What is Benefits Open Enrollment?
The Benefits Open Enrollment period is October 6 – October 31, 2025! This is an annual opportunity for benefits eligible employees to enroll in or make changes to most benefits for the upcoming calendar year. Benefits Open Enrollment is the only time you are eligible to make changes unless you have a qualifying life event, such as a family or employment status change.
Changes made will be effective January 1, 2026
The 2026 benefits information is summarized below. Find 2025 benefits information on the Universities of Wisconsin Employee Benefits website.
Benefits Changes for 2026
Check out the Benefits Highlights video (coming soon) to see what’s changing for 2026.
Attend an in-person benefits fair (offered at some institutions) or virtual benefit sessions to learn more about your benefits. For dates, times, and to register for the virtual sessions, review the Benefit & Wellness Fairs web page.
Review the information below to understand the benefits changes so you can make informed decisions for you and your family.
Updated: 09/15/2025
State Group Health Insurance
Health plan designs (health plan and high deductible health plan) will remain the same. Copayments and coinsurance levels within the plan designs will also remain the same.
State Group Health Insurance – 2026 CHANGES:
Employee Premiums (see chart below)
Employee premiums for all plan designs will increase effective January 1, 2026.
High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) – Deductible
To remain compliant with the federal minimum deductible requirement for HDHPs, annual deductibles will increase to $1,700 for individual coverage and $3,400 for family coverage.
Health Insurance Plan Carriers
There are a few name changes for some of the health insurance carriers starting January 1, 2026.
- Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative: renamed CareSource
- Dean Health Plan Medica West and Mayo Clinic Health System: renamed Medica West and Mayo Clinic Health System
- Dean Health Plan Prevea360 East: renamed Prevea360 East
- Dean Health Plan: renamed Dean Health Plan by Medica
If you are currently enrolled with any of these health insurance carriers, you will automatically remain enrolled with the renamed carrier and dependents for 2026 unless you make a change. All other health insurance plan carriers will remain in the program for 2026.
Covered Services
- Cover continuous glucose monitors under the pharmacy benefit only
- Expand eligible conditions for medically necessary biofeedback treatment
The following resources can be found in the Resources section below.
- Health & Pharmacy Comparison will help you choose a plan design
- Health Plan Search and Insurance Benefits Decision Guide will show you which counties are covered by each insurance carrier
- How To Choose Your Health Insurance Plan web page provides steps to help you choose a health plan design that fits your needs and a health insurance carrier that will provide services in the county you would like to receive services in
Review the State Group Health Insurance web page for additional information.
State Group Health Insurance – 2026 monthly Premiums (active employees)
| 2026 Monthly Employee Premiums (without Uniform Dental) |
Health Plan (WRS benefit package) |
High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) (WRS benefit package) |
Health Plan (non-WRS Graduate Assistant / Short-Term Academic Staff benefit package) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | Family | Individual | Family | Individual | Family | |
| Health Plan & HDHP (excludes Access Plans) | $128.00 | $318.00 | $45.00 | $111.00 | $64.00 | $159.00 |
| Access Health Plan & Access HDHP | $331.00 | $822.00 | $248.00 | $615.00 | $165.50 | $411.00 |
| Access Health Plan & Access HDHP (if required to work outside of Wisconsin) |
$198.00 | $497.00 | $115.00 | $290.00 | $99.00 | $248.50 |
All employee premiums in the above chart are without Uniform Dental. Review the chart in the dental section below for the employee dental premiums for 2026.
All employee premiums include administrative fees for the State Group Health Insurance Program, Pharmacy Benefits, and Well Wisconsin Program. You cannot decline the administrative fees.
Review the Universities of Wisconsin Employee Premiums web page for 2025 premiums.
Important: The health plan and HDHP only provide out-of-network coverage for emergencies and urgent care situations. Contact your health insurance carrier to make sure that your preferred doctors, clinics, and hospitals will remain in-network. Carrier contact information can be found in the Insurance Benefits Decision Guide (available in the Resources section below).
Pharmacy Benefits
Pharmacy benefits are included in all State Group Health Insurance plan designs. Navitus Health Solutions administers the pharmacy benefits. Find in-network pharmacies, the formulary list, and mail order information on the Navitus website, or call Navitus at (866) 333-2757 with questions.
Review the Health & Pharmacy Benefits Comparison in the Resources section below to determine how pharmacy benefits are covered by each plan design.
Health Insurance premiums include administrative fees for the State Group Health Insurance Program, Pharmacy Benefits, and Well Wisconsin Program. You cannot decline the administrative fees.
Health/Medical Insurance Opt-Out Incentive
If you do not need health insurance coverage through the Universities of Wisconsin, you may be eligible for the Opt-Out Incentive. The Opt-Out Incentive is taxable and the $2,000 is paid evenly over 24 pay periods (two paychecks each month). Enrollment is required each year to receive the Opt-Out Incentive.
See the How to Enroll section below for enrollment information. Or review the Opt-Out Incentive web page for additional information.
Uniform, Preventive & Supplemental Dental Insurance
Uniform and Preventive Dental Insurance plans provide the same coverage for diagnostic, preventive, basic, and orthodontic services. Review the following to determine which plan (Uniform Dental or Preventive Dental) you are eligible for:
- If you enroll in State Group Health Insurance, you are eligible for the Uniform Dental Insurance plan.
- If you decline State Group Health Insurance OR elect the Opt-Out Incentive, you are eligible for the Preventive Dental Insurance plan.
You may enroll in either the Uniform or the Preventive plan and one Supplemental Dental Insurance plan (Select or Select Plus plan).
Your enrollment, coverage level, and dependents will remain the same from 2025 to 2026 if you do not make a change.
DENTAL INSURANCE – 2026 CHANGES:
- Employee Premiums (see chart below)
- Uniform Dental (individual coverage) and Select Plan: Premiums will remain the same
- Uniform Dental (family coverage), Preventive, and Select Plus plans: Premiums will increase
For additional information, review the plan comparison and premium chart provided below.
Dental Insurance – 2026 PLAN Comparison
| Uniform Dental Insurance and Preventive Dental Insurance | Supplemental Dental – Select Plan | Supplemental Dental – Select Plus Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provider Network | Delta Dental PPO & Delta Dental Premier | Delta Dental PPO | Delta Dental PPO & Delta Dental Premier |
| Benefit Maximum | $1,000 / person | $1,000 / person | $2,500 / person |
| Deductible | None | $100 / person | $25 / person |
| Preventive Services | 100% | No coverage | No coverage |
| Basic Services | 100%: fillings, periodontal maintenance 80%: anesthesia, emergency pain relief | No coverage (except anesthesia at 50%) |
No coverage (except anesthesia at 80%) |
| Major Services | No coverage | 50% | 60% or 80% (varies by service) |
| Orthodontia (lifetime maximum) |
50% up to $1,500 (to age 19) |
No coverage | 50% up to $1,500 (in addition to Uniform or Preventive Dental) (includes adult ortho) |
Dental Insurance – 2026 monthly Premiums (active employees)
| 2026 Monthly Employee Premiums | Uniform Dental | Preventive Dental | Supplemental Dental – Select Plan | Supplemental Dental – Select Plus Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | $4.00 | $37.18 | $9.08 | $22.24 |
| Individual + Spouse | $11.00 | $92.98 | $18.16 | $44.52 |
| Individual + Child(ren) | $11.00 | $92.98 | $12.24 | $41.32 |
| Family | $11.00 | $92.98 | $21.76 | $68.18 |
Vision Insurance
This plan provides coverage for an annual eye exam and materials (contacts/glasses).
VISION INSURANCE – 2026 changes:
There will be an administrator change for 2026. The allowance for materials will remain the same (up to $150).
- New Administrator: MetLife
- New Network: MetLife Superior network
- Employee Premiums: Decrease
Your enrollment, coverage level, and dependents will remain the same from 2025 to 2026 unless you make a change during the enrollment period.
Review the documents provided in the Resources section for additional information.
vision insurance – 2026 monthly premiums (active employees)
| 2026 Monthly Employee Premiums | |
|---|---|
| Individual | $4.72 |
| Individual + Spouse | $9.40 |
| Individual + Child(ren) | $10.60 |
| Family | $16.94 |
Individual & Family Life Insurance
There are no changes to the Individual & Family Life Insurance Program for 2026.
If you currently have coverage, during the benefits enrollment period (October 6 – October 31, 2025), you may:
- increase your employee coverage by up to $20,000 (in $5,000 increments, up to the plan maximum, without proof of good health);
- increase your spouse/domestic partner coverage by up to $10,000 and/or child coverage by $2,500 (up to plan maximums), the amount of spouse/domestic partner and child coverage may not exceed the amount of employee coverage;
- decrease or cancel coverage at any time.
If you increase your coverage by more than the allowed amount(s) your coverage will be adjusted to your previous coverage plus the allowed amount(s). For any amount(s) elected over the allowed amount(s) you will be provided information on applying for coverage through Evidence of Insurability (approval not guaranteed).
If you currently have spouse/domestic partner and/or child coverage, during your enrollment session review and update your spouse/domestic partner and child information.
Your coverage will remain the same from 2025 to 2026 if you do not make any changes.
Review the Individual & Family Life Insurance web page for additional information.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
Premiums will decrease for the AD&D Insurance plan for 2026.
You may enroll in, change, or cancel your AD&D coverage during the Benefits Open Enrollment period, or at any time. Changes made will be effective January 1, 2026.
Your enrollment and coverage level will remain the same from 2025 to 2026 if you do not make a change.
Review the AD&D Insurance web page for details on the plan.
Accident Insurance
This plan provides a lump sum payment to you for specific injuries due to an accident (for example: fractures, stitches, hospitalization). Additional features of the plan include an accidental death & dismemberment benefit and identity theft coverage. Review the Accident Insurance web page for additional information.
accident insurance – 2026 changes:
Employee premiums will increase in 2026.
If you are currently enrolled in individual + spouse, individual + children, or family coverage, you must re-enroll your spouse and/or eligible children during your enrollment session; otherwise, your spouse and/or eligible children will not have coverage in 2026.
If you are currently enrolled in individual coverage, you will remain enrolled in individual coverage for 2026, unless you make a change during the Open Enrollment period.
accident insurance – 2026 monthly premiums (active employees)
| 2026 Monthly Employee Premiums | |
|---|---|
| Individual | $3.92 |
| Individual + Spouse | $5.58 |
| Individual + Child(ren) | $7.52 |
| Family | $10.98 |
Spending and Savings Accounts
Flexible Spending Accounts (healthcare, limited purpose, dependent daycare), Health Savings Account, and Parking & Transit Accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible expenses, determined by the IRS. Specific eligibility requirements apply and re-enrollment is required each year to participate. Below are the maximum contribution and carryover amounts for 2026. For additional information, review the Spending & Savings Accounts web page.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
FSA – 2026 contribution and carryover amounts:
| Account Type | Minimum | Maximum | Carryover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Limited Purpose FSA | $50 | $3,300 per year (increase) | $50* – $660 (increase) |
| Dependent Day Care Account | NA | $3,750 or $7,500 depending on tax filing status (increase) | NA |
| Parking & Transit Accounts | $50 | $325 per month (increase) | $50* – Unlimited |
*REMINDER: To be eligible for carryover from 2025 to 2026, you must:
- have a minimum balance of $50 in your FSA at the end of the run-out period (March 31, 2026) OR
- re-enroll for the 2026 plan year
Note: If eligible for carryover, it will be applied to your FSA around April 15, 2026.
Health Savings Account (HSA)
hsa – 2026 contribution amounts:
The employer contribution to your HSA, if eligible, will increase to $852 for individual coverage and $1,704 for family coverage. The below maximum contribution amounts include the employer contribution.
- Individual HDHP: $4,400* (increase)
- Family HDHP: $8,750* (increase)
*If you are or will attain age 55+ in 2026, you may contribute an additional $1,000 to your HSA.
If you are paid on an annual basis (over 12 months), the employer and employee contributions are processed on 24 paychecks per calendar year (first two paychecks each month).
If you are paid on an academic year basis (over 9 months), the employer and employee contributions are processed on 18 paychecks during the academic year. You will receive the full employer contribution (if eligible) and meet your annual employee contribution amount over 18 paychecks.
NOTE: The administrator for the Spending and Savings Accounts will change from Optum to TASC starting January 1, 2026. For additional information and key dates, review
the FSA & HSA Vendor Change web page.
Changes Allowed during Benefits Open Enrollment
| Benefit Plan | What Changes are Allowed? | Add or Remove Dependents* | Cancel |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Group Health Insurance | Enroll, Change Plan Design and/or Carrier | Yes | Yes |
| Health/Medical Insurance Opt-Out Incentive |
MUST re-enroll each year | N/A | N/A (automatically ends December 31st) |
| Uniform Dental Insurance | Enroll (if enrolled in State Group Health) |
Yes | Yes |
| Preventive Dental Insurance | Enroll (if not enrolled in State Group Health) |
Yes | Yes |
| Supplemental Dental Insurance | Enroll, Change Plans (Select OR Select Plus) | Yes | Yes |
| Vision Insurance | Enroll | Yes | Yes |
| Individual & Family Life Insurance | If currently enrolled, you may increase coverage. | You may not add dependents, but you may remove dependents anytime. | Yes (anytime) |
| Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance | Enroll, Change Volume of Coverage | Yes | Yes (anytime) |
| Accident Insurance | Enroll | Yes: You MUST re-enroll your spouse and/or children (this year only) | Yes |
| Flexible Spending Accounts | MUST re-enroll each year | N/A | N/A (automatically ends December 31st) |
| Health Savings Account (must have High Deductible Health Plan) |
MUST re-enroll each year | N/A | N/A (automatically ends December 31st) |
* To determine if you can cover your spouse and/or dependent children, see the Dependent Eligibility Chart available in the Resources section below.
How To Enroll
This year, enrolling in your benefits may be a multi-step process.
- You will need a My Benefits account to access the benefits enrollment system. This is a one-time registration process that you must complete prior to enrolling in your benefits. For instructions, review Set Up Account in My Benefits.
- Log into Workday then go to Menu > Personal > Benefits and Pay > Suggested Links > My Insurance Benefits.
- Log into My Insurance Benefits using your My Benefits credentials. Then, review your current benefits/dependents and enroll for the 2026 plan year (October 6 – October 31, 2025, 4:30 pm).
If you add your spouse or dependent children to your benefits, when you enroll, you may be required to provide their full name, Social Security Number, date of birth, and documentation (marriage certificate for your spouse or birth certificates for your dependent children).
Other Considerations and Reminders
- Wisconsin Retirement System: Employee and employer contributions to the WRS will increase to 7.2% for most employees effective January 1, 2026.
- State Group Life Insurance: Employee coverage premium will increase 5% for most age groups effective April 1, 2026. Spouse & Dependent coverage premium will remain the same.
- Income Continuation Insurance: Effective April 1, 2026, premium rates will decrease.
- There is no open enrollment opportunity for the following plans but you can apply at any time with proof of good health: State Group Life Insurance, Individual & Family Life Insurance, Income Continuation Insurance
- You can enroll in the following plans at any time: Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, UW 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program (SRP), Wisconsin Deferred Compensation (457) Program, Parking & Transit Accounts, Long-term Care Insurance
Well-being Resources
The $150 Well Wisconsin incentive is available to you and your spouse in 2026 if you enroll in State Group Health Insurance. To earn the incentive, complete a health assessment questionnaire, health check, and a WebMD well-being activity.
- Deadline for the 2025 incentive: October 17, 2025
- Deadline for the 2026 incentive: October 16, 2026
Review the Well-Being Resources web page for information on the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), flu vaccine clinics, mental health resources, and well-being webinars.
Health Insurance premiums include administrative fees for the State Group Health Insurance Program, Pharmacy Benefits, and Well Wisconsin Program. You cannot decline the administrative fees.
You may make changes beginning October 6, 2025. All benefit elections must be submitted by Friday, October 31, 2025, 4:30 pm. Changes are effective January 1, 2026.
Resources
State Group Health Insurance
- How to Choose Your Health Insurance Plan
- Health & Pharmacy Benefits Comparison
- Health Plan Search
- State & Federal Notifications
Dental Insurance
- Dental Insurance Brochure
- Dental Insurance Plan Comparison
- Find a Provider: Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
- Vision Insurance Brochure
- Vision Insurance Summary
- Find a Provider: Vision Insurance
I&F, AD&D, Accident Insurance
- I&F Life Insurance Premium Calculator
- AD&D Insurance Fact Sheet
- Accident Insurance Brochure
Spending & Savings Accounts
- FSA Enrollment Handbook
- HSA Enrollment Handbook
- Parking & Transit Accounts Enrollment Handbook
Additional Information
- Dependent Eligibility Chart
- Employee Presentations web page
- Insurance Benefits Decision Guide
- Reference Guide (retirees)