The MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period is here! As you review your benefit options for the 2026 plan year, please note that some voluntary benefits only allow you to enroll in, change, or cancel coverage during Open Enrollment between October 1 and 31, including:
- Prudential accident insurance (NEW—Learn more below)
- MetLife critical illness insurance
- ARAG legal insurance
- VSP vision insurance
If you want to enroll in, make changes (such as adding a dependent or switching to a different plan), or cancel your coverage for the 2026 plan year, you must do so by October 31. If you’re currently enrolled and do not make any changes, your enrollment will continue in 2026 with the exact same coverage.
Voluntary Benefits Overview
Please review a brief description of accident, critical illness, legal, and vision insurance below. For additional information on all voluntary benefits—such as plan summary brochures—review the HR webpage about voluntary benefits.
- NEW for 2026: Prudential accident insurance pays a lump sum after you or a covered family member experiences a covered incident, such as a fracture or concussion. Use this money for anything you need while recovering, such as expenses not covered by your health care plan or lost income. Coverage is available with no evidence of insurability (EOI) requirement.
- MetLife critical illness insurance gives you extra money in the event you or covered family members experience a covered illness. This money can be used to offset unexpected medical expenses or for any other use you wish. Simplified plan options are offered through MetLife with no evidence of insurability (EOI) requirement. Additional coverage options for $40,000 and $50,000 will be available starting in 2026.
- ARAG legal insurance makes it affordable to get the legal help you need, such as creating a will or fighting a traffic ticket. ARAG excludes most pre-existing legal issues and business-related matters, which are defined as any legal matter that is initiated before the effective date of coverage. Network attorney fees are 100% paid-in-full for most covered matters. Choose between two plan options. Plan enhancements will be available starting in 2026.
- VSP vision insurance offers two plan options for you and your family to save money on eye care and glasses. There is a standard coverage plan or a premium coverage plan with an additional enhanced eyewear option of your choice.
How to Access Voluntary Benefits
To access voluntary benefits through MSU Benefits Plus, log in to the EBS portal, select My Benefits from the top navigation, then click on the MSU Benefits Plus tile.
Please note: If you’ve already registered, you’ll be prompted to create an account using single sign-on (SSO) the first time you log in on or after July 23, 2025. Review the information on the screen and click Create Account to begin. Signing up for an account does not obligate you to enroll in any benefits; it just gives you access to learn about, review premiums, and enroll in the various programs.
How to View Current Participation or Deduction History
After you access the MSU Benefits Plus website (see instructions above), click on Benefits in the top navigation, then select Enrollments or Deductions from the dropdown menu to view your current participation or deduction history.
The MSU Benefits Plus website only provides participation status on the voluntary benefits you have enrolled in within the MSU Benefits Plus website, such as accident, auto/home, critical illness, legal, pet, and vision insurance.
Questions? Learn about all voluntary benefits options on the HR website. If you have questions, consider participating in the MSU Benefits Fair or an HR Site Lab. MSU Human Resources is available for questions at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434 (toll-free: 800-353-4434).