Benefits-eligible employees can enroll in coverage or make changes to most benefits for the upcoming calendar year during Benefits Open Enrollment: October 5 – October 30, 2026. Outside of this timeframe, changes are only allowed if you experience a qualifying life event, such as a change in family or employment status. Changes made will be effective January 1, 2027.
There will be benefits changes for 2027. To learn about the changes, review the information below, watch the Benefits Highlights video (coming soon), attend an in-person benefits fair (available at most universities), or join virtual benefits sessions. For the dates/times of the onsite fairs and virtual sessions, go to the Benefits & Wellness Fairs 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 | NA | NA (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 | Yes |
| Flexible Spending Accounts | MUST re-enroll each year | NA | NA (automatically ends December 31st) |
| Health Savings Account (must have High Deductible Health Plan) | MUST re-enroll each year | NA | NA (automatically ends December 31st) |
State Group Health Insurance
The health insurance plan design options (health plan, high deductible health plan (HDHP), access health plan, and access HDHP) will remain the same for 2027. Review each of the sections below for some important changes starting January 1, 2027.
Health Insurance Plan Carriers
All health insurance plan carriers will remain in the program for 2027. Some important service area changes are below.
- Robin with HealthPartners will be renamed HealthPartners Northeast.
- If you are currently enrolled with Robin with HealthPartners Health Plan, you will automatically be enrolled with HealthPartners Northeast Health Plan covering the same dependents, unless you make a change.
- If you are currently enrolled with Robin with Health Partners High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), you must re-enroll in the Health Savings Account during the enrollment period.
- HealthPartners Northeast will no longer cover most services in Florence, Fond du Lac, or Green Lake county.
- HealthPartners Northeast will continue to cover most services in Brown, Calumet, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette (limited), Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Waupaca, Waushara, and Winnebago county.
- HealthPartners Southeast:
- Will no longer cover most services in Kenosha or Racine county.
- Will continue to cover most services in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, Washington, and Waukesha county.
- HealthPartners West:
- Will no longer cover most services in Ashland or Bayfield county.
- Will continue to cover most services in Burnett, Douglas, Pierce, Polk, St. Croix, and Washburn county.
Health Insurance Plan Covered Services Enhancements
- Cover additional compression garments for treating lymphedema,
- Adjust the physical, speech, and occupational therapy maximum number of visits to a combined limit for all therapy disciplines, and
- Expand coverage to treat degenerative eye diseases and sleep apnea
Health Insurance Plan Design Changes (deductibles, out-of-pocket limits, copayments)
- Annual Deductibles:
- High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and Access HDHP: $2,000 for individual coverage, $4,000 for family coverage
- Health Plan (also known as the Choice Plan) and Access Health Plan: $400 for individual coverage, $800 for family coverage
- Annual Out-of-Pocket Limits:
- High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and Access HDHP: $3,500 for individual coverage, $7,000 for family coverage
- Health Plan (also known as the Choice Plan) and Access Health Plan: $2,000 for individual coverage, $4,000 for family coverage
- Emergency Room Copayment:
- Regardless of plan design, the emergency room copayment will increase to $125 per visit
Monthly Employee Premiums
| 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 | $135.00 / $335.00 | $47.00 / $117.00 | $67.50 / $167.50 |
| Access Health Plan & Access HDHP | $368.00 / $914.00 | $280.00 / $696.00 | $184.00 / $457.00 |
| Access Health Plan & Access HDHP (if required to work outside of WI) | $209.00 / $525.00 | $121.00 / $307.00 | $104.50 / $262.50 |
Pharmacy Benefits Changes
Pharmacy benefits are included in all State Group Health Insurance plan designs. Some important pharmacy benefits changes starting January 1, 2027 are listed below.
- Copayments and Coinsurance Changes
- Level 1 medications: copayment will increase to a maximum of $10 per fill
- Level 2 medications: covered at 25% up to a maximum of $60 per fill
- Level 3 medications: covered at 45% up to a maximum of $175 per fill
- Level 4 medications: copayment will increase to a maximum of $60 per fill
- Level 5 medications (only for anti-obesity medications for weight-loss): $200 per fill
- Coverage Enhancement
- Coverage for anti-obesity medications for weight-loss will be added starting January 1, 2027.
- Mail Order Services
- Mail order services allow you to obtain a 90-day supply of most level 1 and level 2 maintenance medications. Currently, Costco Pharmacy is the mail order service provider for pharmacy benefits. Starting January 1, 2027, UW Health Pharmacy will also be a preferred mail order service provider. In 2027, you can use Costco Pharmacy and/or UW Health Pharmacy for your mail order services for pharmacy benefits.
Navitus Health Solutions administers the pharmacy benefits. Find in-network pharmacies and the formulary list on the Navitus website. Or call Navitus at (866) 333-2757 with questions.
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).
Health 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 per month). Re-enrollment is required each year to receive the Opt-Out Incentive.
Dental Insurance
The Uniform and Preventive Dental Insurance plans provide the same coverage for diagnostic, preventive, basic, and orthodontic services. 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). Your enrollment, coverage level, and dependents will remain the same for 2027 if you do not make a change during the enrollment period.
Dental Insurance Plan Comparison
| Uniform Dental & Preventive Dental | 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) |
Monthly Employee Premiums
| Uniform Dental | Preventive Dental | Supplemental Dental: Select Plan | Supplemental Dental: Select Plus Plan | |
| Individual | $5.00 | $38.48 | $9.08 | $23.08 |
| Individual + Spouse | $11.00 | $96.24 | $18.16 | $46.16 |
| Individual + Child(ren) | $11.00 | $96.24 | $12.24 | $42.90 |
| Family | $11.00 | $96.24 | $21.76 | $70.78 |
Vision Insurance
Vision insurance provides coverage for an annual eye exam and materials (contacts or glasses). Your enrollment, coverage level, and dependents will remain the same for 2027 unless you make a change during the enrollment period.
Monthly Employee Premiums
| Individual | Individual + Spouse | Individual + Child(ren) | Family |
| $4.72 | $9.40 | $10.60 | $16.94 |
Individual & Family Life Insurance
Individual & Family Life Insurance provides group term life insurance and includes an accidental death & dismemberment benefit. Your coverage will remain the same for 2027 if you do not make any changes during the enrollment period.
If You Are Currently Enrolled
- If you currently have coverage, without evidence of insurability (proof of good health), during the enrollment period you may increase your:
- employee coverage by up to $20,000 (up to the plan maximum of $300,000),
- spouse/domestic partner coverage by up to $10,000 (up to the plan maximum of $150,000),
- child coverage by $2,500 (up to the plan maximum of $25,000),
- decrease or cancel coverage (at any time)
- If you currently have coverage and want to increase your coverage in an amount greater than what’s listed above, you may apply for the additional amount through evidence of insurability (approval for the additional amount not guaranteed)
If You Are NOT Currently Enrolled
- If you do not currently have coverage, you may apply for coverage through evidence of insurability (approval not guaranteed).
Employee Premium Rates
- Premium rates will remain the same for 2027.
Accident Insurance
Accident Insurance provides a lump sum payment to you for specific injuries due to an accident (for example: fractures, stitches, hospitalization). Additional features include an accidental death & dismemberment benefit and identity theft coverage. Employee premiums will remain the same. Your enrollment and coverage level will remain the same for 2027 if you do not make any changes during the enrollment period.
Monthly Employee Premiums
| Individual | Individual + Spouse | Individual + Child(ren) | Family |
| $3.92 | $5.58 | $7.52 | $10.98 |
Spending & Savings Accounts
Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings 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. The maximum contribution and carryover amounts for 2027 are below.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
| Account Type | Minimum Contribution Amount | Maximum Contribution Amount | Carryover Amount |
| Health Care and Limited Purpose FSA | $50 | $3,400 per year (increase) | $50* – $680 (increase) |
| Dependent Day Care Account | None | $3,750 or $7,500 depending on tax filing status (no change) | None |
| Parking & Transit Accounts | $50 | $340 per month (increase) | $50* – Unlimited |
Health Savings Account (HSA)
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a required component of the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). In 2027, the employer contribution to your HSA, if eligible, will increase to $876 for individual coverage and $1,752 for family coverage. The maximum contribution amounts below include the employer contribution.
- Individual HDHP: $4,500*
- Family HDHP: $9,000*
*If you are or will attain age 55+ in 2027, 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 (the first two paychecks of each month).
If you are paid on an academic 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.
Other Considerations
Wisconsin Retirement System
Employee and employer contributions to the WRS will increase to 7.25% for most employees starting January 1, 2027.
State Group Life Insurance
Employee coverage premium will increase 5% for most age groups effective April 1, 2027. Spouse & Dependent coverage premium will remain the same. There is no open enrollment opportunity but you can apply at any time with proof of good health.
Income Continuation Insurance
Premium rates will decrease effective April 1, 2027. There is no open enrollment opportunity but you can apply at any time with proof of good health.
Well Wisconsin Program
In 2027, the $150 incentive through the Well Wisconsin Program will continue to be available to you (and your spouse, if enrolled) if you enroll in State Group Health Insurance. To earn the incentive, complete a health assessment, health check, and a WebMD well-being activity by mid-October.
Benefits You Can Enroll In At Any Time
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
Enrollment Instructions
Enrolling in your benefits for 2027 may be a multi-step process if you have not yet created your My Benefits account. You will need a My Benefits account to access the benefits enrollment system (called My Insurance Benefits). Creating an account is a one-time registration process that you must complete prior to enrolling in your benefits.
- For instructions on how to create your My Benefits account, review Set Up Account in My Benefits.
- Once you have a My Benefits account, log into Workday then go to Personal > Benefits and Pay > Suggested Links > My Benefits.
- Log into My Benefits then review your current benefits/dependents and enroll for the 2027 plan year from October 5 – October 30, 2026 (by 4:30 pm).
For additional information review Update Benefits during Open Enrollment-Employee (KB 154717).
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/adoption certificates for your dependent children).
Resources
State Group Health Insurance
Vision Insurance
I&F and Accident Insurance
Spending & Savings Accounts
Additional Information
- Dependent Eligibility Chart
- Employee Presentations web page
- Insurance Benefits Decision Guide
- Retiree Resource Guide (coming soon)