Benefits Open Enrollment for 2026 kicks off Monday, Nov. 3, and runs through Friday, Nov. 14. This is employees’ once-a-year opportunity to review current benefit elections and make changes for the upcoming plan year.

Here’s what you need to know and how to make the most of the resources available.

What to do during Open Enrollment

During this two-week window, you can:

• Add, drop or change your medical and dental coverage.
• Add or remove eligible dependents.
• Change your health savings account contribution or increase it up to the 2026 limit.
• Enroll in the healthcare or dependent care flexible spending account for 2026.
• Add, drop or change your voluntary supplemental accidental death & dismemberment and critical illness insurance coverage.

If you do not complete online enrollment:

• Your medical, dental, HSA, critical illness and supplemental AD&D elections will roll over and continue in 2026 at the same level of coverage.
• You will not be enrolled in the healthcare or dependent care FSA. You must re-enroll in these accounts each year.

Upcoming webinars

Over the next few weeks, join experts from the IU benefits team for webinars designed to help you confidently navigate Open Enrollment.

The webinars will cover what Open Enrollment is and which benefits are included; share important updates for the upcoming year; take a deep dive into each benefit plan; and explain how to make your elections starting Nov. 3. You’ll also learn where to find additional support and resources.

Each hourlong session includes a presentation followed by a live Q&A. Find the full schedule and links to register on the Open Enrollment site.

Information and resources online

To help employees make informed enrollment decisions, the Open Enrollment website is a one-stop resource where you can:

• Learn about benefit changes for 2026.
• Download plan summaries and resources, including a copy of the home mailer.
• Review premium costs for 2026.
• Read important federal notices about benefit rights and responsibilities.
• Find answers to common questions.
• Follow step-by-step instructions to enroll online starting Nov. 3.

Additional information and resources are still being added to the site, so be sure to check back often.

Where to find help

For questions or assistance with Open Enrollment, the IU Human Resources Customer Care team can be reached at askhr@iu.edu or 812-856-1234.

In-person support will also be available during Open Enrollment at:

• IU Bloomington: Cyberinfrastructure Building, Suite 321.
• IU Indianapolis: Bryce Building, Suite B411.