It’s that time again: Open Enrollment.

Stanford employees can now review benefits, add or remove dependents from coverage, and enroll in their 2023 plans. These elections can be made through Nov. 11, and changes to benefits take effect on Jan. 1, 2023. Visit the Cardinal at Work Open Enrollment website for more information.

Employees’ current coverage will automatically roll over, except for participation in a flexible spending account (FSA), dependent day care FSA, health savings account (HSA), and Medical Contribution Assistance Program (MCAP). Employees must re-enroll or reapply each year to participate in an FSA, HSA, or MCAP.

“Open Enrollment is a good time to review your current benefits and if anything in your life has changed which might require a change in your elections,” said Neal Evans, senior director of benefits.

There are numerous enhancements to benefit offerings for 2023, including for dental and vision plans as well as for reproductive services.

Since the pandemic began, Stanford and other employer health plans nationwide saw a higher demand for medical services, as well as a higher cost of health care. The costs for Kaiser HMO – all levels except employee-only coverage – Trio, and Stanford Health Care Alliance (SHCA) will increase in 2023. There is also a slight increase to the Enhanced Dental plan.

The Kaiser HMO remains the lowest-cost plan, and will continue to be free to full-time employees for employee-only coverage. The Basic Dental plan remains free for full-time employees and if covering dependents. Employee contributions for the Healthcare + Savings HDHP are decreasing, and contributions for ACA Basic HDHP and Out of Area Healthcare + Savings HDHP will remain the same.

Benefit enhancements for 2023

Stanford’s Human Resources Department conducted its annual audit and has collected employee feedback to help refine the benefit offerings and better meet the needs of Stanford’s diverse community.

“Stanford employees are not shy about sharing feedback about their needs and whether our programs provide the needed support or services, and we welcome this dialogue,” Evans said. “Aside from surveys, we receive feedback through Service Now tickets or during events like Open Enrollment. We evaluate health care trends in our population and what emerging services employers are adding and what fits with the Stanford community.”

This year’s enhancements include:

  • Women’s health: Midi Health helps women between age 35 and 60 receive the right treatments for hormone-related symptoms. This will be available to employees and covered dependents enrolled in Healthcare + Savings HDHP, Trio, ACA Basic HDHP, and SHCA.
  • Reproductive services: Stanford’s medical plans will include IVF coverage, which covers three cycles of IVF treatment and related egg, sperm, and embryo freezing, as well as infertility prescription benefits. Benefits-eligible employees have access to FertilityIQ, a free service that provides fertility education and resources.
  • Resources have been updated following the Supreme Court ruling on abortion. Health plan benefits and other assistance is available to Stanford employees seeking medical care not locally available to them.
  • Transgender services: In addition to gender-affirming surgeries, Healthcare + Savings HDHP, Trio, and SHCA members will have access to additional covered services previously excluded as cosmetic, such as hair removal.
  • New Employee Assistance Program for employees outside of California: CuraLinc combines innovative technology and personalized support. Remote employees receive 24/7 access to mental health resources, counselors, and guidance for any issues.
  • Dental plan enhancements: For the Basic Plan, the annual benefit maximum will increase from $1,200 to $1,500. For the Enhanced Plan, diagnostic and preventive care benefits will be paid at 100%, rather than 80%, and the annual benefit maximum will increase from $1,500 to $2,000 per individual for Premier network and non-network dentists.
  • Vision frame allowance enhancement: The VSP frame allowance is increasing from $150 to $200.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions: Stanford’s contribution will increase to $960 for employee-only coverage and $1,968 for family coverage. Employees must be enrolled in the Healthcare + Savings HDHP and must make an election (even $0) to the HSA to receive Stanford’s contribution. HSA IRS contribution limits will increase to $3,850 for employee-only and $7,750 for family coverage.
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) limits: For 2023, employees may contribute up to $2,850 in the health care FSA for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses.

For more information about Open Enrollment, sign up for virtual information sessions or attend an in-person fair; visit the Cardinal at Work Open Enrollment website, which includes enhancements, rates, and plan details; and access support tools such as the Nayya decision tool, Cardinal at Work Comparison Tool, and Included Health.

All-around wellness

Stanford provides resources to help support the mental, emotional, financial, and physical wellness of the university’s employees.

In addition to the Faculty Staff Help Center counseling services for California employees and the new Employee Assistance Program for out-of-state employees, the plans have expanded access to mental and behavioral health tools like Meru Health, a 12-week online program to support mental well-being. Also, Stanford offers Brightline for children and adolescents, which offers solutions to support a wide range of behavioral conditions.

There are also a range of programs to help support financial wellness, such as the Medical Contribution Assistance Program (MCAP) and Child Care Subsidy Grant (CCSG) Program. Employees are encouraged to explore their retirement savings benefits, review their investment strategy, and take full advantage of Stanford’s matching contribution.

Further, Stanford’s BeWell Program offers evidence-based support and services, including incentives. Employees can sign up for STAP-approved Healthy Living classes, apps, and coaching to support optimal well-being.