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Overview: Annual Open Enrollment 2026
Welcome to the Annual Open Enrollment period for the 2026 benefits plan year. This is an important time for all benefit-eligible employees to review their current benefit elections and make any necessary updates to ensure coverage that best meets their needs and those of their families.
Open Enrollment provides an opportunity to:
- Enroll in or make changes to medical, dental, and voluntary benefits.
- Review and update dependent information.
- Elect or adjust contributions to flexible spending accounts (FSAs), if applicable.
Important Open Enrollment Reminders
- Make your 2026 elections in Employee Self-Service from Oct. 31 - Nov. 14, 2025.
- NO changes accepted after the final date.
- If you want FSA in 2026, you must re-enroll.
- If you do nothing during this OE period, your current elections will roll over EXCEPT for FSA contributions.
- Watch for your Benefits Confirmation Statement and ensure your benefits are what they should be for 2026.
Oct. 31
Open Enrollment Begins
Employees can begin electing 2026 benefits in Employee Self-Service
Nov. 14
Open Enrollment Ends
Last day to make changes to your benefits for 2026.
Jan. 1
2026 Changes Take Effect
New coverage and premiums begin for plan year 2026.
What is Changing in Your 2026 Benefits
Key changes are coming to health, dental, and FSA benefits:
Health premiums will increase based on your selected plan, and both plans will see higher out-of-pocket maximums. Dental II premiums and deductibles will rise with higher costs for premier and non-participating dentists. Flexible Spending Account (FSA) maximums are increasing for both health care and dependent care.
Health Insurance
2026 Health Premium Rates
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2026
| Coverage Option | UIChoice | uiselect |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $95 | $0 |
| Employee + Spouse | $456 | $325 |
| Employee + Child | $372 | $266 |
| Family | $488 | $349 |
| Double Spouse Family | $244 | $0 |
Medical OPMs Increasing
In 2026, there will be an increase to the medical out-of-pocket maximums (OPM) for both UIChoice and UISelect:
- UIChoice OPMs
- Levels 1 and 2: $2,300 single / $4,600 family
- Level 3: $3,000 single / $6,000 family
- UISelect OPMs
- Level 1: $2,700 single / $4,700 family
- Level 2: $4,100 single / $8,100 family
Dental Insurance
2026 Dental Rates
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2026
| Coverage Option | Dental II |
|---|---|
| Single | $0 |
| Employee + Spouse | $21.90 |
| Employee + Child | $23 |
| Family | $30.80 |
| Double Spouse Family | $0 |
Deductibles Increasing
In 2026, there will be plan deductible changes for Tier 2 and Tier 3 dental providers.
Tier 2 Delta Dental Premier provider: $30 deductible
Tier 3 Non-participating providers with Delta Dental: $50 deductible
Reminder: These deductibles do not apply to preventive care.
2026 Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
YOU MUST TAKE ACTION TO PARTICIPATE.
$ 3,300
2026 Health Care FSA
The maximum contribution limit per UI employee is increasing for 2026.
$ 7,500
2026 Dependent Care FSA
The maximum contribution limit per household is increasing in 2026 for the first time since 1986.
Decisions to Make During Open Enrollment
The University Benefits Office advises all eligible employees to access Employee Self-Service to review their current benefit elections, regardless of whether they intend to make changes. Here are our top reasons why this review is essential:
Compare Health Plan Changes
In 2026, monthly premium rates for both UIChoice and UISelect health plans will increase, along with the medical out-of-pocket maximums. This is an ideal time to review and compare plan options to ensure you select the best coverage for yourself and your dependents.
Did you celebrate a milestone birthday this year?
The voluntary Term Life (VTL) insurance plan is age-rated, meaning rates increase when an enrolled employee turns 40, 50, or 60. Be sure to review your current elections and determine the appropriate amount of coverage you need moving forward.
Review Your Personal Information
Annual open enrollment is a great time each year to review your personal information within Employee Self-Service:
- Review your beneficiaries - if you make updates, don't forget to visit your mandatory retirement account to make the same updates.
- Ensure your home address is correct. New medical cards will be issued in 2026 with the updated medical OPM information.
- Personal Health Information Release Form - review who has been listed as an appointed member who can speak to UI Benefits and Payroll in the case you are unable to communicate with us.
Open Enrollment Resources
What's New and Changing for 2026 Guide (pdf)
- 2026 Open Enrollment Guide - in English (pdf)
- 2026 Open Enrollment Guide - in Spanish (pdf)
- 2026 Open Enrollment Guide - in French (pdf)
- 2026 Open Enrollment Guide - Text Only Version (pdf)
Health Plan Comparison (pdf)
- Health Plan Comparison - in English (pdf)
- Health Plan Comparison - in Spanish (pdf)
- Health Plan Comparison - in French (pdf)
2026 Summary of Benefits and Coverage (pdf)
- UISelect Active Employee Blue HMO SBC (pdf)
- UIChoice Active Employee Blue POS SBC (pdf)
2026 Dental Plan Documents
- 2026 Dental II Benefit Summary (pdf)
- 2026 Summary Plan Description (pdf)