Open enrollment for health insurance and flexible spending accounts May 15-29
From: Human Resources
Open enrollment for state-provided health insurance and flexible spending accounts (FSA) is May 15-29, 2026.
No action is required for those who wish to continue the same health, dental, and/or vision insurance coverage; however, flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care, and the premium rewards discount on health insurance premiums must be renewed each year. Any changes made during open enrollment will be effective July 1, 2026.
An overview of the changes for the 2026-27 plan year
- Health insurance premiums are increasing
- Annual physical/wellness exam is now required for Premium Rewards, a program where employees (and covered spouses) can save on insurance premiums
- Flexible Spending Accounts limits are increasing
- Pharmacy benefit changes are being implementing, including new requirements for prior authorization of GLP-1s for weight loss
- There will be a new drug formulary
Additional details about these changes are available in the state’s Spotlight on Benefits newsletter.
Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
The Health FSA limit is increasing to $3,400 and the Dependent Care FSA limit is increasing to $7,500. For more information, review the open enrollment webpage.
Open enrollment information sessions
Human Resources will be offering Zoom information session and office hours where employees can learn more about health insurance and FSA changes and ask questions. Registration is not required for these sessions.
How to make open enrollment changes
Employees are strongly encouraged to submit open enrollment changes through the state's Cardinal website. Changes must be submitted in Cardinal no later than May 29, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
The state paper enrollment form should only be used if online access is unavailable. The enrollment form must be submitted to Virginia Tech’s secure drop box by no later than May 29, 2026, at 5 p.m. Please submit any support documents needed for open enrollment to Virginia Tech’s secure drop box as well.
Employees are reminded to review their Cardinal account after submitting open enrollment changes to ensure accurate health insurance and FSA elections. Health insurance and FSA deductions for the 2026-27 plan year will begin on the July 16, 2026, paycheck. If you have not logged into Cardinal before, you will need your Cardinal ID and will need to set up multi-factor authentication. Visit our Cardinal Enrollment page for instructions.
Not sure which health plan is the best for you?
Talk to ALEX, an online benefits tool that evaluates your input and recommends a plan tailored just for you. Visit ALEX, or use ALEX-GO on your smartphone.
Please direct any questions about benefits open enrollment to the HR Service Center at hrservicecenter@vt.edu or 540-231-9331.