Open Enrollment Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend first visiting the Open Enrollment page.
Then, when you’re ready to enroll in benefits, log in to My Benefits. Make sure you enroll by November 6. Don’t forget to save the summary of your confirmation for your records after you click the “submit” button.
You will not be able to make changes outside Open Enrollment, unless you have a Qualifying Life Event.
Open Enrollment is your opportunity to review your current coverage and enroll in or make changes to your benefits for 2027, including adding or removing dependents. Your current elections will automatically carry over for 2027, with some important exceptions. You must take action during enrollment to elect or reelect the:
- Health Care FSA or Dependent Care FSA
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Medical Contribution Assistance Program (MCAP).
- The above benefits must be elected each year, and some have specific eligibility requirements.
To learn more about each health plan option, visit the Medical Plans page or use the Cardinal at Work Comparison Tool.
The benefits you choose during Open Enrollment become effective on Jan. 1, 2027.
If you elect supplemental life insurance, your coverage will begin as soon as your evidence of insurability (EOI) has been completed and approved. If you add new dependents during Open Enrollment, be sure to upload certification documentation before Jan. 31, 2027.
You may elect the following benefits during Open Enrollment:
- Medical
- California employees only: You will be asked to confirm your enrollment in Voluntary Disability Insurance (VDI) or waive VDI and participate in CA State Disability Insurance (CASDI) instead.
- Dental
- Vision
- Health care FSA
- Dependent care FSA
- HSA
- Supplemental life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
- Critical illness insurance
- Prepaid legal services
Explore Stanford’s benefits and employee programs to discover how these plans support your holistic well-being.
Choosing a medical plan is an important decision. To help you make the best choice for you, use these tools during Open Enrollment:
- Emma, the decision support tool, in the My Benefits portal.
- Cardinal at Work Comparison Tool
- Think through your medical plan options.
- Attend an information session. Register on the Open Enrollment page.
There are two ways to get help from the HR Service Center:
- Submit a help ticket on the HR Services & Support portal.
- Call 877-905-2985, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. PT, except holidays.
Examples of issues where they can be of help:
- You are a new hire and need services before you receive your plan ID card; your doctor’s office or pharmacy may call to verify coverage
- You need help enrolling in benefits during the enrollment window
- You have a question about a payroll deduction related to your benefits
- You are unsure if a dependent is covered under your plan
- You plan to retire in the next three to six months