Stanford
Cardinal at Work

Open Enrollment

Benefits Open Enrollment: Oct. 20 - Nov. 7, 2025

At Stanford, you matter as much as the work. Open Enrollment is the perfect time to explore our benefits and employee programs, so you can build healthy habits and care for yourself and your family in the year ahead. 

From Oct. 20 through Nov. 7, you’ll have the opportunity to enroll in or make changes to your benefits. This includes adding or dropping dependents from coverage, and electing to participate in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) for 2026. 

Enroll now

Jump to the section of your choice:  
A Letter from Elizabeth Zacharias
What's Changing 
Information Sessions & Presentations  
Reminders 
FAQ and Decision Tools

Open Enrollment information for:

New Hires Retirees

A Letter from Elizabeth Zacharias, VP for Human Resources

Dear Colleagues,

Prioritizing your health and well-being is as important as the work we do. Stanford is committed to offering comprehensive, high-quality health care, along with employee programs that support your well-being at each stage of life and throughout your career. Open Enrollment is your annual opportunity to explore your benefits, consider your needs for the year ahead, and choose the coverage that offers the best fit.

Each year, the Stanford Benefits team reviews our health and life benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health offerings, and assesses all available options. It is important that our benefits meet the diverse needs of our workforce, while also keeping costs down for everyone. The Bay Area is one of the most expensive health care markets in the U.S., which heightens the importance of using in-network, lower-cost, yet high-quality providers when possible to minimize rising health care costs.

I’m happy to share that we are introducing several enhancements this year, including increased health savings account (HSA) contributions from Stanford, higher frame allowances for eyeglasses, and additional options for primary care for the Stanford-sponsored Aetna plans through Crossover Health.

Your dental benefits will remain the same in 2026. While some of you have shared concerns about providers leaving the network, Delta Dental continues to offer the most comprehensive coverage and the broadest network for our community, and is actively adding new providers to expand access. You can visit the Delta Dental website or call (888) 335-8227 for help finding an in-network dentist.

To learn more about these changes and what to expect during Open Enrollment, sign up for a Virtual Information Session, and be sure to use the decision support tools on Cardinal at Work and in the My Benefits portal to help you compare options and select the plans that best meet your needs for 2026. If you have specific questions or need help, contact the University HR Service Team at (877) 905-2985.

We’re always open to feedback and encourage you to share yours through the annual Open Enrollment survey in November.

Remember, caring for yourself — physically, mentally, and emotionally — is essential to your overall well-being. Stanford’s benefits are here to support you every step of the way.

In good health,

Elizabeth Zacharias
Vice President for Human Resources
Stanford University

Elizabeth Zacharias photo

What's Changing in 2026?

Learn what’s new for 2026, and explore your health and financial benefits to choose what works best for you.

Explore your benefits on Cardinal at Work View 2026 employee contribution rates Compare plans

Attend a Virtual Information Session

Learn about your benefits for 2026 and get your questions answered.

Attend a session with the Stanford Benefits team, including a Q&A. Click the links below to register. 
Monday, Oct. 20 from 9-10 a.m. PT
Tuesday, Oct. 28 from 1-2 p.m. PT
Monday, Nov. 3 from 2-3 p.m. PT

View Stanford Benefits presentation slides

View Crossover Health presentation slides
 

Choose the Benefits that are Right for You
 

Life changes from year to year, and your benefits might need to change too. Open Enrollment is the ideal time to take a fresh look at your current coverage and make sure you’re participating in all the plans and programs that will best support your life in the year ahead.

  • Introducing Emma, a virtual assistant who can help guide your benefits selection, now available in the My Benefits portal.
  • Consider the optional benefits available to you. Open Enrollment is the time to enroll in critical illness insurance or pre-paid legal services, as well as update your life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Stanford also offers discounted pet insurance, which you may enroll in at any time during the year.
  • Check in on your retirement savings account to ensure you are taking full advantage of Stanford’s matching contribution. Remember, you can make changes to your account any time.
  • Update your beneficiaries.
  • Use the Medical Decision page for guidance on making informed decisions when choosing a medical plan.

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.

Open Enrollment Reminders

  • If you don't need medical coverage through Stanford in 2026, you may waive coverage during Open Enrollment.
  • If you plan to enroll in critical illness insurance, keep in mind that if you receive a diagnosis before your coverage goes into effect, that illness will not be covered. For example, if you are diagnosed with cancer this year and elect critical illness coverage to begin in 2026, you will not be eligible to receive a benefit for cancer. Please read the plan documents to be informed of the exclusions before enrolling in this plan.
  • If you received a Child Care Subsidy Grant, check your benefits portal for the amount of the award. You may choose to supplement your dependent care FSA with additional funds up to the $5,000 IRS household limit during Open Enrollment.
  • Getting a flu shot each year helps you stay healthy and safe. Stanford offers flu shot clinics on campus at no cost to employees. You can also receive a free flu shot at your primary care physicianʼs office. View the schedule on Environmental Health & Safety.
  • Survey: We want to hear from you! Please participate in our post-open enrollment survey and share your feedback. Watch your inbox the week of Nov. 10.

Find the Answers You Need 

Use these resources to get your questions answered and learn more about your Stanford benefits:

Do I Need to Take Action?

If you take no action, your current coverage will automatically continue in 2026. However, certain benefits require annual re-enrollment: FSAs, HSA, and the Medical Contribution Assistance Program (MCAP). You must actively enroll annually to participate in these plans.

Remember, the choices you make during Open Enrollment are effective Jan. 1, 2026, and cannot be changed during the year unless you have a qualifying life event. 

Make sure you click the "complete enrollment" button at the end of the election form and keep your confirmation statement for your records.