As 2025 winds down, a brief benefits checkup can prevent last-minute surprises in January. This roundup highlights the most important items for employees to review before closing out the year.

Medical and dental ID cards

Employees staying in the same medical plan for 2026 should continue using their existing Anthem ID card; new cards will only be issued to employees who switch plans. For extra copies, log in to anthem.com or the Sydney Health app to download it to your device, add it to your digital wallet or request a copy in the mail.

Cigna does not issue physical ID cards for the IU dental plan, but you can visit mycigna.com or the MyCigna app to download it to your device or add it to your digital wallet.

Flexible spending account funds

If you have a 2025 healthcare or dependent care FSA, make sure to use up your funds before the deadlines.

• Healthcare FSA: You have until Dec. 31 to incur eligible expenses and until Feb. 28, 2026, to submit claims for reimbursement. Up to $640 in unused funds will automatically roll over to 2026. Tip: For faster reimbursement, use your IU Benefit Card to pay at the time of service or to pay your provider online.
• Dependent care FSA: You have until March 15, 2026, to incur eligible expenses, and until April 15, 2026, to submit claims for reimbursement. Any unused funds after the deadline are forfeited.

Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries named on insurance policies override wills and other estate documents, so keeping them up to date is critical. Taking a few minutes to update them now can give you peace of mind and ensure that your benefits end up in the right hands.

Update through the Employee Center (select “Benefit Details” then “Optional Benefit Changes”):

• Basic life insurance
• Supplemental life insurance
• Supplemental AD&D insurance

Update through the vendor:

• Retirement plans: Fidelity or PERF
• Health savings account: WEX

Prescription drug formulary

The list of medications covered under IU’s medical plans can change during the year. Even if your medications have stayed the same, reviewing the formulary for the upcoming plan year can help you to plan ahead if anything has changed.

Health screening incentive

Employees enrolled in critical illness insurance and their covered family members are each eligible for an annual $100 tax-free cash incentive when they complete a covered screening or exam during the year. If you haven’t already, be sure to submit your incentive claims for 2025 before the end of the year.

Mental health during the holidays

The holidays can look different for everyone. Taking small steps like setting boundaries, building in downtime, prioritizing sleep or seeking support when you need it can make a meaningful difference. If you find yourself struggling or needing to speak to someone, these resources can point you in the right direction:

• Free 24/7 mental health support line, counseling, self-help tools: Employees and household members have access to free, confidential counseling and resources through SupportLinc EAP. Call 800-881-5462 or log in to supportlinc.com (group code “iu”) for in-the-moment support, or check out their Holiday Toolkit for practical tools to reduce holiday stress.
• Workplace Mental Health site. Visit IU’s Workplace Mental Health site for resources, self-care strategies and campus services designed to support employees, family members and colleagues.
• Tip: Keep a copy of the IU employee mental health care card on hand for quick access to support resources.

For questions or assistance, contact AskHR at askhr@iu.edu or 812-856-1234. For benefit plan information, visit the IU Human Resources website.