Now that the annual benefits open enrollment period is underway, we encourage you to review and make informed decisions about your health care and insurance benefits.

Benefits open enrollment takes place Oct. 31–Nov. 14. Any changes you make to your benefits elections will be effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Here are important considerations to keep in mind as you choose insurance benefits for you and your family.

Health plan options and changes

Choosing the right health plan for you and your family is an important decision. We offer two health plans: UIChoice and UISelect.

Some notable changes to 2026 plans include:

• Premiums: Monthly premiums will increase by no more than $26 per month, depending on your plan and coverage.
• Medical out-of-pocket maximums: Annual out-of-pocket maximums will increase by $300 to $1,100, depending on your plan and coverage.

Dental plan changes

• Premiums: Dental premiums will increase by no more than $1.20 per month, depending on your coverage option.
• Deductibles: There will be a $30 deductible for services provided by premier dentists and $50 for non-participating dentists.

Flexible spending accounts

If you want to contribute to a flexible spending account (FSA), you must reenroll each year. Any funds left over from 2025 will not carry forward to 2026.

• Health care FSA: The maximum contribution per UI employee will increase to $3,300 in 2026.
• Dependent care FSA: The maximum contribution limit per household will increase to $7,500. This marks the first permanent increase in dependent care FSA contributions since 1986.

FSAs are a valuable tool for saving on taxes by allowing you to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.

Reviewing and updating your elections

Even if you don't plan to make changes to your benefits, we recommend reviewing your current elections in Employee Self-Service. Here's why:

• Milestone birthdays: If you turned 40, 50, or 60 this year, your voluntary term life insurance rates may have increased. Review your coverage to adjust to these changes.
• Dependent coverage: If you have dependents who turned 26 this year, they may no longer be eligible for health plan coverage. Use open enrollment to update your dependent information.
• UISelect: You must live in Iowa to enroll in this health plan.
• Waiving insurance: If you choose to waive health insurance through the UI, you need to complete an attestation during open enrollment regarding your health insurance status.
• Beneficiary updates: Ensure your beneficiary designations are up to date to reflect any life changes.

In addition to insurance benefits, the University of Iowa offers a range of resources to support your overall health and well-being, including the Employee Assistance Program, health coaching, the UI Support and Crisis Line, a discounted membership to recreational facilities, and more.

Visit the well-being website to explore a comprehensive list of services and resources available to faculty, staff, and students.

You can find more information about the 2026 open enrollment period on the annual benefits open enrollment webpage or contact University Benefits.