2026 BENEFITS CHANGES
Every year, we closely review our benefits to deliver you plans that encompass health and wellbeing, financial protection, and more. Our fiscal responsibility toward your benefits means more than just checking bottom line boxes. Review the chart below for a high-level overview of what’s new for 2026. Remember, if a category isn’t listed, there are no changes.
| What’s Changing for 2026 | |
| Medical Plans | On WGU’s HDHP plan, virtual care will be covered before your deductible is paid. |
| GLP-1 Coverage change | GLP-1 medications prescribed for weight loss will be removed from WGU’s preventive drug list. This means they will be subject to your plan’s deductible and coinsurance. These medications will continue to be covered under our medical plans for employees who meet eligibility requirements, including participation in the Milestones program with Omada. Coverage for GLP-1 medications prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes remains unchanged—they will continue to be included on the preventive drug list. |
| Employee Contributions | Depending on which medical plan you are enrolled in, there will be a $2-$15 premium increase. All other benefit premiums will remain the same. |
| Health Savings Account (HSA) |
The annual HSA contribution limits released by the IRS will increase from $4,300 to $4,400 for employee-only coverage and from $8,550 to $8,750 for family coverage. |
| Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) | The IRS has not yet released the healthcare FSA limit for 2026. It is currently $3,300 for 2025. If you elect the maximum FSA amount, your contributions will be updated to the new maximum when released. When making your 2026 elections, remember that any remaining balance of $660 or less will be carried over to the next year. You will lose any funds in excess of $660. You will have until March 31, 2026, to submit healthcare claims for eligible expenses incurred during 2025. |
| Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA) | In 2026, those who participate in a DCFSA can set aside up to $7,500. |
| Retirement Savings Plan | Empower is WGU's new retirement administrator. Visit the Retirement Savings Plan page for details on setting up your account. |
2026 Employee Contributions for Medical Coverage
| Plan/Tier | Employee Cost Per Paycheck (Biweekly Rates) |
|---|---|
| HDHP | |
| Employee Only | $41.04 |
| Employee + 1 | $120.44 |
| Employee + Family | $200.99 |
| HDHP enrollees can quality for the HSA contribution from WGU | |
| WGU HSA Match | Employee Only: $38.46 per paycheck ($1,000/yr max) Employee + 1 or Family: $76.92 per paycheck ($2,000/yr max) |
| WGU HSA Wellbeing Contribution | $750 Annual |
| ICHP | |
| Employee Only | $54.67 |
| Employee + 1 | $166.38 |
| Employee + Family | $249.58 |
| WGU LSA Wellbeing Contribution | $750 Annual |
2026 Employee Contributions
Who Can Enroll in WGU Benefits?
WGU employees in regular positions classified to typically work 30 or more hours per week are eligible to enroll in WGU’s benefits program. Positions classified for fewer than 30 hours per week are generally not eligible for medical, dental and WGU-paid life and disability benefits. If your position is classified as part-time, temporary, intermittent, or an internship, other eligibility rules may apply for purposes of vacation, sick and holiday eligibility. You may also cover your eligible dependents under WGU’s medical, Health Savings Account (HSA), prescription, dental, vision and life benefits.
| FT Employees in Regular Positions Classified to Work 30+ Hours per Week | PT Employees in Regular Positions Classified to Work Less Than 30 Hours per Week |
| Medical, Telehealth, Dental, Vision and Pharmacy | Vision |
| Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) | Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) |
| Supplemental Benefits (Accidental Injury, Critical Illness and Hospital Care Insurance) | Supplemental Benefits (Accidental Injury, Critical Illness and Hospital Care Insurance) |
| WGU-Paid Life and Disability Benefits (STD and LTD) | Voluntary Life and AD&D |
| LegalShield and IDShield | LegalShield and IDShield |
| Discounted WGU Tuition | Discounted WGU Tuition |
| Retirement Savings Plan | Retirement Savings Plan |
| Paid Holidays and Flexible Time Off | Paid Holidays and Sick Time (prorated) |
| PerkSpot (Discount Program) | PerkSpot (Discount Program) |
| Wellbeing Programs, including Mental Healthcare | Wellbeing Programs, including Mental Healthcare |
| Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) | |
| Paid Parental Leave and Family Planning |
| Employees in Temporary Positions Classified to Work 30+ Hours per Week | Employees in Temporary Positions Classified to Work Less Than 30 Hours per Week |
| Medical and HSA (if hired to work full-time 30+ hours) | |
| Retirement Savings Plan (eligible to receive WGU contributions after 1,000 hours worked during first year of employment) | Retirement Savings Plan (eligible to receive WGU contributions after 1,000 hours worked during first year of employment) |
| PerkSpot (Discount Program) | PerkSpot (Discount Program) |
| Paid Holidays, and Sick Time | Paid Holidays and Sick Time (prorated) |
| Discounted WGU Tuition | Discounted WGU Tuition |
| Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health | Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health |
| WGU Wellbeing | WGU Wellbeing |
Note: Special medical plan eligibility is extended to employees otherwise ineligible for WGU medical coverage, if their 12-month average of actual hours worked exceeds 30 per week.
Who Is an Eligible Dependent?
Your eligible dependents Include:
- Spouse or domestic partner (any gender)
- Your child(ren) and your covered spouse’s or domestic partner’s child(ren) up to age 26 (end of their birthday month)
- Disabled child(ren) who became disabled on or before age 26
Domestic Partner Eligibility
- Registered domestic partner as well as children of your domestic partner
OR
- You maintain the same principal place of residence and intend to do so in the future
- You agree to be responsible for each other’s basic living expenses in the event that either of you is unable to provide such expenses for themselves
- You are both 18 or older
- Neither of you is married
- You are not related by blood to such a degree that you would be prevented from marrying in the state in which you reside
- Neither of you has maintained coverage for another domestic partner under any health plan within the last six months (this excludes any domestic partner who has died within the last six months)
You agree to notify WGU immediately upon your failure to satisfy any of the criteria of domestic partnership
Dependents not eligible for coverage under WGU benefits include grandchildren, parents, cousins, friends, roommates, neighbors and fiancés (unless a domestic partner). WGU implemented a process to verify the eligibility of all dependents (spouses/partners or children) on WGU health coverage. This process lowers compliance risk, preserves enrollment accuracy and helps control claims costs and premium increases. Employees covering dependents will be asked to provide documentation to verify each covered dependent’s eligibility. If you believe you may be covering an ineligible dependent and need to discuss options, visit the WGU People Center to submit a request for additional assistance.
BENEFITS RESOURCES
You can find everything you need to know about your benefits for the new year on the current platform. If you need additional support, the resources below will help.
Frequently Asked Questions – 2026 Benefits
Where can I learn more about the ICHP plan?
Check out a video of Surest here. Review how Surest works here. Schedule time to talk with a Surest Expert. Go to the Surest tile in Contacts for the link.
How can I find an in-network doctor?
Both the HDHP and ICHP use a national network called Choice Plus. Specifically in Utah, the network is called Options PPO.
Will I get medical ID cards?
You will receive new medical ID cards that you will use for medical and prescription services only if you change your medical plan. You will receive one member ID card for each member enrolled. Watch for those ID cards to arrive in December 2025 if you enroll in a WGU medical plan. Your digital ID cards are also available online.
Am I required to have a primary care physician (PCP) in order to have a 24/7 Virtual Visit?
No. You don’t need a PCP or even a referral to use a 24/7 Virtual Visit.
What happens once I reach the 24/7 Virtual Visit provider group’s website?
The first time you use a 24/7 Virtual Visit provider you will set up an account with that provider group. This includes sharing some medical history information, pharmacy preference and insurance information.
Will dental plans be changing in 2026?
No changes will be made to the dental plans. Both the DPPO and the DHMO will remain with Cigna.
Will I get a dental ID cards?
You can download your digital ID card to your phone through myCigna.com and the myCigna app.
Will I get a vision ID cards?
Under WGU’s vision plan through EyeMed, you don’t need an ID card as long as you use an in-network provider. Your provider will be able to locate your coverage record by your name and other details. If you would like a printed vision plan ID card, you can still request one through eyemed.com/member.
Will I get a prescription drug card?
You will use your medical ID card for prescription services.
What kinds of expenses are covered by the LSA?
Eligible expenses related to wellbeing, fitness, mental health, and more are covered.
Why would I want an LSA?
The LSA allows you to earn money by completing wellbeing activities. You can receive $150 per activity up to a maximum of $750 per year. Participating in the LSA means you’re getting paid just for making healthy choices!
Do I keep my Lifestyle Spending Account if I change plans?
If you are currently enrolled in the Surest Informed Choice Health Plan (ICHP) and switch to the UnitedHealthcare High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) or if you waive medical coverage for 2026, any unused funds in your Lifestyle Spending Account will expire on December 31, 2025.
- 2026 Open Enrollment What’s New Brochure: Read highlights of what’s changing for 2026. This brochure was mailed to your primary address listed in Workday in late October. If you moved during 2025, you can check your primary address by viewing your profile in Workday.
- Health Advocate: Health Advocate is an excellent resource for your benefits questions. They are experts in all WGU benefits and are here to help you make the best decisions for you and your family.