October is just around the corner, which means the MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period is about to begin for benefits-eligible employees. Please use the following checklist to help guide you through Open Enrollment and be sure to make your benefit selections for the 2026 plan year between October 1 and 31, 2025.
STEP 1: Determine your benefit needs.
During Open Enrollment, you may enroll in, change, or cancel coverage in the following benefits:
- Health
- Dental
- Flexible spending accounts (health or dependent care)
- Health savings account
- Life or accidental death and dismemberment insurance
- Voluntary accident, critical illness, legal, or vision insurance.
Carefully review your Open Enrollment guide and choose the best benefit plans for your family. You may not change the above benefits outside of the Open Enrollment period unless you have a qualifying life event (QLE), so please review your options and take action in October.
STEP 2: Please review the updated premium threshold requirement for spouse/OEI health care 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.
New for the 2026 Plan Year: Although the premium threshold for a spouse/OEI to be enrolled in MSU health care coverage remains in effect, the affidavit you are accustomed to submitting via the EBS Portal each year is no longer required to enroll in or continue their coverage. If you currently cover a spouse/OEI on your health care plan, their coverage will automatically continue in 2026 without any action.
Please review the Open Enrollment FAQs for more information about this update.
STEP 3: Review important updates and reminders for the 2026 plan year.
We encourage you to review all important updates and reminders. Learn more about the highlighted updates below on page 6 of your Open Enrollment guide.
- Please review Step 2 above for information about the updated premium threshold requirement for spouse/OEI health care 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. You may only enroll in accident insurance in October during the Open Enrollment period unless you experience a QLE.
- 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, as well as additional benefits.
Other updates include new flexible spending account (FSA) contribution limits, increased premiums for employee life insurance and the voluntary vision premium plan, new coverage options for voluntary critical illness insurance, and plan enhancements for voluntary legal insurance. Please review all updates and reminders in your Open Enrollment guide.
STEP 4: Participate in the MSU Benefits Fair or an HR Site Lab.
- MSU Benefits Fair: Join us on Tuesday, October 21, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Breslin Student Events Center on campus. MSU benefit providers and HR staff will be available to answer questions and help you enroll in your benefits on-site. Flu shot appointments are available by appointment only from Noon to 5 p.m. Find a link to make a flu shot appointment.
- HR Site Labs: MSU HR will offer in-person and virtual site labs throughout October. Consider attending if you have questions about your benefit options or need assistance with enrollment.
STEP 5: Make your changes online before October 31.
You must participate in Open Enrollment between October 1 and 31 (view enrollment instructions) to change your benefit selections.
We hope this checklist is helpful as you prepare for and participate in Open Enrollment this year. You can find all the details about Open Enrollment on the HR website, including links to the appropriate Open Enrollment guide, enrollment instructions, and detailed benefits information from our providers.
Questions? We’re happy to help! We encourage you to attend the MSU Benefits Fair or an HR Site Lab to ask questions. You may also contact MSU Human Resources at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434 (toll-free: 800-353-4434).