Human Resources
Open Enrollment
Annual Open Enrollment Information
This year, annual open enrollment runs from October 26 through November 23. This is your once-a-year opportunity to make changes to your PEBB benefits. All open enrollment changes take effect January 1, 2027.
Actions to Take
- Review information on the HCA PEBB website
- Attend a Benefits Fair in person OR view online
- Make medical and dental changes via Benefits 24/7, if desired
- Enroll/re-enroll in the Medical Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) and/or Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) online through the Navia website
Medical Premium Rates
Table listing the medical plans and rates.
Resources
2027 Changes
- Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSA) maximum contribution are currently $3,400 and may increase by the IRS for 2027. There is a regular FSA and Limited FSA option.
- HSA Contribution Maximums changing to $4,500 for individual and $9,000 for families. Those over 55 can continue to contribute an additional $1,000.
- CDHP deductibles are increasing to $1,750 for individuals and $3,500 for families.
- Long Term Disability (LTD) rates may decrease between 23% to 26% in 2027.
- SmartHealth will no longer be available after December 31, 2027. Eligible subscribers who qualify for the wellness incentive by the deadline in 2027 will receive it in January 2028.
Please visit the HCA 2027 Open Enrollment site for additional information.
FAQs
How can I compare coverage between the different medical plans?
PEBB has a medical benefit comparison tool you can use. (This currently displays 2026 information and will be updated to the 2027 version when available.)
Why do insurance premiums go up or down each year?
Insurance plans submit premium proposals that take into consideration the past years claims history, and the anticipated trend for the upcoming year. If a plan paid out more claims than they collected in premiums, you will usually see premium increases the next year, and vice versa.
If I elect to change my medical plan for 2027, will I be required to switch my dental or vision plan as well?
No. Medical and dental and vision plan elections are separate elections. It would only be if you wanted to change you dental or vision plan as well, that you would need to submit that as an Open Enrollment change.
How do the Uniform Medical Plans (UMP) work?
UMP covers both in- and out-of-network providers and facilities, with the exception of providers that do not accept patients outside of their own plan network.
If you see a preferred healthcare provider, UMP will pay 85% of the allowed amount, and you pay the remaining 15%. Non-preferred providers are covered at 60% of the allowed amount, and you will be responsible for the remaining 40% and anything over the allowed amount.
What is the amount that CWU pays in addition to what I pay for medical premiums toward my benefits package?
In 2027, CWU will pay $1334 as the employer contribution for each benefit-eligible employee to cover the majority of the medical premium, all of the vision and dental premiums, and the basic life and long term disability coverage.
How are premium rates negotiated?
CWU’s benefits are part of the state’s Public Employee Benefit package and negotiated at the state level by the Health Care Authority (HCA) on behalf of all Washington Higher Education Institutions and General Government agencies as a group benefits package.
When negotiating new benefits rates, the following are reviewed/considered in the negotiation process:
- The submitted bid from the insurance plan to offer the identified benefits for the coming year, with supporting documentation
- Claims experience review – did the claims go up or down during the current period compared to prior periods
- Enrollment shifts – did enrollment go up or down during the current period compared to prior periods
- Projected costs of the insurance usage in the future
- Underlying medical costs and trends
- The benefits being offered are unable to be adjusted for the current year, since that benefit structure has already been established and approved by the State. It could be reviewed/modified in future years, which could have potential impact on the insurance costs.
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