Home > Equal Rights Division > Labor Standards Bureau > Cessation of Health Care Benefits

Cessation of Health Care Benefits

Section 109.075 Wisconsin Statutes provides that Wisconsin employers who plan to discontinue health care benefits to current employees, retirees and dependents of employees or retirees in some instances must provide the affected individuals with 60 days advance notice of the cessation of benefits. Employers with 50 or more employees in Wisconsin must display the " Notification Required for Cessation of Health Care Benefits Poster" in one or more conspicuous places where notices are normally posted for employees at that work location. This Law is enforced by the filing of a complaint (Cessation of Health Care Benefits Complaint Form) with the Equal Rights Division within 300 days.

Frequently Asked Questions. (Click on Question for Answer)

• Which current or former employers must comply with this requirement?
• Who is an affected individual entitled to notification?
• What would be the purpose of filing a complaint about not receiving advance notification of a cessation of health care benefits?

Which current or former employers must comply with this requirement?

Employers who operate a business enterprise in Wisconsin that employs 50 or more persons in this state must provide advance written notice of the employer’s intention to cease providing health care benefits to affected parties.

Who is an affected individual entitled to notification?

Employees, any union representing employees of that business, retirees and dependents of employees and retirees currently covered by the health care benefit plan are entitled to receive 60 days advanced written notification that their benefits will cease.

What would be the purpose of filing a complaint about not receiving advance notification of a cessation of health care benefits?

A complainant who did not receive proper advance notification may receive either the value of the insurance premium's) for the period without notification or the actual value of medical expenses incurred during the non-notification period (maximum of 60 days).