Tips to Make the Most of Benefits Open Enrollment

Benefits open enrollment has officially begun! No action is required during this year's benefits open enrollment unless you want to change your benefits or contribute to a flexible spending account in 2025. Select the University Benefits tile in UAccess to review your current elections.

Here are tips to ensure that your benefits meet your needs in 2025. 

Consider these 4 things:

1. What upcoming life milestones might help determine your optimal benefits? The age of dependents, upcoming retirements, changes to family income, childcare expenses, or an upcoming move out of state and more might make a big difference in which benefits are right for you.
   
   The Triple Choice or High-Deductible Health Plan could be best for you depending on your situation. Follow this 3-step side-by-side comparison of these Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA) plans.
   
   Have you explored short-term disability and supplemental life insurance? Depending on your personal financial landscape and upcoming milestones, these options may be smart choices for you.
    
2. Do you have a domestic partner? Consider the alternative plans that allow you to enroll domestic partners and children. Learn more about alternative plans.
    
3. Have you experienced a significant life event in the past year? If so, you may want to reflect on who you've chosen as a beneficiary on your benefit and retirement accounts.
   
   Please verify current beneficiaries or update or add a new beneficiary. You can choose family, a friend, or a non-profit organization. Learn more about the importance of beneficiaries and how and where to update your accounts on the HR website. 
    
4. Are you planning major medical procedures or purchases in 2025? The cost of surgery, braces for a teenager, dental work, and more can be offset with an FSA. University employees can use FSAs to lower their taxable income, increasing their take-home pay. To participate in an FSA, you must enroll annually during benefits open enrollment. Learn more about FSAs. Note: FSAs differ from HSAs (available with the High Deductible Health Plan). Learn the difference between HSAs and FSAs.
   
   Benefits open enrollment ends Friday, Nov. 15 at 5 p.m. Visit the benefits open enrollment page for all information and instructions.