Welcome to Open Enrollment!

This is your opportunity to review and update your benefits selections for the upcoming year. We've designed this guide to help you navigate your options and make informed decisions that best support you and your family's needs.

Take some time to explore what's available, consider any changes in your personal situation, and select the benefits that provide the right coverage for you. Remember, the choices you make now will be in effect for the entire plan year unless you experience a qualifying life event.

What You Need to Do

Review your current benefits
Make any updates by April 29, 2026
Re-enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts if applicable

What Is Changing

Rightway app launching in June
A single place for benefit information, provider support and billing assistance
Prudent Rx program
Support for reducing specialty medication costs
(eligible members will be contacted directly)

Key Dates

Open Enrollment Period
April 15-29, 2026
Plan Year
June 1, 2026-May 31, 2027
First Payroll Deductions
Biweekly employees: May 15, 2026
Monthly employees: May 29, 2026

Benefits are paid one month in advance. May deductions cover June premiums.

General Resources

Take Action

Submit your elections by Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

Most benefits will carry over if no changes are made.
Flexible Spending Accounts do not carry over and require re-enrollment.

Submit Benefits Elections Here

Medical Insurance

Whitworth offers two medical plan options through Aetna. Both provide access to a broad network, including Providence, MultiCare and regional hospitals, with no referral required.

Each plan includes access to Aetna’s concierge support line 1.833.763.063 for assistance with providers, claims and prescriptions.

High-Deductible Health Plan with HSA

The lowest premium plan paired with a tax-advantaged Health Savings Account (HSA).

How it works
You pay lower premiums and cover non-preventive costs until the deductible is met. The university contributes to your HSA, and you may add pre-tax funds up to IRS limits.

Key details

Deductible:

Individual: $2,500
Family: $5,000

University HSA Contribution: (half in June, half in December)

Individual: $700
Family: $1,400

Contribution limits (including university amount):

Individual: $4,400
Family: $8,750
Age 55+: Additional $1,000

Best For: Those who want lower premiums, are generally healthy or want to build long-term health savings

Important HSA Note

If you are currently enrolled in an FSA, funds must be used by May 31, 2026, for HSA eligibility.

PPO with HRA

A traditional plan with more predictable costs and an employer-funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA).

How it works
You pay premiums each paycheck and meet a deductible before cost sharing begins. The university provides HRA funds to offset initial expenses.

Key details

Deductible:

Individual: $2,000
Family: $4,000

HRA Contribution:

Individual: $1,000
Family: $2,000
Maximum accrual: $2,000 individual / $4,000 family

HRA enrollment is automatic through HealthEquity.

Best For: Those who prefer more predictable costs or anticipate regular medical needs.

Medical Resources

Dental Insurance

Both dental plans maintain the same deductible and provide access to virtual dental care.

PPO Basic Dental

Essential coverage for preventive and routine care.

Key details

Annual maximum: $1,750
Preventive care: 100 percent covered
No orthodontia coverage

Best For: Individuals and families seeking cost-effective routine coverage.

PPO Buy-Up

Enhanced coverage including orthodontia.

Key details

Annual maximum: $2,500
Orthodontia: 50 percent up to $2,500 lifetime
Available for adults and children

Best For: Those anticipating orthodontic or more extensive dental needs.

Dental Resources

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Action Required

FSA elections do not carry over. You must re-enroll each year.

Healthcare FSA

Set aside pre-tax funds for medical, dental, vision and prescription expenses.

Annual maximum: $3,400
Not available with an HSA
Includes a grace period

Dependent Care FSA

Pre-tax funds for childcare or dependent care expenses.

Annual maximum: $7,500 per household
Available to all employees

FSA Resources

Life Insurance & Accidental Death and Dismemberment

Whitworth provides basic life and AD&D coverage at no cost. Additional coverage is available through Prudential.

New Participants

If you're enrolling in optional life insurance for the first time, here's what you need to know:

You may elect coverage up to the lesser of 5× your annual salary or $500,000
All elections require underwriting review
Coverage reduces at age 70
Spouse coverage: Up to 50 percent of your coverage (maximum $125,000)
Dependent children: Up to $10,000 for unmarried dependents under age 26

Underwriting is required for all new participant coverage and spouse coverage, but not for dependent children coverage.

Current Participants

If you're already enrolled in optional life insurance, you have these options:

You can "bump up" coverage in increments up to $50,000 without underwriting (up to $200,000).
Maximum of four bumps allowed total during your employment.
Coverage above $200,000 requires underwriting.
Maximum coverage is lesser of 5× annual salary or $500,000.
Coverage reduces at age 70.

The same spouse and dependent children coverage options apply as for new participants.

Life Insurance Resources

Wellness Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

The EAP is continuing with Aetna. You and your household members are eligible for up to eight short-term counseling sessions per issue, per benefit plan year. Information about the EAP offerings can be found below.

Questions About Your Benefits?

The human resources team is here to help you navigate your benefits options and make informed decisions. Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Contact Information:

Email: hr@whitworth.edu
Phone: x4872