Open Enrollment Toolkit for HR reps
Use the following tools/resources to help you prepare for and answer questions about Open Enrollment (October 1-31, 2025).
Where to Find Open Enrollment Resources
Visit the Open Enrollment webpage on the HR website to find the most updated information, including links to the following tools/resources. We suggest bookmarking this page in your browser so you can easily find Open Enrollment information throughout October.
- Open Enrollment guides for faculty, academic, and support staff
- Detailed instructions on how to participate in Open Enrollment through the EBS portal
- Instructions for how to add a family member or dependent
- Details about the MSU Benefits Fair and HR Site Labs
- Online Benefit Provider Resources
2026 Plan Year Updates
Employees can refer to page 6 of the relevant Open Enrollment guide to view all updates and reminders.
Here are some important highlights:
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Increase to premium threshold for spouse/other eligible individual (OEI) health coverage: To enroll your spouse/other eligible individual (OEI) in MSU coverage, your spouse/OEI must enroll in health care coverage through their own current or former employer (if applicable*) if the annual employee premium cost for single-person coverage is $1,850 or less. You may still cover your spouse/OEI on your MSU health coverage as a secondary plan. Please review the Open Enrollment FAQs for more information.
*This can include COBRA coverage and Retiree health insurance. - Spouse/OEI affidavit no longer required: You no longer need to complete the spouse/other eligible individual (OEI) affidavit in the EBS Portal to continue coverage for your spouse/OEI. If you currently cover a spouse/OEI on your health care plan, their coverage will automatically continue in 2026 without any action. However, the spouse/OEI premium threshold requirement still applies. Please read the previous requirement (Increase to Premium Threshold for Spouse/OEI Health Coverage).
- Increase to some health care copays and deductibles: For the Blue Care Network (BCN) and BlueCard Out-of-State plans, the annual deductible will increase. Copays for doctor's office and urgent care visits will increase for BCN, BlueCard Out-of-State, and Community Blue PPO plans. There are no changes to health care costs for the Consumer Driven Health Plan.
- Increase to some prescription copays: Prescription copays will increase for all medications except preferred drugs.
- Introducing a new accident insurance option: Accident Insurance through Prudential is a new voluntary benefit option that pays you a lump sum after a covered incident, such as a fracture or concussion.
- Introducing a new pet discount plan: In addition to the existing pet insurance option offered through Nationwide, we are pleased to provide a new pet discount plan. Pet Benefit Solutions offers instant savings on pet prescriptions, products, and in-house medical services at any network vet. There are no exclusions for age, breed, or pre-existing conditions.
MSU Benefits Fair and Site Labs
Benefits Fair (In-person)
October 21 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Breslin Student Events Center
MSU benefit providers and MSU HR staff will be available to answer questions and/or help employees enroll in their benefits on-site at the Breslin Student Events Center.
Learn More: Please visit the HR Benefits Fair webpage to find more details about the fair.
HR Site Labs
Employees can participate in an HR Site Lab to receive assistance with enrollment or ask questions about benefit options. We are offering virtual and in-person options.
Learn More: Please visit the HR Site Labs webpage to learn more about how to participate in the HR site labs.
October 8 | Virtual | 9 a.m. to Noon
October 10 | In-person | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | MSU Union, 49 Abbot Road, Room UB55 (Ground Floor), East Lansing, MI 48824
October 13 | Virtual | 2 to 5 p.m.
October 17 | In-person | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | International Center, 427 N. Shaw Lane, Spartan Rooms B and C, East Lansing, MI 48824
October 23 | Virtual | 7 to 10 p.m.
October 31 | In-person | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | HR Building, 1407 S. Harrison Road, Room 125, East Lansing, MI 48823
Online Benefit Provider Resources
The Online Benefit Provider Resources webpage provides a range of resources from our MSU benefit providers, which employees can access online at any time. Resources include brochures, videos, contact information for further questions, and more. This is an excellent resource, particularly for employees who are unable to attend the in-person benefits fair.
An Open Enrollment Checklist
Do you have employees who require additional support in navigating Open Enrollment? Consider sending them a link to this Open Enrollment Checklist article, which helps employees ensure they choose the best benefit plans for their needs.
Special Instructions for New Hires During Open Enrollment
New hires who start before Open Enrollment still need to complete Open Enrollment to do the following:
- Review the premium threshold amount for a spouse/OEI health coverage in the 2026 plan year.
- Enroll in plans that require annual renewal (i.e., flexible spending accounts).
- Make changes to the current 2025 plan year selections for the 2026 plan year.
New hires who start during or after Open Enrollment must complete Open Enrollment to enroll in plans that require annual renewal (Health Care FSA, Dependent Care FSA) or to modify plan selections made for the 2025 plan year. If they cover a spouse/OEI, they do not need to complete a new affidavit. Please have the new hire fill out the Open Enrollment Offline Enrollment/Change form.
New hires who start on or after December 1 do not need to contact HR to obtain an Open Enrollment link for enrolling in FSA plans. FSA plans elected during new hire enrollment will take effect on the first of the month following the enrollment date.
Special Instructions for ACA-Mandated Employees
ACA-mandated employee eligibility must be re-evaluated to determine if they are eligible to enroll or continue in the MSU health plan. In case these employees come across other Open Enrollment materials, we wanted to remind you that they are currently ineligible to participate in Open Enrollment.
At the end of their measurement period, they will be allowed to enroll in, change, or cancel their health care benefits. If they are eligible, an email will be sent to their msu.edu email account explaining their enrollment period and plan options.
Special Instructions for Employees on an Unpaid Leave of Absence (including layoff)
Employees on an unpaid leave of absence during Open Enrollment are unable to complete Open Enrollment online. Please refer to the MSU Open Enrollment Benefits Guide for Special Groups for information on how to participate in Open Enrollment and the changes that are allowed.
