Open Enrollment is an annual opportunity for House Officers and other employees to change their benefits for the following calendar year. Changes will go into effect on January 1.

• Benefits included are health, dental, vision, legal services, and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
• No action is required to keep your current benefits, except for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). The IRS requires annual enrollment to participate in an FSA.

House Officer contributions for health plans and coverage levels for 2026 can be found online now using Wolverine Access, Self Service > Benefits. The page displays the individualized rates for House Officers. Rates for all benefits plans for which employees are eligible are displayed.

Beginning October 13, House Officers may log into Wolverine Access and make changes until 5:00 p.m. on October 24. If you cannot access self-service Benefits contact the Shared Services Center at (734) 615-2000 or (866) 647- 7657.

UHR News: Steps You Can Take Now to Prepare for Open Enrollment 2026
UHR News: What’s New for Open Enrollment 2026
UHR News: Open Enrollment 2026: Review Your Health Plan Options

Please see the following information provided by Michigan Medicine HR: 

What's New for 2026

Michigan Care Discontinued

As announced in 2024, the Michigan Care Health Plan will be discontinued as of Dec. 31, 2025.

If you're currently enrolled in Michigan Care, you must select an alternate health plan during Open Enrollment. If you don’t select an available health plan, you'll be enrolled in U-M Premier Care for 2026. 

U-M Premier Care Enhancement

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, U-M Premier Care will cover chiropractic care. Learn more about U-M Premier Care. 

CDHP and HSA Annual Limits

The Consumer-Directed Health Plan (CDHP) and Health Savings Account (HSA) annual limits set by the IRS will change to the following:

• The CDHP deductible will be $1,700 for an individual and $3,400 for a family. The annual out-of-pocket maximum (in-network) will be $5,500 for an individual and $10,600 for a family.
• The 2026 HSA annual contribution maximum (university + employee) is $4,400 for an individual and $8,750 for a family.

Visit the Health Savings Account page for more information. 

Dental Plan Benefit Increase

The Dental Plan annual maximum benefit will increase to $1,500. Visit the Dental Plan page for more information. 

Health Care/Dependent Care FSA Limit Increases

• The Health Care flexible spending account (FSA) limit will increase to $3,300. This account can be used to pay for eligible medical expenses for you and your eligible dependents.
• The Dependent Care FSA limit will increase to $7,500. This account can be used to pay for eligible dependent care expenses (such as child daycare).

You must re-enroll each year to participate in an FSA. Review the Flexible Spending Accounts page to learn more.

Changes Outside of Open Enrollment

Outside of the annual Open Enrollment period, you may be able to make specific benefits changes within 30 days of a qualifying family status event. See Life Events for details on making benefits changes.

Benefits You Can Change Any Time

Retirement savings plans, life insurance, and long-term disability plans are not part of Open Enrollment. If eligible, you may enroll or make changes to these plans at any time.

U-M Retirement Savings Plan elections are not part of Open Enrollment and you can make changes at any time throughout the year. However, to avoid conflict with Open Enrollment benefit changes, initiating 403(b) SRA, and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan elections through Wolverine Access Self-Service will not be available on the last two days of Open Enrollment.

 

Reminders

• Use health plan resources to your advantage: Resources are available to help you find the health plan that works best for you.
• Keep your address current: Update your address through Wolverine Access by selecting Employee Self Service > Campus Personal Information > Addresses > Current Local.
• Update your beneficiaries: Check your beneficiary designations for your U-M life insurance and retirement savings plan accounts.
• Stay informed: To receive news from University Human Resources about benefits, programs, policies and other activities for faculty and staff, sign up to receive updates by email.
• Pay attention: Watch for information about all things Open Enrollment in UHR News, The University Record, emails and more.