All Full- and Part-Time Benefit Eligible Faculty and Staff,
The University of Hartford’s annual open enrollment for medical, dental, vision, and optional life insurance, as well as pre-tax savings account elections, for coverage beginning January 1, 2026, will take place from Monday, November 3, 2025–Friday, November 21, 2025. An email will be sent to all full- and part-time benefit eligible faculty and staff on November 3 when Open Enrollment begins.
NEW FOR 2026:
- The Benefits Task Force is pleased to announce the University will be implementing a 3-tier premium structure for the 2026 calendar year for medical insurance premiums.
- This year, employees will initiate their insurance elections through SoftDocs, which integrates directly with BANNER. This streamlined process features a smart form designed to guide employees step-by-step through the annual election process. SoftDocs will require each employee to use their single sign on (SSO). All eligible employees will be provided links and instructions on November 3, 2025.
To support this new process, open lab/drop-in sessions will be available for any employee who would like assistance with completing the form. All sessions will be held in CC 114.
- Wednesday, November 5: 2–4 p.m.
- Thursday, November 6: 9 a.m.–noon and 2–4 p.m.
- Thursday, November 13: 9 a.m.–noon
- Tuesday, November 18: 9 a.m.–noon
- Thursday, November 20: 9 a.m.–noon
- Friday, November 21: 2–4 p.m.
A summary of details regarding each benefit and any changes for 2026 are provided below:
Aetna Medical Insurance:
- Retain the medical insurance carrier.
- The University will continue to offer a Deductible Based Plan and a Point of Service Plan.
- No changes to the medical plan structure.
- No changes to the current pharmacy benefit.
- The University will continue to offer an employer contribution for the Health Savings/Reimbursement Accounts for 2026, at the same contribution rate ($1,000 for employee only, $2,000 for employee + spouse/children/family). This contribution cannot be guaranteed year over year, and will be reviewed annually.
- The overall increase for the medical insurance is 4.5%. In an effort to keep the employee increases reasonable with the implementation of the 3 tiers, the University will continue to absorb a portion of the increase. The 3-tier premium structure will replace the current 2-tier structure. The new salary tiers will each receive an increase in premium:
- Salary Under $50,000 – 1% increase
- Salary between $50,000.01 - $100,000 – 1% increase
- Salary Over $100,000.01 – 5% increase
Aetna Dental Insurance:
- No changes to the dental plan structure or carrier.
- Rates are increasing by 6.8%.
United Healthcare Vision Insurance:
- No changes to the vision plan structure, carrier, or rates.
The Standard Life Insurance:
- No changes to the life insurance plan structure or carrier.
- Supplemental, Spousal, and Dependent life insurance rates are increasing by 45%.
Links to full and part time rates for all 2026 insurance elections are included below.
Please note, Health Savings Accounts as well as Flexible Spending Account elections cannot be rolled from year to year. You must select these options to participate in these benefits. The 2026 IRS limits will be provided during the enrollment process.
In conjunction with USI Insurance Services, HRD will offer one Town Hall Session as well as individual appointments on November 12, 2025 with Chris Monroe for any employee who wishes to evaluate their voluntary enrolled benefits. Times, locations, and appointment details will be provided when Open Enrollment begins.
Elections MUST be made no later than Friday, November 21, 2025.
Please contact HRD at hrd@hartford.edu if you have questions.