Open Enrollment for Remote Employees

During Open Enrollment, you’re invited to see what health, life, and financial benefits are available for the year ahead – to support you in your work and life. Explore your plans and discover what’s changing for 2024, so you can choose what works best for you. Enroll for your 2024 benefits from Oct. 23 through Nov. 10 at My Benefits. 

As of Oct. 9, 2023: Aetna's provider search tool has been repaired. Prior to using the tool, it is suggested to clear your browser history. 

What’s Changing in 2024?

This year, we are making significant enhancements to your plans. As our remote workforce has expanded over the last several years, we have seen a greater need for additional nationwide medical plan options. We have listened to your feedback and worked hard this year to provide additional coverage options for remote employees and for employees with out-of-area dependents.

New Medical Plan and Administrator

Starting in 2024, we are consolidating our medical plan administration to Aetna for all of Stanford’s medical plan options, except the Kaiser HMO. You will continue to have access to the same high deductible health plans (HDHPs), but you will also have a new medical plan option, the Stanford Select Copay Health Plan (formerly the Stanford Health Care Alliance or SHCA plan). The Stanford Select Copay Health Plan may be a good option for employees who want more predictable costs.

The Stanford Select Copay Health Plan has no deductible, and most services are covered with a copay. With this plan, your medical care will be coordinated by a primary care physician (PCP), and you must stay in-network for care, unless you have an emergency. The Stanford Select Copay Health Plan allows you to contribute up to $3,050 in tax-free funds to a health care flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for health care expenses.

If you do not make a different election during Open Enrollment, you will be automatically enrolled in the Stanford Choice High Deductible Health Plan offered through Aetna. If you wish to change plans to the Stanford Select Copay Health Plan, you will need to take action to enroll in that plan. 

Consolidating administration of our medical plan options to Aetna means we are discontinuing our relationship with Blue Shield of California, effective Dec. 31, 2023. However, your Aetna medical coverage will include advocacy services that can help you find care, schedule appointments, review claims, and more. As a result, access to Included Health for advocacy services will end on Dec. 31, 2023. You may continue using Included Health for a second opinion on a diagnosis or treatment plan. 

Learn more about what’s changing on Cardinal at Work 

Attend a Virtual Town Hall

If you missed the virtual Town Hall providing an overview of Open Enrollment and your benefits options, you can review the presentation for all the details.

View the presentation

Making Informed Decisions Matters

Choosing a medical plan is an important decision, and your choice lasts the entire year. Check out the available tools and resources on Cardinal at Work to help you decide which plan is best for you.  Also, learn where you can go for care depending on your medical needs, so you can save time and money. 

Get Your Questions Answered 

Find answers to your questions about Open Enrollment and your Stanford benefits:

• Benefits Roadmap
• Cardinal at Work Comparison Tool
• Open Enrollment Frequently Asked Questions 
• Open Enrollment Virtual Town Hall
  • Virtual Town Hall presentation
• High Deductible Health Plan Guide
• Topic-specific pre-recorded Information Sessions
  • High Deductible Health Plans
  • Stanford Select Copay Health Plan
  • Remote Employees 
  • Health Savings Account
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Transition of Care