2026 Open Enrollment is Oct. 13-31
Open Enrollment for 2026 is right around the corner, Oct. 13 through Oct. 31, 2025!
For Open Enrollment assitance, join Human Resources in the Library or schedule a virtual
one-on-one.
In-Person Assistance
All in-person assistance will be held in Library Room 2209. Stop by at your convenience.
- Monday, Oct. 13: 1-4 p.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 14: 1-4 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 16: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 17: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Tuesday Oct. 21: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 22: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 24: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 28: 9 a.m. to noon; 1:30-4 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 31: 1-4 p.m.
Virtual Assistance
If you prefer a one-on-one session via Teams or Zoom, please use the link below to register for the date and time that works best for you. Be prepared to share your screen.
One-On-One Open Enrollment Assistance
Open Enrollment Information
During Open Enrollment, UNCSA employees will have the opportunity to review and update their benefits for the upcoming year (2026). This is your once-a-year opportunity to enroll in or make changes to your:
- Health Plan
- Supplemental Disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Dependent Daycare FSA
- Accident
- Cancer and Specified Disease
- Critical Illness
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance
- Voluntary AD&D/Core AD&D
- Re-enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA’s) (you must re-enroll)
- *New*UNC Legal Plans through MetLife
How to Enroll
You can enroll using the links on UNCSA's benefits webpage. Scroll down to click the first box for "Benefits Portal" (State Health Plan) and second box for "Empryean."
If you have questions, please contact Lauretta Baldwin in the Benefits Department at 336-770-1451 or baldwinl@uncsa.edu.
Important Notes for 2026
- The State Health Plan is changing from flat-rate premiums to a salary based premium structure. Please go to www.shpnc.gov to review information, Plans for 2026.
- For 2026, The 70/30 Plan is now the "Standard PPO Plan". The 80/20 PPO Plan is now the "Plus PPO Plan."
- We will be automatically enrolled in the Standard PPO Plan. If no action is taken, you will be automatically enrolled in the Standard PPO Plan (formally 70/30 PPO Plan).
- We will not receive a $60 credit for the "Tobacco Attestation" for 2026.
- An employee cannot be covered as both an employee and a dependent spouse or child. Additionally, children cannot be enrolled under both parents if both parents work for the state of N.C.
- Dental plans cost increased by 4%.
- The New "UNC Legal Plan" through MetLife: Staff/faculty will have access to legal assistance services via MetLife. The cost is one flat rate $13.66 and anyone in your household can utilize it. This information will be under Empyrean.
- Take a moment to review your beneficiaries to confirm that you've designated the individuals you truly want. It's a great opportunity to ensure everything is in order!
- SHP have partnered with Lantern to provide specialty care management, to offer a no-cost surgical benefit to state employees. No deductibles and no copays. You will receive information with a card by mail.
- Health Care Flexible Spending maximum is $3,300/ rollover to 2027 is $660.
- Dependent Daycare Flexible Spending maximum is $7,500. There is no rollover.
Eligibility & Enrollment Center
- 855-859-0966
- Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Empyrean
- 833-862-1490
- Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and
- Saturday: Closed
Contact: Lauretta Baldwinns in new t
Oct. 6, 2025