Employees have an additional 2 1/2 months to incur expenses
- Employees enrolled in an HSA are allowed to contribute to a Limited Purpose Health Care FSA for dental and vision expenses (not medical or prescription drug) as well as the Dependent Care FSA
Don’t forget to submit 2025 claims. You are permitted submit claims by March 31,
2026, for the 2025 plan year.
Dependent Care FSA
New! The Dependent Care FSA contribution amount is increasing, effective January 1, 2026.
2026 maximum contribution per calendar year $7,500 pre-tax
2025 maximum contribution per calendar year $5,000 pre-tax.
Eligible Dependents - Expenses must be for a dependent whose principal place of residence is with you, who is under age 13, or who is physically/mentally incapable of caring for him/herself and doesn’t have income in excess of the IRS tax code.
To contact Voya:
Call: 833-232-4673
Chat: presents.voya.com/EBRC/HOME/HAS
Email: HASinfo@voya.com
Visit: voya.com
Questions?
Email benefits@wpi.edu
Benefits Website
Dental & Vision
WPI offers dental and vision coverage in addition to medical benefits.
Who’s Eligible?
Full-time employees who are regularly scheduled to work at least 28 hours weekly and 1,456 hours annually.
Employees previously participating in the plan prior to 12/31/2019 who do not meet the annual hour requirement.
Eligible family members include:
- Your spouse or domestic partner (same-sex or opposite sex)
- Dependent children up to age 26
- Dependent children of any age if they become physically or mentally incapable of self-support before age 19 and remain incapacitated and enrolled in the plan
When does coverage begin?
If you are a new hire, your coverage takes effect as of your date of hire, if you enroll within the deadline.
Each fall you’ll have the opportunity to update your coverage, which is effective the following January 1st.
Who pays for coverage?
You pay the entire premiums for dental and vision coverage, through pre-tax payroll withholdings.
| Dental Coverage
You have two plans available; both administered by Delta Dental:
- High Plan – Delta Dental PPO Plus Premier
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Low Plan – Delta Dental PPO Plus Premier
Right Start 4 Kids Program
Delta Dental offers FREE dental care for covered children under age 13 through the Right Start 4 Kids program. Kids under 13 are 100% covered for diagnostic, preventive, basic, and major services with a participating provider. This does not include orthodontic services.
| Vision Coverage
You have access to vision coverage through VSP.
Unsure if you should enroll in vision coverage?
Take this quick quiz!
For more information: Call VSP: 800-877-7195 | Visit: vsp.com
Questions?
Email benefits@wpi.edu
Benefits Website
Wellness at WPI
At WPI, we get it: life can be tough sometimes. Stress, relationships, work, money, and more. When your responsibilities start to feel overwhelming, it’s important to reach out for help. We’re proud to offer a collection of resources that you can lean on for support for your physical, emotional, and financial wellness.
Emotional Wellness Resources
| Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Your EAP is administered by SupportLinc. Through SupportLinc, you and your household members have access to 5 free counseling sessions per situation. Meet with a licensed counselor in-person or over the phone to discuss a range of issues including stress, anxiety, substance use, and more. Remember – these sessions are always 100% confidential.
Your EAP has tools beyond counseling. You have access to resources like:
- Coaching to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, both mentally and physically
- Consultations for financial and legal issues
- Help with child or elder care, pet care, home improvement or auto repair
- Educational articles
Contact SupportLinc:
Visit: supportlinc.com
Call: (888) 881-5462
Behavioral Health Resources
In addition to your EAP, you have access to behavioral health support if you are enrolled in a Harvard Pilgrim Health Care medical plan through December 31, 2025. HPHC offers several programs to you and your loved ones, including 24/7 virtual support and self-service tools so you can get help at any time on the go.
Starting January 1, 2026, you’ll have access to BCBSMA behavioral health resources.
Health Care Guide and Health Coaching
Please note: These resources will be replaced by BCBSMA resources, effective January, 2026.
Health Care Guidance
KnovaSolutions is available to help with not only the physical aspect of building health improvement goals, but the emotional aspect. This is a voluntary, confidential, no-cost, health support program offered to eligible employees and family members who are enrolled in the health plan through your WPI benefits package. A personal nurse is assigned to every KnovaSolutions client, and throughout your time with your nurse, they will help you through every step of the treatment process.
To contact KnovaSolutions, call 800-355-0885 or email knovasolutions@workpartners.com.
Health Coaching:
We know that a big part of developing a healthy lifestyle is maintaining a healthy mindset. Health Coaches help support, educate, and motivate you to achieve your health goals. During one-on-one sessions, your Health Coach will help you adopt a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally. This program is offered to eligible employees and family members who are enrolled in the health plan through your WPI benefits package.
To contact your Health Coach, call 866-201-7919.
Physical Wellness Resources
| Living Well and Health Coaching
New! Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) Resources
Beginning January 1, 2026, you will have access to all of BCBSMA’s tools and resources to help you focus on being your best self, including:
- In-network mental health care
- Virtual primary care
- Telehealth through Well Connection
- MyBlue App access
- Wellness and weight-loss reimbursement
- Childbirth class reimbursement
- And more
Check back here closer to January 1 for more information on all of these resources and how to use them.
Please note, the below resources are for your 2025 benefits.
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Resources
HPHC provides you with resources to stay physically healthy on your own schedule. Click here to visit the HPHC Health Plan Website and learn more.
Living Well:
The Living Well program gives employees who are enrolled in the health plan through the WPI benefits package the chance to win rewards for participating in a variety of interactive activities. Earning points allows you to be entered into a monthly drawing for gift cards. Learn more about Living Well’s upcoming programs.
Health Coaching:
Health Coaches help support, educate, and motivate you to achieve your health goals. During one-on-one sessions, your Health Coach will help you adopt a healthy lifestyle, including controlling blood pressure, smoking cessation, healthy eating, and more. This benefit is available to employees enrolled in the WPI health plan.
To contact your Health Coach, call 866-201-7919.
Fitness and Weight Loss-Reimbursement:
If you are enrolled under Individual medical coverage, HPHC will reimburse you up to $150 toward wellness activities. If you are enrolled under Individual + Child(ren) or Individual + Family medical coverage, HPHC will reimburse you up to $300 toward wellness activities. These can include membership fees for gyms, virtual fitness class subscriptions, mindfulness meditation programs, club or school athletic fees, and more. Starting January 1, 2026, visit http://member.bluecrossma.com/fitness-and-weightloss to use your BCBSMA fitness and weight-loss reimbursement.
Weight Management Reimbursement:
HPHC will reimburse you for up to 12 weeks of a weight loss program membership per year. If you use a weight loss management program, simply fill out the reimbursement form below.
| DetecTogether
WPI partners with DetecTogether to help with early cancer detection. DetecTogether offers a core curriculum, 3 Steps Detect, and 10 related micro-courses to help you recognize common cancer symptoms. Courses include:
- What is Cancer?
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Why are some people at greater risk?
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Identifying and tracking symptoms
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Prevention, Early Detection and Screening
- How to compile medical history
- How to do self-exams
- Seeking care
- Preparing for doctors’ appointments
- How to advocate for yourself
- Questions to ask your doctor
DetecTogether also helps you work with your doctor to accelerate time to diagnosis.
To learn more visit workplace.detectogether.org/register?gid=26313
| Health Care Guidance
Please note: These resources will be replaced by BCBSMA resources, effective January, 2026.
KnovaSolutions is a voluntary, confidential, no-cost, health support program offered to eligible employees and family members who are enrolled in the health plan through WPI. A personal nurse is assigned to each KnovaSolutions client, and during your introductory phone meeting your nurse will gather information so you can work together to build health improvement goals.
Your personal nurse draws on the expertise of other KnovaSolutions medical professionals to ensure you always make informed decisions. Your nurse will consult with pharmacists, medical research librarians, and other clinical staff to answer your questions, provide referrals, analyze the risks and benefits of medical procedures, and help you find the best possible treatment.
To contact KnovaSolutions, call 800-355-0885 or email knovasolutions@workpartners.com.
Note: You cannot to opt out of sharing your health care information with KnovaSolutions. KnovaSolutions always keeps your information confidential.
| Fitness Center
The WPI Fitness Center, located in the Sports & Recreation Center, is available at no cost to current employees. Employees can use the fitness equipment, pool, indoor and outdoor tracks, dance studios, outdoor fields and gyms. For hours of operation, please check with the Department of Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics (508-831-5243).
Don’t forget to take advantage of the HPHC fitness reimbursement. Get reimbursed up to $300 for eligible gym membership and workout classes.
Starting January 1, you’ll have access to the BCBSMA fitness reimbursement – see here for details.
Financial Wellness Resources
| Retirement Plan
To help you prepare for your best future, WPI offers a retirement plan for eligible employees through TIAA. You may schedule an appointment with investment advisors through TIAA or learn more by watching the webinars below.
| Identity Protection
Identity theft can happen to anyone. Allstate Identity Protection shields you from identity theft and gives you peace of mind.
Payroll deduction:
- $9.95 per month for individual coverage
- $17.95 per month for family coverage
For more information: Call Allstate: 800-789-2720 | Visit: signin.infoarmor.com/signup
| Legal Services
WPI offers legal insurance to employees through Metlife Legal Plans (MetLaw).
MetLaw provides you, your spouse and dependents with fully covered legal services from experienced attorneys at a low monthly group rate, which is paid through the convenience of automatic deductions from your paychecks. And to make it even easier, when you use a Plan Attorney for covered services, there are:
- No deductibles
- No co-payments
- No waiting periods
- No claim forms
- No limits on usage
Payroll deduction:
$10.50 bi-weekly / $22.75 per month (covers you and your spouse and dependents)
For more information: Call Legal Plans: 800-821-6400 | Visit: legalplans.com (use code 6090065 or GETLAW)
| Student Loan Debt Forgiveness
WPI provides resources to help you and your family members find the best federal repayment and forgiveness programs, based on your financial situation.
The Student Debt Forgiveness program is provided through TIAA and powered by SAVI, and can help:
- Cap your payment based on your income and family size;
- Free up funds to direct toward other financial goals;
- Remove the complexities of forgiveness and put the process on autopilot – all for a small fee of $70 per year.
To get started, complete your online application and enroll at TIAA.org/wpi/student. Have your Social Security Number, most recent tax return or tax transcript, and student loan information.
For more information, visit TIAA.org/wpi/student
Questions?
Email benefits@wpi.edu
Benefits Website
Life, AD&D, & Long-Term Care
It’s not easy to plan for the unexpected. WPI offers valuable benefits to help you protect your and your family’s financial future.
| Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment
Your Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage is administered by The Hartford.
Your WPI-provided Basic Life and AD&D includes:
- Basic Life: Full-time exempt and non-exempt employees – 2 times salary, up to $300,000
- AD&D: Full-time exempt and non-exempt employees – 2 times salary, up to $300,000
Who’s Eligible?
Employees working at least 28 hours weekly and 1,456 hours per fiscal year are eligible for Basic Life & AD&D Coverage.
Visit Workday to review and update your beneficiary information.
| Voluntary Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment
Your Voluntary Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage is administered by The Hartford.
You can choose:
- Employee Voluntary Life and AD&D: Increments of $10,000 or 5 times your annual earnings, to a max of $500,000.
- Guaranteed new hire issue for voluntary life: $200,000
- Dependent Voluntary Life and AD&D: Spouses can elect increments of $5,000 of coverage to a max of $250,000 or 50% of the employee’s amount.
- Guaranteed new hire issue for voluntary life: $30,000
- Child Voluntary Life: Flat benefit of $250 from 15 days to 6 months, and a flat $10,000 benefit from age 6 months to age 26. There is not a Voluntary AD&D coverage option.
Who’s Eligible?
Employees working at least 28 hours weekly and 1,456 hours per fiscal year are eligible to purchase Voluntary Supplemental Life and/or AD&D Insurance.
| Long-Term Care
WPI has partnered with LTC Solutions, Inc., an expert in the long-term care insurance marketplace, and Unum, a well-established carrier in the industry. Together, we bring you the opportunity to purchase a valuable long-term care insurance plan with discounted group rates. Employee and spouse premiums will be payroll deducted.
Who’s Eligible
Active employees and their eligible family members. Temporary or seasonal employees are not eligible.
For more information: Call UNUM: 877-286-2852 | Visit: https://myltcguide.com/wpi
Empathy
You can find support for the loss of a loved one through Empathy, a program that holistically helps the whole you as you deal with loss.
The death of a loved one is unimaginable, and often, it can be difficult to focus on the immediate tasks at hand. Empathy is here to help. Once you register, you have access to services like:
- Step-by-step guidance for preparing a will
- On-demand assistance and details instructions for planning a funeral, burial, or cremation
- And more
Empathy also provides support for your beneficiaries should you pass away. Empathy can help your beneficiaries better understand the challenges that come with loss, like estate planning, probate management, account deactivation, and more.
You can register for these services at join.empathy.com/hartfordcare. Once you are registered, you can access these services by calling (229) 544-2332.
Questions?
Email benefits@wpi.edu
Benefits Website
Absence & Disability
Leave of Absence
We understand that life can be unpredictable, and there may be times when you need to step away from work to care for yourself or your loved ones. To support you during these moments, we offer Leave of Absence benefits for extended time away from work. To ensure a smooth process, WPI partners with The Hartford, our designated leave administrator. The Hartford manages all medical communication with your healthcare provider, including determining the length of your leave and any work-related restrictions upon your return. Overseeing the administration of Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) benefits as well as any state benefits.
What Types of Leave Does WPI have available for employees?
Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (MA PFML)
MA PFML provides paid, job-protected family and medical leave to eligible employees.
Who’s Eligible
- Most Massachusetts active employees (who meet the minimum earnings requirement)
- Former employees may be covered for up to 26 weeks after departure (unless if start new employment)
Who’s NOT Eligible
- WPI employees who do not work in Massachusetts or meet the minimum earnings requirement
- Independent contractors
- Student workers
- Any other category of workers who are exempt
You should contact The Hartford to determine if you are eligible for MA PFML, or if the state you live in has state leave benefits available to you. To contact The Hartford, call 877-426-6483. If you are not eligible for MA PFML or another state leave, you may be eligible for Short Term Disability (STD) benefits. See below for more information on STD.
While you are out on MA PFML, you will receive a weekly wage in replacement of your usual income. The maximum weekly benefit for 2025 is $1,170.64. The 2026 maximum will be announced by the IRS closer to January 1. During each benefit year, you may be eligible to take up to 24 weeks of leave under MA PFML. If your leave extends beyond that, you may be eligible for Long Term Disability (LTD). See below for more information on LTD.
The types of leaves covered under MA PFML include:
- Caring for your own serious health condition as certified by a health care provider, including illness, injury, or pregnancy/childbirth (up to 20 weeks of paid medical leave)
- Caring for a family member with a serious health condition as certified by a health care provider, including illness, injury, or pregnancy/childbirth (up to 12 weeks of paid family leave)
- Bonding with your child during the first 12 months after birth, adoption, or placement (up to 12 weeks of paid family leave)
- Caring for a family member who was injured serving in the armed forces (up to 26 weeks of paid family leave)
- Managing affairs while a family member is on active duty (up to 12 weeks of paid family leave)
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
FMLA provides unpaid, job-protected leave to eligible employees for certain family and medical reasons.
Who’s Eligible
- Employees who have worked for the University for at least one year, for over 1,250 hours over the previous 12 months
Employees may be eligible to take up to 12 weeks leave in a 12-month period (FMLA provides eligible employees with up to 26 weeks of leave for Service Member family leave).
The types of leaves covered under FMLA include:
- Incapacity due to pregnancy, prenatal medical care, or childbirth
- For a serious health condition that makes you unable to perform your job
- To care for your child after birth, or placement for adoption or foster care
- To care for your spouse, child, or parent who has a serious health condition
- To care for your spouse, child, parent, or next of kin who is a covered Service Member recovering from a serious injury or illness suffered in the line of active military duty
- A qualifying need because of your spouse, child, or parent’s active duty (or notification of an impending call or order to active duty) in the National Guard or Reserves in support of contingency operations
WPI Paid Parental Leave
Parental leave provides full pay for up to eight weeks for employees to bond with a new child.
Who’s Eligible
- Full time employees who have completed 3 consecutive months of service with WPI.
We recommend that you give 4 months’ notice whenever possible. Note: Salary continuation is only available for the period of time that employees would normally work. For example, if you are scheduled to work September through May, you would not be compensated for an absence in June.
Parental leave runs concurrently with leaves like MA PFML and FMLA. Keep in mind that your paid parental leave is considered time against the 12-week maximum under MA PFML or FMLA. So, if you use your eight weeks of parental leave, you may apply for an additional four weeks of MA PFML or FMLA for additional time off.
Other Leaves
If you are a full-time employee in the reserve branches of the Armed Forces of National Guard and are required to attend annual training, you can take Military Training leave. Additionally, WPI provides unpaid military leave for members of the uniformed services.
WPI provides personal, unpaid leave to employees who need time away from work but do not meet eligibility for the above stated leave times. You must coordinate with your supervisor and the Leave Specialist to take personal leave. Every attempt will be made to reinstate employees to the same or similar position upon their return from a personal leave.
Next Steps
If you need to take a leave of absence, you should provide notice to the Leave Specialist within 30 days if possible. We understand that sometimes, you don’t always know if you are going to need to take a leave. If you don’t anticipate taking time off work, you should provide notice as soon as possible.
Your WPI health plan benefits will continue during any leave period (including leave without pay). Employees will be responsible for premium payments during leave and must make arrangements to pay their share of the health insurance premium on a monthly basis to maintain insurance coverage. Your benefits stop when:
- You inform the University of an intent not to return to work at the end of the leave period; or
- You fail to return to work when the PFML or FMLA entitlement is exhausted; or
- You fail to pay premium contribution for elected benefits. Employees are required to coordinate schedule for payment of benefits with Leave Specialist during initial leave of absence consultation.
During your absence, make sure you inform the Leave Specialist and The Hartford about any changes to your requested leave. You will coordinate with your supervisor about specific schedule needs when you are ready to return to work. When your leave is over, you may be required to provide medical clearance.
To contact the WPI Benefits team:
Call: 508-831-5227
Email: benefits@wpi.edu
To contact The Hartford:
Call The Hartford: 877-426-6483 (Policy Number: 715292 )
Visit: thehartford.com/mybenefits
Find Support Through Empathy
You can find support for the loss of a loved one through Empathy, a program that holistically helps the whole you as you deal with loss.
The death of a loved one is unimaginable, and often, it can be difficult to focus on the immediate tasks at hand. Empathy is here to help. Once you register, you have access to services like:
- Step-by-step guidance for preparing a will
- On-demand assistance and details instructions for planning a funeral, burial, or cremation
- And more
Empathy also provides support for your beneficiaries should you pass away. Empathy can help your beneficiaries better understand the challenges that come with loss, like estate planning, probate management, account deactivation, and more.
You can register for these services at join.empathy.com/hartfordcare. Once you are registered, you can access these services by calling 229-544-2332.
| Short Term and Long-Term Disability
Your Short Term and Long-Term Disability coverage is administered by The Hartford.
Disability Benefits
WPI offers eligible non-exempt employees Short Term Disability and all eligible employees Long-Term Disability coverage through The Hartford. These plans offer financial protection in the event you cannot work due to a non-work-related injury or illness. WPI pays the full cost of premium for these coverages.
For more information: Call The Hartford: 877-426-6483 (Policy Number: 715292 ) | Visit: thehartford.com/mybenefits
Short Term Disability (STD)*
Who's Eligible?
All full-time non-exempt and union employees working a minimum of at least 28 hours weekly and 1,456 hours per year, upon completion of the employee waiting period.
Exempt employees have a sick time program administered by WPI in lieu of the STD plan.
When Does This Benefit Begin?
Short-term disability insurance payments begin on the 15th consecutive day following a non-work-related accident or illness and will last for up to 24 weeks.
The STD benefit is 60% of weekly earnings up to a maximum of $750 per week.
Who Pays For This Coverage?
WPI pays the premium cost of this benefit.
*Note: STD and LTD are taxable benefits.
Long-Term Disability (LTD)*
Who's Eligible?
All full-time exempt, non-exempt and union employees working a minimum of at least 28 hours weekly and 1,456 fiscal hours per year, upon completion of the employee waiting period.
When Does This Benefit Begin?
Long-term disability begins after 180 days of disability.
The LTD benefit is 60% of monthly earnings up to a maximum of $10,000 per month.
Who Pays For This Coverage?
WPI pays the premium cost of this benefit.
Questions?
Email benefits@wpi.edu
Benefits Website
Retirement
WPI is committed to helping you plan for retirement and grow your savings.
Retirement Plans
Employees can save for their retirement in two ways.
WPI Employer Contributory Plan
Employees are eligible to participate in WPI's Employer Contributory Plan on the first day of the month following completion of at least twelve months of continuous service, if you are in the eligible class of participants, and work at least 1,000 hours per calendar year. You may schedule an appointment with WPI's investment advisor through TIAA. The waiting period will be waived for any employee with one year of continuous service as a non-student at any non-profit educational organization, teaching hospital, or already participating in a 403B plan immediately prior to the start of employment at WPI. Employees must contribute 5% of their base salary and WPI will contribute 9.5%.
Supplemental Retirement Pre-Tax or Roth Account
All employees are eligible to participate in the Supplement Retirement Plan in the form of pre-tax or roth deductions immediate upon hire. These contributions are employee only deductions.
You may schedule an appointment with WPI's investment advisor through TIAA.
Contributions to the retirement plan are calculated per pay period.
How to Enroll Online Via TIAA
TIAA makes it easy for you to enroll in the WPI Retirement Plans.
Online enrollment is the fastest and easiest way to enroll. Before you begin, have the following information available:
- Your Social Security number
- Your beneficiary’s Social Security number, birth date, and address, if possible
- Your investment allocations (you can learn more about your investment options at TIAA.org/wpi)
- Your account or contract number, if you are a current TIAA participant
To enroll online
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Go to TIAA.org/wpi
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If you are a first-time user: Click New User? Register Online in the Account Login box. On the next page, select Enroll in my retirement plan. Then, on the Welcome screen, select Register with TIAA to create your user ID and password.
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If you are a returning user: Enter your established TIAA User ID and select Log-In.
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Follow the on-screen directions to complete your enrollment application. Note: At the allocation screen, click on any investment choice to view its fact sheet.
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Print a confirmation page from the Thank You screen.
For more information: Call TIAA: 800-732-8353 | Visit: https://www.tiaa.org/public/tcm/wpi
Questions?
Email benefits@wpi.edu
Benefits Website
Other Benefits
WPI’s commitment to providing you with useful benefits to take care of yourself and your family extends beyond traditional health and retirement benefits.
| Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Your EAP is administered by SupportLinc. Through SupportLinc, you have access to 5 free counseling sessions per situation with a licensed counselor, in-person or over the phone. These sessions are always confidential and can help with a range of life issues from stress to anxiety to substance-use and more.
Contact SupportLinc:
Visit: supportlinc.com
Call: (888) 881-5462
Medicare Advocacy Services
Through WPI, you have access to Medicare Advocacy Services from Brown & Brown Eligibility Services. Understanding how Medicare works is essential when evaluating what is best regarding your healthcare coverage.
These services are available at no cost to you. Medicare advocates provide personalized guidance to help you and/or your family members understand the available health coverage options. To learn more about the specific advocacy services you can take advantage of, go to the Medical & Prescription Drug tab.
To contact an Advocate:
Call: 833-830-2386
Email: medicareeligibility@bbabsence.com
| Legal Services
WPI offers legal insurance to employees through Metlife Legal Plans (MetLaw).
MetLaw provides you, your spouse and dependents with fully covered legal services from experienced attorneys at a low monthly group rate, which is paid through the convenience of automatic deductions from your paychecks. And to make it even easier, when you use a Plan Attorney for covered services, there are:
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No deductibles
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No co-payments
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No waiting periods
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No claim forms
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No limits on usage
Payroll deduction:
$10.50 bi-weekly / $22.75 per month (covers you and your spouse and dependents)
For more information: Call Legal Plans: 800-821-6400 | Visit: legalplans.com (use code 6090065 or GETLAW)
Service Information:
| Pet Insurance
Pets are unpredictable. While it’s hard to anticipate accidents and illnesses, Nationwide Pet Insurance makes it a little easier to be prepared for them. From routine office visits to significant medical incidents, Nationwide Pet Insurance provides protection for pets when they need it most.
Nationwide Pet Insurance policies cover a multitude of medical problems and conditions related to accidents and illnesses—even cancer. Coverage is available for dogs, cats, birds and other exotic pets. Additional coverage is available for routine medical care including vaccinations, deworming, spay/neuter procedures and more. Policyholders are free to use any licensed veterinarian anywhere, even while away from home.
Best of all, specially negotiated group rates make this peace-of-mind protection even more affordable.
Nationwide Pet Insurance is the nation’s oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance. Since 1982, the company has worked with more than a million loving pet owners to help deliver optimal care for their pets.
For more information: Call Nationwide: 877-738-7874 | Visit: benefits.petinsurance.com/wpi
| Fitness Center
The WPI Fitness Center, located in the Sports & Recreation Center, is available at no cost to current employees.
For hours of operation, please check with the Department of Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics (831-5243).
Take advantage of the HPHC fitness reimbursement and get reimbursed up to $300 for eligible expenses.
Starting January 1, you’ll have access to the BCBSMA fitness reimbursement – see here for details.
| Identity Protection
Identity theft can happen to anyone. Allstate Identity Protection shields you from identity theft and gives you peace of mind.
Payroll deduction:
- $9.95 per month for individual coverage
- $17.95 per month for family coverage
For more information: Call Allstate: 800-789-2720 | Visit: signin.infoarmor.com/signup
Questions?
Email benefits@wpi.edu
Benefits Website
| Additional Resources
Use the following resources to better understand your benefits and maximize your coverage.
BCBSMA Documents
HPHC Documents
Additional Documents
Questions?
Email benefits@wpi.edu
