University of Pennsylvania Benefits Open Enrollment 2026
The University of Pennsylvania will conduct its annual Benefits Open Enrollment from April 20 to May 8, offering faculty, staff, and postdoctoral associates the opportunity to modify their health insurance, life insurance, and flexible spending account options for the 2026-2027 period. To aid informed decision-making, the university is hosting both in-person and virtual presentations, as well as the Open Enrollment Benefits Fair.
Effective July 1, 2026, a new contribution requirement applies to employees with working spouses. If an employee's spouse can access group medical coverage through their own employer but chooses a Penn medical plan, a monthly pre-tax contribution of $100 will be applied, except for NRSA postdocs where it is after-tax. During the enrollment process, individuals must either select or waive this working spouse contribution via Workday.
Changes to flexible spending accounts include an increase in the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) contribution limit to $7,500, although the cap for highly compensated employees remains at $2,500. Unused DCFSA funds cannot be rolled over due to IRS regulations, while the Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) rollover limit rises to $680, with the annual contribution maximum steady at $3,400.
Furthermore, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) now have higher contribution limits, set at $3,400 for individuals and $6,750 for families under the High-Deductible Health Plan. Penn is expanding its voluntary benefits program with new options including legal services and pet wellness. In a strategic move, the PennCare/Personal Choice plan will switch behavioral health services to Independence Behavioral Health Network for enhanced network continuity.
As part of broader health cost trends, medical plan deductibles will increase by $125. Premiums for medical and some dental plans will rise, although vision rates will remain unchanged. Members of PennCare/Personal Choice will receive new identification cards, reflecting these changes effective July 1, 2026.
The Benefits Fair will be held on April 28 in Bodek Lounge and April 29 at New Bolton Center, with additional presentation sessions providing comprehensive information. Employees can undertake Open Enrollment changes anytime via the Workday system and are encouraged to verify beneficiary information for insurance and retirement plans. For complete details on fees and plans, visit the university’s Open Enrollment website.