The U-M Expanded Long-Term Disability (LTD) Plan is designed to provide partial income replacement, benefits continuation and basic Retirement Savings Plan contributions if you qualify for total disability lasting 12 continuous months or more. There are two levels of expanded LTD coverage: maximum and capped (after 2+ years of service).
Enroll in expanded LTD maximum coverage during Open Enrollment from Monday, Oct. 12, through 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23.
During this year’s Open Enrollment only, active, benefits-eligible employees may enroll in the maximum level of expanded LTD coverage or increase their existing, capped level of expanded LTD coverage without submitting a statement of good health. The Expanded LTD Plan is typically not included in Open Enrollment. Coverage takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Effective Jan. 1, 2027, the Expanded LTD Plan premium rate will decrease by 27% (from the current rate of $7.14 per $1,000 of monthly base salary to $5.20 per $1,000 of monthly base salary.)
The Expanded LTD Plan is typically not included in Open Enrollment, and generally requires submission and approval of a statement of good health. There is no guarantee that a similar enrollment opportunity will be offered in the future.
Disability can affect employees at any age and at any stage of health – whether unexpectedly or as the result of an ongoing or chronic condition. Expanded LTD coverage can provide important financial protection for you and your family if an illness or injury prevents you from working.
Some important questions to ask yourself:
Take advantage of this rare opportunity to enroll in maximum coverage at a reduced rate.
During the first two years of employment, you pay the full cost for LTD coverage. After two years, the university makes a monthly contribution. The university will pay for coverage on annual salary up to a limited amount, and you pay for coverage on salary over that amount. The 2026 covered salary limit of $77,000 will increase to $80,800 for 2027.
If you are enrolled in the capped level of expanded LTD coverage, the university pays the full premium. There is no employee cost for this limited coverage.
Your after-tax, per-pay-period cost will be displayed in Wolverine Access during Open Enrollment. To calculate your monthly cost, visit the Expanded LTD Monthly Cost Calculator web page or use the formula below:
Your monthly cost = monthly salary ÷ 1,000 x $5.20
If your monthly salary is:
$2,500 ÷ 1,000 x $5.20 = $13 per month
$5,000 ÷ 1,000 x $5.20 = $26 per month
$6,250 ÷ 1,000 x $5.20 = $32.50 per month
$8,500 ÷ 1,000 x $5.20 = $44.20 per month
When you have two or more years of service, the university pays for coverage to protect your annual salary up to a limited amount, and you pay for coverage on salary over that amount. The 2027 university-paid salary limit is $80,800 or $6,733.33 monthly.
Your monthly cost = (monthly salary - $6,733.33) ÷ 1,000 x $5.20
If your monthly salary is:
$6,733.33 (or less) = No monthly cost
($8,500 - $6,733.33) ÷ 1,000 x $5.20 = $9.19 per month
($10,000 - $6,733.33) ÷ 1,000 x $5.20 = $16.99 per month
Important 2027 Cost Information: The per-pay-period premium displayed in Wolverine Access during Open Enrollment is an estimate. It uses the 2027 rate of $5.20 but is based on the 2026 university-paid salary limit of $77,000. That limit will increase to $80,800 on Jan. 1, 2027, so your actual 2027 premium may be lower than the amount displayed.
The maximum level of expanded LTD coverage can:
The capped level of expanded LTD coverage can:
Benefits elections must be submitted online with Benefits Self-Service in Wolverine Access.
1. Click on the “Open Enrollment” tile and follow the prompt list on the left.
If your annual salary is $77,000 or less, go to step 4.
2. Click on the "Long-Term Disability University Contribution" tile.
3. Select "LTD University Contribution."
4. Click on the “Long-Term Disability” tile.
5. Select EXPLTD Salary Cov’d up to MAX (or PhyLTD Salary Cov’d up to MAX if you are a practicing physician).
6. Click on “Save” in the upper right hand corner.
7. Review your current benefit elections in all other plans and make necessary changes.
8. Click on the “Finalize Elections” button and follow all steps to access your submitted confirmation statement.
Faculty and staff members (outside of the AFSCME* union) hired before Sept. 1, 1981, and Trades staff members hired before Aug. 1, 1986, may be participating in the Basic LTD Plan. If you are one of these grandfathered individuals, you are eligible to enroll in the Expanded LTD Plan.
During this year's Open Enrollment only, you may enroll in expanded LTD coverage without submitting a statement of good health. Please refer to an email you received from the Benefits Office on Oct. 1, 2026, for a link to the enrollment form.
View the "How Maximum Coverage Compares with Capped Coverage" section to see the Expanded LTD Plan benefits. In comparison, basic LTD coverage is all university-paid, and the plan can:
*AFSCME members are eligible only for the Basic LTD Plan, and enrollment is automatic after four years of continuous service.
Consult with a benefits representative in the Shared Services Center - HR Customer Care by calling 734-615-2000 (local or off-campus), or 866-647-7657 (toll-free) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m.