Open Enrollment for 2026 benefits changes begins Oct. 27

Open Enrollment - the annual opportunity to review and make changes to certain benefits for the upcoming year - begins later this month.

This year's Open Enrollment period runs from Oct. 27 through Nov. 24, with employees needing to submit benefit changes in Workday by midnight of the final day. Employees will also be alerted to the beginning of Open Enrollment via Workday.

Changes made during this year's Open Enrollment will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026. The most significant changes to benefits for the coming year are outlined below:

• Flexible Spending Arrangements maximum contribution are expected to increase to $3,300. There is a regular FSA and Limited FSA option.
• Health Savings Account contribution maximums changing to $4,400 for individual only, and $8,750 for families. Those over 55 can continue to contribute an additional $1,000.
• CDHP deductibles are increasing to $1,700 for individuals only and $3,400 for families.
• Uniform Dental Plan annual deductible will be removed for children under 15.
• Dependent Care Assistance Program is increasing to $7,500 for a single person or married couple filing joint tax returns, or $3,750 for couples filing separately.

More information about the changes coming to benefits plans in 2026 is available on Human Resource Services' Open Enrollment website. Also included on the website is a detailed table of changes coming to medical premium rates, as well as detailed answers to frequently asked questions. The Health Care Authority also offers information about the upcoming Open Enrollment period on its website.

HRS Benefits staff will also be hosting numerous presentations in the weeks ahead, with exact times and dates included on HRS' website.

Questions about Open Enrollment can be directed to the HRS Benefits team via email or by calling 509-335-4589.