The annual benefits open enrollment period for U of A employees to select plans for 2024 will begin on Oct. 23 and will close at 5 p.m. on Nov. 6.

Completion of the enrollment process is required, even if only enrolling in mandatory benefits that are 100% covered by the university, such as basic life insurance, basic long-term disability Insurance, employer contributions to retirement and required employee contributions to retirement. 

All benefits selections are managed through the "benefits and pay" tab in Workday. Please be aware that enrollments for dependents require documentation of eligibility. Employees have until the end of the open enrollment period to self-correct dependents in Workday before a formal audit will be performed in January. 

Health Plan 

• There will be no premium increase for active employee coverage.

• COBRA premiums will increase to the current total premium rate for active employees in all plans plus a 2% administrative fee.

• In the Health Savings Plan / High Deductible Health Plan, the individual annual deductible will increase by $200 to $3,200. 

  • The U of A is also absorbing the cost for health plan deductible increases.

• Coverage for vaccinations at $0 OOP has been expanded to cover personal travel.

• UMR/United has added Talkspace as another in-network telehealth provider.

• The wellness program has been revised and expanded for 2024. Wellness program enrollment is available on the UMR website.

Flexible Spending Accounts

• The Medical FSA maximum employee contribution for 2024 is $3,050.

• For both Medical FSA and Dependent Care FSA, the claims submission deadline for 2023 claims will be March 31, 2024.

Health Savings Accounts 

• The contribution limit for employee-only coverage is $4,150.

• For family enrollment (including employee plus spouse and employee plus children) the contribution limit is $8,300.

• Employees ages 55 and older are eligible to contribute an additional $1,000.

Dental Plan

• There will be no premium increase for active employee coverage or for COBRA participants.

• Orthodontia coverage will be expanded to provide for adult orthodontia. Adult orthodontia coverage will provide a benefit of up to $2,000 for participants.

• Orthodontia remains a one-time-lifetime benefit; participants receiving the orthodontia benefit as a child are not eligible to receive the benefit as an adult.

Miscellaneous Updates 

• Access perks is now available for employees. The program offers discounts on travel, restaurants, entertainment, hotels and many other services.

• The tobacco pledge will no longer be a part of the benefits open enrollment process in Workday. The pledge will be available as an incentive item in the wellness program enrollment on the UMR website.

• Employees must enroll before Nov. 6 and certify that they do not use tobacco or will enroll in a cessation program. They will then receive 50 wellness points, which equal $50 to spend on the wellness site.

Employees must be 50% appointed (average 20 hours) or greater and not in a student position, such as senior graduate assistant, to be eligible for benefits. For more information, view a variety of resources including a Frequently Asked Questions page on the University of Arkansas System website. 

Information Sessions 

Human Resources will host two virtual information sessions for any employee who wishes to learn more about open enrollment.  

• Oct. 24 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. 

• Nov. 1 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. 

For assistance completing the open enrollment selection process or for other questions about benefits, email hrbenf@uark.edu.