Benefits Open Enrollment scheduled to start April 14 at OHIO

The annual Benefits Open Enrollment period at Ohio University is held each year in the spring. This year’s Benefits Open Enrollment is currently scheduled for April 14, 2026, through May 6, 2026.

OHIO faculty and staff will receive emails granting them access to the Benefits Open Enrollment system on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 14. Any enrollment changes made during the enrollment period will be effective July 1, 2026. 

Open Enrollment is the one time each year you can enroll or make changes to your benefits. Otherwise, changes may only be made if a qualifying family status change has occurred. 

Faculty, administrators, AFSCME 3200 and FOP plans

As previously announced, the University will cover all cost escalation for the PPO health plan and will not increase premiums for faculty and staff.

Plan cost sharing including deductibles, co-insurance, and out-of-pocket maximums are remaining at their current levels for Faculty, Administrators, AFSCME 3200 and FOP plans.

Premiums for dental and orthodontia plans will increase slightly for all plans.

AFSCME 1699 plan

AFSCME 1699 health care premiums are increasing in accordance with their Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Premiums for dental and orthodontia plans will increase slightly for all plans.

Lincoln Financial to administer life and disability insurance

Human Resources is pleased to announce that beginning July 1, 2026 Lincoln Financial will administer the University’s basic, supplemental and dependent life insurance as well as short and long term disability plans. Lincoln National replaces Minnesota Life for life insurance coverages and UNUM for short and long term disability plans. 

Lincoln Financial is allowing employees to enroll in up to $200,000 in supplemental life coverage without requiring the Evidence of Insurance  (EOI) process. This option is only available during the 2026-27 Benefits Open Enrollment. Typically, an EOI must be completed if increasing by more than $20,000. Any amount over $200,000 requires an EOI.

There are no other changes to the life or disability coverages offered.

If you have any questions during open enrollment, please email the Benefits Office at benefits@ohio.edu.