Human Resources | Benefits | Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment

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Open Enrollment ends October 31

That means it’s time to start reviewing your benefit options and deciding if you want to make any changes for 2026. We have many important updates to our benefit offerings that you’ll want to be sure to consider. See below for a summary of what’s new and what you need to do. As a reminder, we have two enrollment platforms—eBenefits (Benefitfocus) for State Health Plan elections and UNC Empyrean (COMPASS) for all other benefit elections.

Your new elections will go into effect January 1, 2026.

Click here for detailed information about
2026 benefit options.

State Health Plan Changes

NEW Plan Names and Plan Designs1. The Base PPO Plan (70/30) is now called the Standard PPO Plan.
2. The Enhanced PPO Plan (80/20) is now called the Plus PPO Plan.

In addition to new plan names, there are changes to the deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and some copays.
Health Care PremiumsPremiums are increasing and the State Health Plan is implementing salary-based premiums for all employees with a full-time employment status. Key points to remember:
1. You’ll be assigned to one of four salary bands based on your annualized total base salary as of September 1, 2025.

2. In addition to your salary band, how much you pay will depend on the coverage level and medical plan you choose.

3. Those with lower salaries will have lower premiums, whereas those with higher salaries will have higher premiums.

4. Premiums for the Subscriber + Child(ren) tier have been reduced to be in line with coverage changes.

5. Premiums for Subscriber + Spouse and Subscriber + Family have been combined based on experience and you will pay the same premium for either of these coverage tiers.
Tobacco AttestationYou will no longer be required to complete a tobacco attestation to earn a wellness premium credit; you’ll receive the credit automatically.
Clearing Pricing Project (CPP)CPP is ending on December 31, 2025. In 2026, the Plan is introducing Preferred Providers. These providers have been identified by the Plan as providers who are committed to improved access to high-quality, affordable health care. When you select and see one of these providers, you will pay the lowest copay for an office visit.

UNC Plan Updates

New UNC Legal PlanThe UNC Legal Plan provides affordable coverage to assist with a wide range of legal needs offering unlimited access to network attorneys for covered issues along with online digital estate planning tools.
Special Enrollment OpportunitiesYou have two special enrollment opportunities to consider:

1. Voluntary Life Insurance: You can enroll in employee only coverage at 1X salary without having to submit Evidence of Insurability (EOI) during 2026 Open Enrollment. You can even enroll if you were previously denied coverage after submitting EOI.
2. Supplemental Disability: If not previously enrolled, you can enroll without EOI during 2026 Open Enrollment.

NCFlex Changes

Dental PlanPremiums are increasing.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)1. The Health Care FSA maximum annual contribution is increasing to $3,300.

2. The Dependent Day Care FSA maximum annual contribution is increasing to $7,500.

LEARN MORE

Click here for more Open Enrollment information. You can also visit www.shpnc.gov for details about your health benefits, https://myapps.northcarolina.edu/hr/benefits-leave/ for details about your UNC income protection plans and the UNC Legal Plan, and www.ncflex.org for details about your NCFlex benefits.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO ON EACH ENROLLMENT PLATFORM

eBenefits (Benefitfocus)

  1. If you are currently enrolled in health coverage under the State Health Plan and don’t take action, you and your covered dependents will be enrolled in the Standard PPO Plan for 2026. If you want to participate in the Plus PPO Plan in 2026, be sure to enroll during Open Enrollment.
  2. If you don’t currently have a Primary Care Provider under Aetna on file, be sure to designate one to enjoy lower copays when visiting your PCP in 2026.

Questions about enrolling? During the Open Enrollment period of October 13 – 31, 2025, the Eligibility and Enrollment Support Center will have extended hours. Call 855-859-0966, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m., ET, and Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., ET.

UNC Empyrean (COMPASS)

  1. You will continue to go here to enroll in/make changes for all benefits except health.
  2. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) require re-enrollment every year, so your benefit election from last year will not roll over for 2026. If you want to participate in either of the FSAs, you must make an election during Open Enrollment. Keep in mind that the maximum annual contribution limits have increased for both the Health Care FSA and Dependent Day Care FSA as noted above.
  3. All other elections made through this platform will remain in effect for 2026 unless you make a change during Open Enrollment.

Questions about enrolling? Call the University of North Carolina Benefits Service Center at 833‑862‑1490, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., ET.

What HAPPENS IF YOU DONT ENROLL BY OCTOBER 31

Health Benefits

You and any currently covered dependents will be automatically enrolled in the Standard PPO Plan under the State Health Plan. To enroll in the Plus PPO Plan, you must take action during Open Enrollment.

NCFlex Benefits

You’ll have the same coverage as 2025 with one important exception: You will not have Flexible Spending Accounts. To participate in either FSA, you must make an active election, even if you currently participate in one.

Open Enrollment is October 13 – 31, 2025. Be sure to enroll to get the coverage you want for 2026.

For Your Information

If you are unsure of which platform to use or have any questions, contact HR Benefits at askbenefits@uncg.edu. Or 336-334-5009.