It’s time to start reviewing your benefit options and deciding if you want to make any changes for 2026. We have many important updates to our benefit offerings that you’ll want to be sure to consider. See below for a summary of what’s new and what you need to do. As a reminder, we have two enrollment platforms—eBenefits (Benefitfocus) for State Health Plan elections and UNC Empyrean (COMPASS) for all other benefit elections. Your new elections will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.
LEARN MORE
Click here for more Open Enrollment information. You can also visit www.shpnc.gov for details about your health benefits, the HR website for details about your UNC income protection plans and the UNC Legal Plan, and www.ncflex.org for details about your NCFlex benefits.
WEBINARS
- Wednesday, Oct. 8, 11:30 – 1 p.m. Join the meeting here.
- Wednesday, Oct. 22, 11:30 – 1 p.m. Join the meeting here.
VIRTUAL DROP-IN SESSIONS
- Oct. 16 and 17, 9-4 p.m. Join the meeting here. (Passcode: 524221)
- Oct. 24, 9-4 p.m. Join the meeting here. (Passcode: 524221)
- Oct. 30 and 31, 9-4 p.m. Join the meeting here. (Passcode: 524221)
State Health Plan Changes
NEW Plan Names and Plan Designs
- The Base PPO Plan (70/30) is now called the Standard PPO Plan.
- The Enhanced PPO Plan (80/20) is now called the Plus PPO Plan.
- In addition to new plan names, there are changes to the deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and some copays.
Health Care Premiums
Premiums are increasing and the State Health Plan is implementing salary-based premiums for all employees with a full-time employment status. Key points to remember:
- You’ll be assigned to one of four salary bands based on your annualized total base salary as of Sept. 1, 2025.
- In addition to your salary band, how much you pay will depend on the coverage level and medical plan you choose.
- Those with lower salaries will have lower premiums, whereas those with higher salaries will have higher premiums.
- Premiums for the Subscriber + Child(ren) tier have been reduced to be in line with coverage changes.
- Premiums for Subscriber + Spouse and Subscriber + Family have been combined based on experience and you will pay the same premium for either of these coverage tiers.
Tobacco Attestation
You will no longer be required to complete a tobacco attestation to earn a wellness premium credit; you’ll receive the credit automatically.
Clear Pricing Project (CPP)
CPP is ending on Dec. 31. In 2026, the Plan is introducing Preferred Providers. These providers have been identified by the Plan as providers who are committed to improved access to high-quality, affordable health care. When you select and see one of these providers, you will pay the lowest copay for an office visit.
UNC Plan Updates
NEW UNC Legal Plan
The UNC Legal Plan provides affordable coverage to assist with a wide range of legal needs offering unlimited access to network attorneys for covered issues along with online digital estate planning tools.
Special Enrollment Opportunities
You have two special enrollment opportunities to consider:
- Voluntary Life Insurance: You can enroll in employee-only coverage at one times your salary without having to submit Evidence of Insurability (EOI) during 2026 Open Enrollment. You can even enroll if you were previously denied coverage after submitting EOI.
- Supplemental Disability: If not previously enrolled, you can enroll without EOI during 2026 Open Enrollment.
NCFlex Changes
Dental Plan
Premiums are increasing.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- The Health Care FSA maximum annual contribution is increasing to $3,300.
- The Dependent Day Care FSA maximum annual contribution is increasing to $7,500.