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Choose Smart. Live Well!
Open Enrollment is your opportunity to review your current benefits and make changes for the 2027 plan year. Enrollment is open Oct. 27 through Nov. 16 at 11:59 p.m. Any changes you make will take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Important Reminders
This year’s Open Enrollment requires actions to be completed by Nov. 16 to maintain certain benefits and avoid new charges. Specifically:
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A $75 monthly spousal surcharge will apply unless you apply and qualify for the waiver.
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Any existing vision benefits will end. You must reenroll and choose a new network.
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You must reenroll in Health Care Flexible Spending Account or Dependent Care Flexible Spending accounts to continue enrollment in 2027.
Learn More
What's Changing in 2027?
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Health plan premiums will increase.
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PPO out-of-pocket maximums will increase to $12,000 for employee-only coverage and $24,000 for family coverage.
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Employees earning less than $40,800 will no longer receive a PPO premium subsidy.
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A $75 monthly spousal surcharge may apply when a covered spouse has access to medical insurance through their employer.
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PPO members will receive new insurance cards.
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Seed money will increase to $300 for Employee-only coverage and $600 for all other coverages.
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Employees earning less than $40,800 will no longer receive the Tier 2 bonus seed money.
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Ameritas will become Auburn’s new dental carrier.
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Employees may continue to choose between Basic and Expanded dental plans.
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The Expanded Dental Plan’s annual maximum will increase from $1,000 to $1,500 per covered member.
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Preventive services will no longer reduce the annual maximum available for other dental treatment.
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Dental plan members will receive new cards.
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Ameritas will administer vision coverage.
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Employees must actively reenroll to keep vision coverage.
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Employees will choose either the EyeMed or VSP network.
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Both options include an annual eye exam and an increased allowance for frames or contact lenses, up to $180 each.
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Separate Employee + Spouse and Employee + Child or Children premium tiers will be available.
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Vision plan members will now receive ID cards.
Beginning January 1, 2027, mental health coverage, substance abuse coverage, and the Employee Assistance Program will be managed by Lucet, a partner of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBSAL). Lucet will also replace Uprise Health as Auburn’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) administrator.
Important: If you or a covered family member are currently receiving these health services, transition-of-care support may be available to help minimize disruptions in treatment during the provider transition. Additional information will be forthcoming.
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Employees may add or increase voluntary life insurance through The Standard without Evidence of Insurability during Open Enrollment.
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Employees may elect or increase spouse life insurance up to the guaranteed issue amount of $20,000 without Evidence of Insurability.
Key Dates
Virtual Benefit Fair
Join us for the Virtual Benefit Fair to learn about your benefits and ask questions.
Open Enrollment Begins
Open Enrollment opens at 12:01 a.m. on October 27, 2026.
Open Enrollment Ends
Open Enrollment closes at 11:59 p.m. on November 16, 2026.
New Plan Year Begins
New elections, rates, and plan changes take effect.
Enrollment Instructions
Beginning Oct. 27, log in to AU Access to:
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Review your current benefit elections
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Make changes to your benefits
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Add or cancel optional benefits
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Update your beneficiary information
Need help? Benefit enrollers will be available to assist you during Open Enrollment.
Before You Begin
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Review your current benefit choices.
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Decide whom you want to cover.
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Confirm that your dependent information is correct.
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Compare the health, dental, and vision options.
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Check the provider networks.
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Review the amount that will be deducted from each paycheck.
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Determine whether the spousal surcharge applies.
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Have the following information available:
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Social Security numbers and birth dates for any dependents you wish to enroll
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Documentation for newly added dependents
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Updated beneficiary information
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Emergency contact information
Log In
Sign in to AU Access and complete DUO authentication.
- Select the Benefits Enrollment quick link in the top left hand corner.
- If needed, open the Employee Benefits card.
- Select Online Benefits Enrollment (It will have the orange umbrella icon).
Review Your Information
Review and update your personal information.
- Contact information
- Personal information
- Dependent information
Adding a dependent?
Have their Social Security number and birthdate available and be prepared to submit supporting documentation.
Review Your Benefits
Review each benefit category and make your selections.
We recommend reviewing every benefit option, even if you do not plan to make changes.
Additional details about each plan are available within the enrollment system.
Confirm Your Elections
- Verify your benefit elections.
- Review beneficiary information.
- Confirm dependent coverage selections.
Important: If you add a dependent, you must select the specific benefits in which you want them enrolled.
Submit & Save
Complete your enrollment by:
- Signing and submitting your enrollment confirmation form.
- Downloading or printing your benefit verification statement for your records.
Helpful Tips
- Your progress is automatically saved.
- You may return and make changes as often as needed during Open Enrollment.
- Benefit enrollers are available if you need assistance.
