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Human Resource Services

  1. Whitworth University
  2. Human Resource Services
  3. Benefits
  4. Open Enrollment

Welcome to Open Enrollment!

This is your opportunity to review and update your benefits selections for the upcoming year. We've designed this guide to help you navigate your options and make informed decisions that best support you and your family's needs.

Take some time to explore what's available, consider any changes in your personal situation, and select the benefits that provide the right coverage for you. Remember, the choices you make now will be in effect for the entire plan year unless you experience a qualifying life event.

Important Information

Open Enrollment Period: April 22-May 4, 2025
Benefits Plan Year: June 1, 2025 - May 31, 2026

Resources

First Payroll Deductions

  • Semi-monthly employees: May 15, 2025
  • Monthly employees: May 31, 2025

Note: Benefits are paid one month in advance. May deductions pay for June premiums.

Take Action Now!

All elections must be submitted by Sunday, May 4, 2025. If you don't make any changes, your current elections will carry over, with the important exception of flexible spending accounts (FSA) which require re-enrollment each year.

SUBMIT BENEFITS ELECTIONS HERE

Medical Insurance

Whitworth University continues to offer comprehensive medical coverage through Aetna. Our plans provide access to a wide network of providers including Providence, MultiCare and all area hospitals, plus nationwide coverage. No referrals are needed for appointments, giving you freedom and flexibility in your healthcare choices.

Both plans include access to Aetna's dedicated concierge line (833.763.0635) for personalized assistance with finding providers, understanding benefits and resolving prescription issues. This service makes navigating your healthcare simpler and more convenient.

PPO with HRA

This traditional PPO plan balances upfront costs with comprehensive coverage and includes an employer-funded health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) to help offset your out-of-pocket expenses.

How it works: You'll pay premiums each paycheck and meet your deductible before the plan begins to share costs. The university provides HRA funds to help cover your initial expenses.

  • Deductible:
    • Individual: $2,000
    • Family: $4,000
  • HRA Contribution:
    • Individual: $1,000
    • Family: $2,000
    • Maximum accrual: $2,000 individual/$4,000 family
  • HRA enrollment is automatic through HealthEquity

Best for: Those who prefer predictable costs and don't mind higher premiums or those who are managing a medical condition(s).

High-Deductible Health Plan with HSA 

This plan combines lower premiums with a tax-advantaged health savings account (HSA) that can be used for current expenses or saved for future healthcare needs. The HSA is both an immediate benefit and a long-term financial planning tool.

How it works: You'll pay lower premiums and non-preventable pharmacy costs until the deductible is met. The university contributes to your HSA, and you can add pre-tax contributions up to IRS limits.

  • Deductible:
    • Individual: $2,500
    • Family: $5,000 (no individual deductible on family plan)
  • University HSA Contribution:
    • Individual: $700 (half in June/half in December)
    • Family: $1,400 (half in June/half in December)
  • Additional HSA Contributions (including university amount):
    • Individual: Up to $4,300 total
    • Family: Up to $8,550 total
    • Age 55+: Additional $1,000 allowed

Best for: Those who want lower premiums, are generally healthy or want to build health savings for the future.

Important HSA Note: If currently enrolled in FSA, funds must be spent by May 31, 2025, and HRA claims entered by mid-May for HSA eligibility.

Resources

Dental Insurance

Good news! There are no rate increases for dental coverage this year. Both plans maintain the same $50 individual/$150 family deductible, and we've added a convenient virtual dental care option to enhance accessibility.

PPO Basic Dental

This plan provides essential dental coverage at an affordable rate, covering preventive care, basic procedures and major services up to the annual maximum.

  • $1,750 annual maximum benefit per person
  • Preventive care covered at 100 percent
  • No orthodontia coverage

Best for: Individuals and families seeking cost-effective coverage for routine dental care and occasional treatments.

PPO Buy-up 

This enhanced plan offers a higher annual maximum and includes orthodontia benefits for both adults and children, making it ideal for families with anticipated orthodontic needs.

  • $2,500 annual maximum benefit per person
  • Includes orthodontia coverage: 50 percent up to $2,500 lifetime maximum
  • Orthodontia available for both adults and children

Best for: Families with anticipated orthodontic needs or those who need more extensive dental services.

Resources

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Action required!

FSA enrollment does NOT carry over year-to-year. You must re-enroll to participate in the 2025-26 plan year.

Healthcare FSA

Set aside pre-tax funds for medical, dental, vision, and prescription expenses for you and your eligible dependents.

  • Annual maximum: Up to $3,300
  • Not available to HDHP participants with HSAs
  • Includes grace period for using funds

Planning tip: Consider your expected out-of-pocket healthcare costs for the year when determining your contribution amount.

Dependent Care FSA

Set aside pre-tax funds for eligible childcare (up to age 13) or adult dependent care expenses that allow you and your spouse to work or attend school full-time.

  • Annual maximum:
    • $5,000 per household (joint filing)
    • $2,500 (single filing)
  • Available to all employees, including HDHP participants

Planning tip: Estimate your annual daycare, preschool or adult dependent care costs to determine your contribution.

Resources

Life Insurance & Accidental Death and Dismemberment

Prudential continues to provide life insurance and AD&D coverage with no premium increases for the 2025-26 plan year. The university provides basic coverage at no cost to you, and you have the option to purchase additional protection for yourself and your dependents.

New Participants

If you're enrolling in optional life insurance for the first time, here's what you need to know:

  • You may elect coverage up to the lesser of five times your annual salary or $500,000
  • All elections require underwriting review
  • Coverage reduces at age 70
  • Spouse coverage: Up to 50 percent of your coverage (maximum $125,000)
  • Dependent children: Up to $10,000 for unmarried dependents under age 26

Underwriting is required for all new participant coverage and spouse coverage but not for dependent children coverage.

Current Participants

If you're already enrolled in optional life insurance, you have these options:

  • You can "bump up" coverage in increments up to $50,000 without underwriting (up to $200,000)
  • Maximum of four bumps allowed total during your employment
  • Coverage above $200,000 requires underwriting
  • Maximum coverage is lesser of five times your annual salary or $500,000
  • Coverage reduces at age 70

The same spouse and dependent children coverage options apply as for new participants.

Resources

Wellness Benefits

Calm Health App

New! Calm Health is an all-in-one mental wellness app designed to help you manage stress and anxiety and improve sleep through guided meditations, sleep stories and personalized programs backed by clinical research. The app offers tools for both immediate stress relief and long-term resilience building, making mental health support accessible anytime, anywhere through your smartphone or tablet.

Employee Assistance Program 

The EAP is continuing with Aetna. You and your household members are eligible for up to eight short-term counseling sessions per issue, per benefit plan year. Information about the EAP offerings can be found below. 

Questions About Your Benefits?

The human resources team is here to help you navigate your benefits options and make informed decisions. Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Contact Information:

Email: hr@whitworth.edu
Phone: x4872