Open Enrollment for Plan year beginning July 1, 2026 for full-time employees is through this Friday, May 29, 2026. No action is required during Open Enrollment if you have no health plan related changes, are not enrolling in a flexible spending account, or do not plan to participate in premium rewards.
Friday’s deadline is established by the Commonwealth and submissions after this date will not be accepted.
The 2026 Spotlight On Your Benefits found on www.dhrm.virginia.gov contains additional information about upcoming modifications and guidelines for determining whether action is needed.
Two of the most missed opportunities during Open Enrollment are:
- Not taking action to participate in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for the upcoming year. If you are currently participating and want to participate next plan year, you must re-enroll during Open Enrollment.
- The medical FSA has increased to $3,400 for the 2026-2027 plan year.
- Employees continuing to participate in the new plan year will not receive a new FSA Inspira card. New cards will be provided when your current FSA PayFlex card reaches the expiration date.
- You can save money on eligible dependent care expenses that you’re paying for out of pocket. With a Dependent Care FSA, you can set aside up to $7,500 of your income per plan year on a pre-tax basis.
- Not completing your online health assessment during the Open Enrollment window to begin or continue to receive premium rewards for the upcoming plan year.
- These assessments must be completed between May 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026, along with the new requirement of a Wellness Exam completed, processed and paid between January 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026.
- If you are making a provider change during Open Enrollment, ensure you complete the online health assessment with your current provider.
- Keep and maintain a screen print of your successful completion of the online health assessment.
- If you do not meet the requirements by May 31, 2026, you can still participate in the Premium Rewards program for July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 plan year. The Premium Rewards would be effective after July 1, 2026. The incentive will only be applied once both requirements have been completed.
Cardinal: It is strongly advised that you complete your enrollment online in Cardinal. Please ensure that you leave yourself plenty of time to navigate any potential system challenges or questions that may arise.
If you make an Open Enrollment election or change, be certain to click the “Submit” push button, otherwise, your Open Enrollment election will not process nor will the election be accepted after Open Enrollment ends.
Cardinal Resources:
Please reach out to Laura Carper in HR with any questions at 77962 or by email at lcarper@virginiawestern.edu.