The University of Iowa's benefits program helps support your health, well-being, and peace of mind. As open enrollment approaches, we're sharing a preview of key benefits changes for 2027 so you have time to review your options before enrollment begins.

Annual open enrollment will begin at 8 a.m. Nov. 2 and end at 5 p.m. Nov. 16. You will receive open enrollment information via email on Nov. 2.

What do I need to do?

Review the 2027 benefit changes below and consider whether you need to make updates during open enrollment.

If you plan to participate in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) in 2027, you must enroll during open enrollment. Your current FSA election will not carry over to 2027.

2027 plan cost, coverage changes

Health insurance

• Premiums. Monthly premiums will increase by as much as $35 per month, depending on your plan and coverage level.
  • UIChoice
  • UISelect
• Pharmacy out-of-pocket maximum. Depending on your plan and coverage level, your annual pharmacy out-of-pocket maximum will increase by $300 to $900. This maximum is the most you will pay in a calendar year for covered prescription medications.
• UIChoice Level 3 preventive services. If you are enrolled in UIChoice, preventive care from a Level 3 provider will be subject to 10% coinsurance beginning in 2027. Level 3 includes providers who are not part of UIChoice Levels 1 or 2 networks. Before receiving care, check your provider's level using Wellmark's provider search.

Dental insurance

• Premiums. Monthly premiums will increase by as much as $1.30 per month, depending on your coverage option.
  • Dental II
• Periodontal maintenance therapy. If you receive periodontal maintenance therapy, specialized dental cleaning for people who have been treated for gum disease, your share of the cost will change in 2027. Before receiving care, check your dental provider's tier using Delta Dental's provider search. You will pay:
  • 10% coinsurance when you receive this care from a Delta Dental PPO provider (Tier 1)
  • 20% coinsurance when you receive care from a Delta Dental Premier provider (Tier 2) or a non-participating provider (Tier 3).

MetLife short-term disability

During this year's open enrollment, employees will have an opportunity to enroll in or make changes to short-term disability coverage without submitting a statement of health. This one-time opportunity from MetLife makes it easier to elect or update coverage for 2027.

2027 flexible spending account maximums

• Health care FSA maximum contribution increases to $3,400.
• Dependent care FSA maximum contribution remains $7,500 per household.

Reminder: To participate in an FSA for 2027, you must enroll during open enrollment, even if you are currently enrolled.

Learn more and get help

• Visit the open enrollment webpage
• Email benefits@uiowa.edu
• Call 319-335-2676, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.