Benefits open enrollment is May 16-30
Benefitted employees may make changes to their state health benefits and enroll for FSA during this time
From: Human Resources
Open enrollment for state-provided health insurance and flexible spending accounts (FSA) will be held May 16–30. During this time, benefits-eligible Virginia Tech employees may enroll in a health plan and/or flexible spending accounts, change health plans, add or remove dependents, or waive state health coverage.
No action is required for those who wish to continue the same insurance; however, FSA for medical and dependent care and the Premium Rewards discount must be renewed each year. Any changes made during open enrollment will be effective July 1, 2025.
2025-26 plan year changes
- Medical premiums for all plans increase, except for Anthem COVA HDHP and TRICARE Voluntary Supplement. Aetna COVA HealthAware "You Plus One" and "You Plus Two or More" premiums increase significantly.
- Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA) contribution maximum increases to $3,300.
- If adding a dependent to coverage, dependent eligibility documentation is required within 30 days from the end of open enrollment.
- Sentara Health Plans (HMO) is reducing the intensive outpatient treatment copay to $200 and is increasing the total number of visits per incident to five (5) under the Employee Assistance Plan.
Review this year’s Spotlight on Your Benefits newsletter (PDF) for full details, including new premiums, which are listed on Page 7.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Employees must enroll each year if they wish to continue participating in an FSA.
Inspira Financial is the vendor for Health and Dependent Care FSAs. Enrolling in one or both of these FSAs allow you to contribute money through payroll deductions before federal and state taxes are calculated, creating a cost savings. Check out the FSA Sourcebook (PDF) to learn more about this benefit.
Save on health premiums
By participating in the Premium Rewards Program, an employee and their enrolled spouse can save $17 (employee or spouse) or $34 (employee and spouse) per month on insurance premiums ($204 or $408 annually) by simply completing or updating your online health assessment. To begin saving at the beginning of the plan year, complete your health assessment between May 16–30.
Where to learn more
More information is available on the HR website. Human Resources will also offer Zoom information sessions and office hours for employees to review the upcoming health insurance and FSA changes and answer questions. Registration is not required for these sessions.
If you’re not sure which health plan is best for you, talk to ALEX, an online benefits tool that evaluates your input and recommends a plan tailored just for you. Beginning May 16, visit ALEX; on your smartphone, use ALEX-GO.
Submitting open enrollment changes
Employees are strongly encouraged to submit open enrollment changes through Cardinal HCM, the Virginia Department of Human Resources Management’s (DHRM) electronic submission portal. Employees will need their Cardinal ID Number to log into the system, which can be found by visiting HokieSpa, selecting the "Hokie Team" tab, and then selecting "Employment Information." If needed, a paper enrollment form is available.
- If open enrollment changes are submitted electronically, they are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 30.
- If open enrollment changes are submitted in person, completed forms and supporting documents need to be dropped off to the Virginia Tech Division of Human Resources, Suite 2300, North End Center on the Blacksburg Campus by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 30.
Reminders
- Employees must re-enroll in the FSA every year to continue the benefit.
- Changes made during open enrollment will be effective July 1, 2025. Employees will see deductions related to changes made during open enrollment reflected on their July 16 paycheck.
- Open enrollment is a good time for employees to review their contact information in HokieSpa and update, if needed. To update personal information, log in to Hokie Spa, select the Hokie Spa tab, then select the Personal Information link.
If you have additional questions, please contact the HR Service Center at hrservicecenter@vt.edu or 540-231-9331.