GET READY FOR

Annual Benefits Open Enrollment

It’s that time of year to review your benefits and make any updates for the upcoming plan year, July 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026. This Open Enrollment will cover a short plan year as we transition to a January – December cycle starting January 1, 2027, to align with the calendar year. 



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May 4 - May 15, 2026

Learn More About Open Enrollment

It’s that time of year to review your benefits and make any updates for the upcoming plan year, July 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026. This Open Enrollment will cover a short plan year as we transition to a January – December cycle starting January 1, 2027, to align with the calendar year. 


  • Open Enrollment Dates

    • Open Enrollment Begins: Monday, May 4, 2026
    • Deadline: Friday, May 15, at 11:59 PM PST
  • What is Open Enrollment?

    Open Enrollment is that time of year to review your benefits and make any updates for the upcoming plan year, July 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026.


    Passive Enrollment: Your current benefit elections will automatically roll over into the short plan year, July 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026.


    ⚠️ Exception: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

    FSA elections do not roll over. You must re-enroll each year to continue participation in the Healthcare FSA and/or Dependent Care FSA.


  • Short Plan Year

    To align benefits with the calendar year, this open enrollment will cover a short plan year. This change aligns your benefits with annual deductibles, out-of-pocket limits, and IRS contribution limits that reset each January.


    • 2026 Short Plan Year: July 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026 
    • Starting 2027: Benefits will follow a January 1 to December 31 plan year

  • Update Your FSAs and HSAs

    FSA Re-Enrollment

    FSA elections do not roll over. You must re-enroll each year to continue participation in the Healthcare FSA and/or Dependent Care FSA. 


    ⚠️ 


    ⚠️ Adjusted Contribution Limits for Short Plan Year (July 1 – December 31, 2026). FSA funds elected for this short plan year must be used within the 6-month plan year.

    • Healthcare FSA: Although the 2026 IRS limit is $3,400, your maximum contribution limit for the short plan year will be $1,700. 
    • Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA): Although the 2026 IRS limit is $7,500 ($3,750 if married filing separately), your maximum contribution limit for the short plan year will be $5,000.


    HSA Contribution Limits Increased

    The IRS has increased HSA contribution limits for 2026. Maximums reset each January, so be sure to review and update your contributions for the new plan year.

    • Individual: $4,400
    • Family: $8,750
    • Catch-up (age 55+): $1,000
  • How to Enroll?

    Benefit enrollment is through Workday. NU employees can access Workday via the SSO Chiclet. Job Aid available under Open Enrollment Resources below.

  • Benefit Resources

    Attend a live webinar - live presentations with our benefit carriers and Benefits team. View Webinar Schedule.


    Scroll down to Open Enrollment Resources section for:

    • Pre-Recorded Benefits Presentation: Presentation is available on-demand if you are unable to attend a live webinar. 
    • Benefits Guide - for plan comparisons and rates.
    • New Plan Year Changes; Availalable as a PDF Flyer and video.
    • Workday Enrollment Instructions: View step-by-step guidance on how to complete open enrollment elections.

    The Benefits Summaries & Details section will include links to detailed information about each specific benefit - medical, dental, vision, and more.

  • Contact

    • For general benefits questions, contact AskHR@nu.edu.  
    • For questions regarding which benefit option is best for you, contact brcca@usi.com

Open Enrollment Resources

Select icon below to access each resource



Benefits Summaries & Details

For benefit summaries and rates, view the Benefits Guide. For complete details on each specific benefit, visit its respective page.


Medical:

Updated plan descriptions and benefits of coverage will be posted here end of May. In the meantime, please review benefit summaries and rates in our New Benefits Guide (linked under Open Enrollment Resources above).


Dental:


Vision:

Open Enrollment Communications

We know inboxes can get crowded, so we will link Open Enrollment communications here for easy access in case you miss them.


New Benefit Plan Year Checklist


Review the checklist below to help you prepare for the new Benefit Plan Year effective July 1, 2026. 


  • Check your pay statement in Workday: Confirm that your benefit deductions for the new plan year are correct. To review your benefits, log into Workday: Menu → Personal → MyHub → Benefits & Pay Hub. National University employees can log into Workday via the SSO Chiclet.
  • Watch for New ID cards: If you made changes to your benefits during Open Enrollment, you may receive new insurance cards.  If you do not receive ID cards by 7/15/2026, please contact askhr@nu.edu.
  • Set up your User Accounts: Register with each carrier’s website or mobile app to manage your benefits digitally. Carrier links are available on the Benefits Resource Site.
  • Stay Informed: Continue checking the monthly HR Remote newsletter for important benefits & wellness updates, reminders, and upcoming events.


Your Feedback Matters
We’re always looking for ways to improve our benefit programs, resources, and employee experience. Share your feedback or suggestions with the Benefits team
here.


Have Questions?


For general benefit inquiries, contact AskHR@nu.edu.

For guidance on benefit plan options, contact brcca@usi.com.