Open Enrollment: Making the Most of Your Columbia Benefits
Open Enrollment, an opportunity for Columbia University faculty and staff to take a closer look at their employee benefits, make changes, and plan for the year ahead, begins this week. This year's enrollment period runs from Nov. 2 through Nov. 20, with benefit selections taking effect Jan. 1, 2027.
What's new this year? What should employees consider when selecting their benefits? And why is the annual Benefits Expo worth a visit? CUIMC News spoke with Sara Honen Leupp, executive director, benefits, CUHR, and Pete McHugh, director, strategic communications, CUHR, to get some insights.
What is Open Enrollment?
Open Enrollment is the annual opportunity for Columbia faculty and staff to review their employee benefits and make changes or selections for the upcoming year.
During this period, employees can evaluate their current coverage, consider their changing needs, and decide whether to adjust their benefits. Any changes made during this year's enrollment period will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. All changes and selections can be made through CUBES.
Employees should be aware that, unless they experience a qualified life change, Open Enrollment is their only opportunity to make changes to their benefits until the following year.
According to Leupp, “it's important to understand that not all benefits automatically renew. Employees who want to continue participating in a Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Dependent Care FSA, Health Savings Account (HSA), or the Child Care Benefit must make a new election each year. Otherwise, they will lose coverage or participation in these programs for 2027.”
Most other existing benefits, including, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and transit/parking reimbursement will carry over automatically.
Have any benefits changed? What's new?
There are some important changes for 2027, including new providers for fertility and family-building services and the Employee Assistance Program.
"Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, fertility, family-building, menopause, and midlife health benefits will be offered by Progyny," says Leupp. The program provides access to fertility specialists and personalized emotional support through patient care advocates. It also includes menopause solutions and midlife healthcare, elective cryopreservation, and additional benefits for individuals who receive care exclusively at the Columbia University Fertility Center.
Another change involves the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which will be provided by SupportLinc. The program offers free, confidential counseling and referral services to help employees address personal and professional life challenges.
“We’re confident that these changes will provide employees with excellent resources to support their health, well-being, and family needs,” adds Leupp.
What factors should I consider when choosing my benefits?
“The best place to start is to think about the coming year. How do you envision 2027 will look for yourself and your family?" says Leupp.
For example, are you planning to purchase a home, create a will, or undertake estate planning? If so, you may want to consider enrolling in the Legal Plan.
Are you anticipating a new addition to your family or planning to undergo surgery? In that case, carefully compare your medical plan options and consider enrolling in a Healthcare Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account, as appropriate.
Employees who anticipate needing elder care services can also take advantage of Wellthy, which provides access to a personal care concierge.
“The important thing is to look beyond your current circumstances and consider what your needs may be over the coming year,” emphasizes Leupp. Reviewing your options carefully can help ensure that your benefits provide the right support for you and your family.
Why should I attend the Benefits Expo on Nov. 10?
This year’s CUIMC Benefits Expo will take place at 50 Haven on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm. It will be an opportunity to explore Columbia's employee benefits in one convenient location—and to get answers directly from the people who know the programs best.
"Our Benefits Expos are a great place for faculty and staff to see all the benefits that are available to them in one place," says McHugh. "It's also a great chance to talk to vendors individually, and gain more insight into a particular area, whether it's retirement, tuition programs, or healthcare, that you may not get from a website or marketing materials."
Representatives from individual benefit providers will be available at tables throughout the event to answer questions and explain their programs. In addition to learning about benefits, visitors can take advantage of biometric health screenings, acupuncture, and chair massages. Raffles and giveaways will add to the festivities.
McHugh particularly encourages employees to consider taking advantage of the health screenings, which require pre-registration. A simple finger-stick test provides an opportunity to check some basic health numbers. "While we're all thinking about our healthcare during Open Enrollment, this is a good time to check in on the basics," McHugh says.
And, if you leave the Expo with additional questions, there are other resources available. “We’re making this information available through many channels: online, in person, by phone, and with a monthly well-being newsletter," says McHugh. "We want every Columbia University employee to make the most of what Columbia offers.”