Annual NUFlex enrollment opens Oct. 27

Jordan Opp | University Communication and Marketing

Morning sunlight greets a cyclist as they ride across the East Campus Mall on Oct. 10.

University of Nebraska–Lincoln employees will have the opportunity to review and update NUFlex benefits for the 2026 plan year during the annual enrollment period, scheduled for Oct. 27 to Nov. 14.

The annual enrollment includes several key changes to the university’s health insurance plan — the first structural updates to the plan design in more than a decade. In addition to a premium increase, employees will see updates to deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums and pharmacy copays.

“The university has worked hard to absorb as much of this increase as possible and to continue offering a strong, competitive benefits package for our employees,” said Anne Barnes, senior vice president for business and finance and chief financial officer for the University of Nebraska system. “Even so, NU employees will see increases to insurance premiums and some other benefits related costs in 2026.”

What’s changing in 2026

University health insurance premiums will increase by 7.25%. For employees, that translates to a $10 to $59 monthly increase, depending on plan selection. The average increase across all plans is about $23.

Deductibles will increase by $100 for individual coverage and $200 for spouse/family coverage. Out-of-pocket maximums will increase by $200 for individuals and $400 for spouse/family plans. Additionally, pharmacy copays for a 30-day supply of generic and brand-name medications will increase by $5.

These are the first changes to NU system deductibles, out-of-pocket limits and pharmacy copays since 2011.

“Health care costs continue to rise nationwide, and we’re seeing increased utilization as well,” said Brian Schlichting, assistant vice president and director of benefits. “These changes are a response to those trends and are designed to help keep our plan sustainable for the long term.”

The 7.25% increase is below the national average, which is around 10% for employer-sponsored benefits plans.

Open house, webinar offered

To help employees understand NUFlex options and navigate the enrollment process, Human Resources will host a webinar with Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett on Oct. 27 and an in-person Benefits Open House on Oct. 22.

The webinar is 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 27. It will include an opportunity to ask questions directly to a panel. No registration is required. Attend via Zoom here.

The open house is 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Nebraska East Union. Members of the university’s benefits team and representatives from vendors Blue Cross and Blue Shield, EmpiRX and Unum will be available to answer questions.

“We want to make sure employees feel supported and understand their choices,” said Ben Lennander, assistant vice chancellor of human resources and chief people officer. “The open house is a great chance to ask questions in person and get help before enrollment begins.”

Employees with additional questions can contact the UNL benefits team by phone at 402-472-2600, email to benefits@unl.edu or by visiting the office (no appointment needed) in Canfield Administration Building, Room 408.

All employees must log into Firefly during the enrollment window to confirm or update their benefit elections. Flexible Spending Accounts must be re-elected each year, and the annual tobacco/nicotine use designation must also be renewed.

Additional benefit updates

While health costs are increasing, several other benefits will remain unchanged or improve in 2026:

Dental premiums will remain the same for employees. The university’s contribution will increase by $2 per month;
Long-term disability insurance premiums will decrease by 25%;
Premiums for vision, voluntary life, spouse/dependent life, and accidental death and dismemberment are unchanged;
The Dependent Care FSA limit will increase from $5,000 to $7,500;
A new FSA administrator, Inspira Financial, will take over in 2026; and
Paid parental leave has expanded to eight weeks for all new parents.

Health Risk Assessment offers added value

Employees are encouraged to complete the optional Health Risk Assessment during NUFlex enrollment. Those who do so will continue to receive additional benefits in 2026, including:

$0 copays for generic medications through the plan’s mail-order provider;
A $400 annual preventive care allowance;
$0 copays for in-network seasonal vaccinations such as flu shots; and
Full coverage for preventive colonoscopies once every 10 years starting at age 45.

“It’s absolutely worth the time,” Lennander said. “Completing the assessment gives employees access to valuable benefits that support personal and preventive health.”

The assessment is confidential and must be completed each year to receive the enhanced coverage.