What's Changing: Your Benefits for 2026
At Stanford, you matter as much as the work. It’s time to choose the comprehensive benefits and employee programs that help you thrive in your health and wellness at each stage of life.
For 2026, you will continue to have access to the same great benefits with a few enhancements and changes.
The My Benefits portal has a new look!
New features include more user-friendly navigation that meets accessibility standards, a Spanish language option, and Emma, a virtual assistant who can help guide your benefits selection.
New! Expanded access to primary care
Starting Jan. 1, employees enrolled in a Stanford-sponsored Aetna plan will have access to Crossover Health, which offers virtual and near-site clinics for primary care. This will help you receive care faster and at a lower cost, while helping you build healthy habits.
Crossover Health offers:
- Primary care
- Mental health support
- Physical therapy
- Health coaching
- Chiropractic care
- Lab work
All services are in-network under Aetna’s plans.
Visit Crossover's website to learn more View Crossover Health's presentation slides
Increases to Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions
When you enroll in the Stanford Choice High-Deductible Health Plan or the ACA Basic HDHP, you can set aside tax-free dollars in an HSA for health care expenses now and in the future. Unused funds roll over from one year to the next, and you can invest the balance to grow interest tax-free.
In 2026, you can contribute more to your HSA — $4,400 for employee-only coverage and $8,750 for employee + dependents coverage.
More Stanford HSA funds for 2026
If you enroll in the Stanford Choice High-Deductible Health Plan and make an HSA election (at least $0), Stanford will contribute even more in 2026. You’ll receive $1,316 for employee-only coverage, $2,697 for employee + spouse/registered domestic partner coverage, $2,648 for employee + children coverage, and $2,828 for family coverage. Both your personal contribution and Stanford’s contribution cannot exceed the IRS annual limit.
HSA Rules when enrolling in Medicare
Once you enroll in any part of Medicare (Part A, Part B, or both), you can no longer contribute to your HSA. You can continue using existing HSA funds for qualified medical expenses, including Medicare premiums.
Contribute more to your Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
For 2026, you can contribute up to $3,400 to your health care FSA to pay for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses for you and your eligible dependents. You may also carry over $660 of your unused 2025 health care FSA funds to 2026.
Build Healthy Habits with BeWell
Participate in the BeWell program to access education, coaching, and community events that support healthy habits and long-term well-being. In 2026, you can earn up to $280 (per year) for completing activities that help you stay on track with your wellness goals.
Meru Health Teens (Coming soon in 2026!)
A 12-week program that helps teens (13+) build skills to handle stress, anxiety, and low mood. The program blends engaging videos, interactive practices, and support from a therapist who truly understands teens, giving them tools to thrive, connect, and grow with confidence.
Vision
Your vision coverage will continue to be offered through Vision Service Provider (VSP). For 2026, your eyeglass frame allowance will increase from $200 to $250 per calendar year, and from $110 to $135 at Costco® Optical, Walmart, and Sam's Club. Employee contribution rates are increasing slightly.
Medical deductible changes
There are some changes to the coverage amounts for the Stanford Choice High-Deductible Health Plan and ACA Basic HDHP.
Stanford Choice High-Deductible Health Plan
- The annual deductible will stay the same ($1,750 per individual coverage/$3,500 per family coverage), but up to $3,400 of an individual’s claims will apply toward the family deductible. Once that threshold is met, the plan will begin sharing the costs for that individual.
- The out-of-area employee contribution for the Stanford Choice High-Deductible plan has been phased out for 2026, and all employees enrolled in the Choice HDHP will have the same contributions. Stanford has increased its contribution to the Health Savings Account (HSA) in 2026 for those enrolled in the Choice HDHP who also elect an HSA.
ACA Basic HDHP*
- The annual deductible will increase to $3,400 per individual coverage/$6,800 per family coverage in-network, and $6,800 per individual coverage/$13,600 per family coverage out-of-network.
- The out-of-pocket maximum will increase to $6,800 per individual coverage/$13,600 per family coverage in-network, and $13,600 per individual coverage/$27,200 per family coverage out-of-network.
*The ACA Basic HDHP meets the minimum essential coverage requirements under the federal health care reform, Affordable Care Act (ACA)
Learn more about your medical plans
2026 medical plan costs
In 2026, there will be changes to the cost of our medical plans.
While the Kaiser HMO will remain free for all full-time employees with employee-only coverage, the premiums for other levels of coverage under the Kaiser HMO, as well as the Stanford Choice High-Deductible Health Plan* and ACA Basic HDHP, will increase. These adjustments help us continue offering comprehensive health care options while managing rising costs.
The costs to the Stanford Copay Health Plan will decrease in 2026.
*The out-of-area employee contribution for the Aetna Choice High Deductible plan has been phased out for 2026, and all employees enrolled in the Choice HDHP will have the same contributions. Stanford has increased its contribution to the Health Savings Account (HSA) in 2026 for those enrolled in the Choice HDHP who also elect an HSA.
Kaiser plan changes (CA)
The Kaiser CA prescription plan is changing, and specialty (non-generic) drug prices will go up.