Welcome to the Midway!

Below you will find booths that provide information to you and your family about the comprehensive benefits package Northwestern University provides.

Reminder: It is important to annually review your life insurance beneficiaries and your current benefit elections to ensure they still meet the needs of you and your family.

Please meander the Midway and enjoy!

Health Insurance

Click To Learn More About Health Insurance

Medical Plans for 2026
Effective January 1, 2026, UnitedHealthcare will be the administrator of all four medical plans. As always, Northwestern’s goal is to provide comprehensive, competitive medical coverage. The four medical plans available to Northwestern faculty and staff are: PPO: You pay a copay for certain medical services (for example, office visits with your primary care physician or a specialist). For most other covered medical services, this plan provides benefits based on coinsurance once you meet the annual deductible. If you choose this plan, you can receive services from any provider you choose, but you will pay less out of pocket and receive more plan benefits from an in-network provider. HSA Plus or HSA Essential: Once you meet the annual deductible, these plans provide benefits for covered medical services based on coinsurance. If you choose one of these plans, you can receive services from any provider you choose, but you will pay less out of pocket and receive more plan benefits from an in-network provider. Because both plans qualify as high-deductible health plans, you can make pretax contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA). You can use the pretax money in the HSA to pay for eligible health care expenses or invest it. HMO: Once you pay any applicable copay, this plan pays the full cost of covered services you receive from a provider who is a member of the HMO network. This plan pays no benefits for services from an out-of-network provider except for emergency medical care. All four plans pay 100% of the cost of applicable preventive care services received from in-network providers; no deductibles or copays apply. IMPORTANT! To be covered under a Northwestern-sponsored medical plan in 2026, you must elect medical coverage during Open Enrollment period (10/27 - 11/14). Prescription Drug Coverage CVS Caremark will replace Express Scripts as the administrator for the prescription drug benefits offered through all four Northwestern-sponsored medical plans. Enrollment in the prescription drug plan is automatic with enrollment in a medical plan. Although the plan name is CVS Caremark, you will have access to numerous local and national pharmacies (e.g. Walgreens, Costco, Walmart, Osco). The majority of current prescription drugs will be covered under this new plan. Information regarding the prescription drug plan’s formulary and copay schedule is available on the prescription drug plan website. Find Answers to Your Questions The UHC support model will allow faculty and staff to contact UHC directly in three different ways: For general questions about medical coverage, contact UHC at 833-314-1787 for PPO and HSA plans, and 855-828-7715 for the HMO plan. For questions about complex medical needs or ongoing treatment, you can schedule a one-on-one meeting with UHC to discuss how your treatment will be covered and transition of care questions. You may also email these questions to UHC directly at northwestern@uhc.com. If your provider is not in-network, see the nomination tool on the UHC benefits website to request UHC invite them to join the network. For general questions about prescription drug coverage or to verify your medication is covered, contact CVS at 833-844-5348.
Resources View the Medical and Rx Plans at a Glance document for a quick summary Read the Open Enrollment brochure [in your home mailboxes soon!] Check if your provider is in UHC’s network Visit UHC's overview website, which includes an out-of-network nominating tool Verify how your prescriptions will be covered Open Enrollment FAQs Tobacco Surcharge website [applies to all medical plans] Included with UHC Enrollment Calm App - included in your health plan and available at no additional cost One Pass Select - offers a variety of discounts on gym memberships Hearings aids coverage available UHC offers access to virtual care for a variety of care needs. To get started, sign in at myuhc.com/virtualvisits, call the number on your health plan ID card, or download the UnitedHealthcare app. 24/7 Virtual Visits are a way to schedule same-day, urgent care visits, so you can talk with a provider 24/7 for common urgent care needs or when your primary care provider (PCP) is not available. Access to primary care and specialist providers without the office visit.

Medical Plans for 2026

Effective January 1, 2026, UnitedHealthcare will be the administrator of all four medical plans. As always, Northwestern’s goal is to provide comprehensive, competitive medical coverage.

The four medical plans available to Northwestern faculty and staff are:

PPO: You pay a copay for certain medical services (for example, office visits with your primary care physician or a specialist). For most other covered medical services, this plan provides benefits based on coinsurance once you meet the annual deductible. If you choose this plan, you can receive services from any provider you choose, but you will pay less out of pocket and receive more plan benefits from an in-network provider.
HSA Plus or HSA Essential: Once you meet the annual deductible, these plans provide benefits for covered medical services based on coinsurance. If you choose one of these plans, you can receive services from any provider you choose, but you will pay less out of pocket and receive more plan benefits from an in-network provider. Because both plans qualify as high-deductible health plans, you can make pretax contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA). You can use the pretax money in the HSA to pay for eligible health care expenses or invest it.
HMO: Once you pay any applicable copay, this plan pays the full cost of covered services you receive from a provider who is a member of the HMO network. This plan pays no benefits for services from an out-of-network provider except for emergency medical care. All four plans pay 100% of the cost of applicable preventive care services received from in-network providers; no deductibles or copays apply.

IMPORTANT! To be covered under a Northwestern-sponsored medical plan in 2026, you must elect medical coverage during Open Enrollment period (10/27 - 11/14).

Prescription Drug Coverage

CVS Caremark will replace Express Scripts as the administrator for the prescription drug benefits offered through all four Northwestern-sponsored medical plans. Enrollment in the prescription drug plan is automatic with enrollment in a medical plan. Although the plan name is CVS Caremark, you will have access to numerous local and national pharmacies (e.g. Walgreens, Costco, Walmart, Osco). The majority of current prescription drugs will be covered under this new plan. Information regarding the prescription drug plan’s formulary and copay schedule is available on the prescription drug plan website.

Find Answers to Your Questions

The UHC support model will allow faculty and staff to contact UHC directly in three different ways:

For general questions about medical coverage, contact UHC at 833-314-1787 for PPO and HSA plans, and 855-828-7715 for the HMO plan.
For questions about complex medical needs or ongoing treatment, you can schedule a one-on-one meeting with UHC to discuss how your treatment will be covered and transition of care questions. You may also email these questions to UHC directly at northwestern@uhc.com.
If your provider is not in-network, see the nomination tool on the UHC benefits website to request UHC invite them to join the network.

For general questions about prescription drug coverage or to verify your medication is covered, contact CVS at 833-844-5348.

Resources

View the Medical and Rx Plans at a Glance document for a quick summary
Read the Open Enrollment brochure [in your home mailboxes soon!]
Check if your provider is in UHC’s network
Visit UHC's overview website, which includes an out-of-network nominating tool
Verify how your prescriptions will be covered
Open Enrollment FAQs
Tobacco Surcharge website [applies to all medical plans]

Included with UHC Enrollment

Calm App - included in your health plan and available at no additional cost
One Pass Select - offers a variety of discounts on gym memberships
Hearings aids coverage available
UHC offers access to virtual care for a variety of care needs. To get started, sign in at myuhc.com/virtualvisits, call the number on your health plan ID card, or download the UnitedHealthcare app.
- 24/7 Virtual Visits are a way to schedule same-day, urgent care visits, so you can talk with a provider 24/7 for common urgent care needs or when your primary care provider (PCP) is not available.
- Access to primary care and specialist providers without the office visit.

Hinge Health	Livongo^®
Control your pain and move freely again. So you can take the stairs, go hiking, run errands—and everything in between. Available through PPO plans only.	Livongo is a diabetes management program completely free to benefit eligible faculty and staff. Livongo can empower you to take control of your health and help you save money on necessary medical supplies. Free Test Strips!

Information Sheet Website Link	Information Sheet Website Link

Hinge Health

Livongo^®

Control your pain and move freely again. So you can take the stairs, go hiking, run errands—and everything in between.

Available through PPO plans only.

Livongo is a diabetes management program completely free to benefit eligible faculty and staff. Livongo can empower you to take control of your health and help you save money on necessary medical supplies.

Free Test Strips!

Dental Insurance

Click To Learn More About Dental Insurance

^{Delta Dental of Illinois PPO}	^{Guardian HMO}
Starting January 1, 2026, Delta Dental of Illinois will be the plan administrator for the dental PPO Plan. If you are enrolled in the dental PPO plan in 2025, you will automatically be enrolled with Delta Dental in 2026. You and your covered family members can go to any dentist, but you will generally receive greater benefits (and pay less out-of-pocket) for services you receive from a dentist who is a member of the Delta Dental of Illinois provider network. The plan pays the full cost of preventive services when using an in-network dental provider.	You and each family member you include under your coverage must choose a dentist who is a member of the Guardian Dental HMO provider Network as your primary dental care provider. The plan pays the full cost of preventive services. For all other covered services, the plan pays 100% of the cost after you pay a specified Copay.
PPO Dental Highlights Finding Network Providers Smile Perks Enhanced Benefits Program Pre-Treatment Estimates Member Connections Portal Website Link	2025 Schedule of member payment responsibilities 2026 schedule will be available in late October. DHMO information Sheet Link to Presentation Website Link

^{Delta Dental of Illinois PPO}

^{Guardian HMO}

Starting January 1, 2026, Delta Dental of Illinois will be the plan administrator for the dental PPO Plan. If you are enrolled in the dental PPO plan in 2025, you will automatically be enrolled with Delta Dental in 2026. You and your covered family members can go to any dentist, but you will generally receive greater benefits (and pay less out-of-pocket) for services you receive from a dentist who is a member of the Delta Dental of Illinois provider network. The plan pays the full cost of preventive services when using an in-network dental provider.

You and each family member you include under your coverage must choose a dentist who is a member of the Guardian Dental HMO provider Network as your primary dental care provider. The plan pays the full cost of preventive services. For all other covered services, the plan pays 100% of the cost after you pay a specified Copay.

2025 Schedule of member payment responsibilities
- 2026 schedule will be available in late October.
DHMO information Sheet
Link to Presentation
Website Link

Vision Insurance

Click To Learn More About Vision Insurance

^{Vision Plan}
Northwestern’s vision plan is through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. The plan utilizes the EyeMed network. The Plan offers comprehensive coverage, including eye exams and allowances for eyewear. With open access to see any eye care provider, you can see the one who is right for you. Eye exams are an important part of overall health care for you and your entire family.
Resources Vision Plan (BCBSIL) Overview Vision Plan (BCBSIL) FAQs Vision cost estimator "Know Before You Go" Create Vision Plan (BCBSIL) Account Online If you have an account with EyeMed, you must use a different email Vision Mobile App (BCBSIL)

^{Vision Plan}

Northwestern’s vision plan is through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. The plan utilizes the EyeMed network. The Plan offers comprehensive coverage, including eye exams and allowances for eyewear. With open access to see any eye care provider, you can see the one who is right for you. Eye exams are an important part of overall health care for you and your entire family.

Resources

Vision Plan (BCBSIL) Overview
Vision Plan (BCBSIL) FAQs
Vision cost estimator "Know Before You Go"
Create Vision Plan (BCBSIL) Account Online
- If you have an account with EyeMed, you must use a different email
Vision Mobile App (BCBSIL)

Retirement

Click To Learn More About Retirement

^{403(b) Retirement}
It's never too soon to start saving for retirement. Northwestern can help you build financial resources for a more secure and comfortable future through the Retirement Plan and Voluntary Savings Plan. You can make changes to your contributions at any time during the year. You do not need to wait for Open Enrollment. Watch: Fidelity-A Recipe for Your Future
New for 2025: Higher Catch-up Limit Roth After-Tax Option Ways to Stay on Track Schedule a meeting with a representative Website Link

^{403(b) Retirement}

It's never too soon to start saving for retirement. Northwestern can help you build financial resources for a more secure and comfortable future through the Retirement Plan and Voluntary Savings Plan.

You can make changes to your contributions at any time during the year. You do not need to wait for Open Enrollment.

Watch: Fidelity-A Recipe for Your Future

Retiree Benefits
New retirees have 31-days from their date of retirement to elect retiree benefits. For the Medicare Advantage Plan you and eligible dependents must be 65 and older and eligible for Medicare. This plan does not require you to be covered in University health plans at the time of retirement for eligibility. For the Pre-65 Retiree Plan eligible retirees can continue coverage for themselves and eligible dependents who are covered under your benefits plans at the time of your retirement. Coverage is effective the 1st of the month following when you active coverage terminates.
Retiree Benefits Website

Retiree Benefits

New retirees have 31-days from their date of retirement to elect retiree benefits. For the Medicare Advantage Plan you and eligible dependents must be 65 and older and eligible for Medicare. This plan does not require you to be covered in University health plans at the time of retirement for eligibility. For the Pre-65 Retiree Plan eligible retirees can continue coverage for themselves and eligible dependents who are covered under your benefits plans at the time of your retirement. Coverage is effective the 1st of the month following when you active coverage terminates.

Retiree Benefits Website

Well-being

Click To Learn More About Well-being

^{SupportLinc EAP}	^{Well-being Breaks}
SupportLinc is our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider. EAP services include free short-term counseling, health coaching, financial and legal consultations, manager consultations and much more. Whether you need help managing a mental health concern, navigating a personal challenge, or finding resources for family, legal or financial matters, SupportLinc is just a call or click away. You and your family can access in-the-moment support, counseling, expert consultations and a variety of online tools so you can focus on what matters most. SupportLinc is available to you, your spouse/partner and your household members. This includes dependent children under 26, whether they live in the household or not. The program provides up to 10 counseling sessions per concern per year. Northwestern pays the full cost of your participation unless you need additional assistance, and your participation is 100% confidential. Watch this video for more information.	Well-being breaks are intended to help support day-to-day well-being by providing opportunities to engage in brief, facilitated well-being activities throughout the workday. On-demand activities are also available on the Well-being Activities YouTube channel.
Website Link 24/7/365 support by phone from a licensed clinicians by calling 888-881-5462 Group code: northwestern EAP Overview	Website Link

^{SupportLinc EAP}

^{Well-being Breaks}

SupportLinc is our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider. EAP services include free short-term counseling, health coaching, financial and legal consultations, manager consultations and much more.

Whether you need help managing a mental health concern, navigating a personal challenge, or finding resources for family, legal or financial matters, SupportLinc is just a call or click away. You and your family can access in-the-moment support, counseling, expert consultations and a variety of online tools so you can focus on what matters most.

SupportLinc is available to you, your spouse/partner and your household members. This includes dependent children under 26, whether they live in the household or not. The program provides up to 10 counseling sessions per concern per year. Northwestern pays the full cost of your participation unless you need additional assistance, and your participation is 100% confidential.

Watch this video for more information.

Well-being breaks are intended to help support day-to-day well-being by providing opportunities to engage in brief, facilitated well-being activities throughout the workday.

On-demand activities are also available on the Well-being Activities YouTube channel.

Website Link
24/7/365 support by phone from a licensed clinicians by calling 888-881-5462
Group code: northwestern
EAP Overview

Website Link

^{Faculty Wellness Program}
The Faculty Wellness Program provides assistance for full time faculty members who are experiencing difficulties in their professional or personal lives. The program offers free consultations for Northwestern faculty members to identify appropriate resources for personal and professional concerns. Resources may be offered over the phone, or the faculty member can meet with the director for further discussion. Possible resources include: Free, short-term counseling in a variety of areas through the Northwestern Employee Assistance Program Referral for mental health or substance abuse services Specialized evaluation Consultation with the Office of Human Resources Assistance through the Talent Development & Well-being Executive coaching
Website Link

^{Faculty Wellness Program}

The Faculty Wellness Program provides assistance for full time faculty members who are experiencing difficulties in their professional or personal lives.

The program offers free consultations for Northwestern faculty members to identify appropriate resources for personal and professional concerns. Resources may be offered over the phone, or the faculty member can meet with the director for further discussion.

Possible resources include:

Free, short-term counseling in a variety of areas through the Northwestern Employee Assistance Program
Referral for mental health or substance abuse services
Specialized evaluation
Consultation with the Office of Human Resources
Assistance through the Talent Development & Well-being
Executive coaching

Website Link

^{Well-being Champions}	^{Workplace Strategies}
The Well-being Champions Committee is a group of faculty and staff members who are passionate about well-being in all its eight dimensions. This group participates in monthly meetings to receive program and resource updates, learn about, initiate, and lead well-being initiatives within their schools and units, and serve as advocates across the University.	Northwestern recognizes that the implementation of workplace strategies supports a variety of goals related to staff engagement and well-being and recruitment and retention. The policy on workplace strategies establishes a common, ongoing framework and definitions, with which school and unit leadership can implement various workplace strategies—including but not limited to remote work—in accordance with their operational needs. Please see the policy for the range of workplace strategies and visit the website for resources. Download the Policy on Workplace Strategies
Website Link	Website Link

^{Well-being Champions}

^{Workplace Strategies}

The Well-being Champions Committee is a group of faculty and staff members who are passionate about well-being in all its eight dimensions. This group participates in monthly meetings to receive program and resource updates, learn about, initiate, and lead well-being initiatives within their schools and units, and serve as advocates across the University.

Northwestern recognizes that the implementation of workplace strategies supports a variety of goals related to staff engagement and well-being and recruitment and retention.

The policy on workplace strategies establishes a common, ongoing framework and definitions, with which school and unit leadership can implement various workplace strategies—including but not limited to remote work—in accordance with their operational needs. Please see the policy for the range of workplace strategies and visit the website for resources.

Download the Policy on Workplace Strategies

Website Link

Website Link

Life Insurance

Click To Learn More About Life Insurance

^{Life Insurance}
Northwestern's Life Insurance is underwritten by MetLife. Northwestern provides a combination of Basic Term Life Insurance for you and the opportunity to purchase additional Supplemental, Spouse, and Dependent Child Term Life Insurance. Northwestern pays the cost of your Basic Term Life Insurance. You pay the cost of any Supplemental, Spouse, and Dependent Child Term Life Insurance you elect based on group insurance rates. During Open Enrollment for 2026 For those already participating in the Supplemental Life Insurance Plan, they may increase by 1x salary to a maximum of 3x salary not to exceed $1 million without Evidence of Insurability. Any increase over 1x would require Evidence of Insurability. For those already enrolled in Spouse Term Life Insurance Plan, you may increase coverage by $10,000 not to exceed $50,000 in coverage without Evidence of Insurability. Any increase over $10,000 or in excess of $50,000 will require Evidence of Insurability. New enrollments or increases above what is mentioned above will require Evidence of Insurability.
Advantages of Life Insurance Through Work Beneficiary Resource Services Update Your Beneficiary Website Link Watch Video About Life Insurance

^{Life Insurance}

Northwestern's Life Insurance is underwritten by MetLife. Northwestern provides a combination of Basic Term Life Insurance for you and the opportunity to purchase additional Supplemental, Spouse, and Dependent Child Term Life Insurance. Northwestern pays the cost of your Basic Term Life Insurance. You pay the cost of any Supplemental, Spouse, and Dependent Child Term Life Insurance you elect based on group insurance rates.

During Open Enrollment for 2026

For those already participating in the Supplemental Life Insurance Plan, they may increase by 1x salary to a maximum of 3x salary not to exceed $1 million without Evidence of Insurability. Any increase over 1x would require Evidence of Insurability.

For those already enrolled in Spouse Term Life Insurance Plan, you may increase coverage by $10,000 not to exceed $50,000 in coverage without Evidence of Insurability. Any increase over $10,000 or in excess of $50,000 will require Evidence of Insurability.

New enrollments or increases above what is mentioned above will require Evidence of Insurability.

Spending Accounts

Click To Learn More About Flexible Spending Accounts

Flexible Spending Accounts
You can save money when you use tax-free dollars from a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay eligible health and dependent care expenses incurred by you, your spouse or your dependent child(ren). Starting January 1, 2026, the Dependent Care FSA annual limit will increase for the first time in decades. If you are single or married filing taxes jointly, you may contribute up to $7,500 per household a year to a Dependent Care FSA. The minimum annual contribution is $240.
FSA Overview Video Dependent Care FSA Video Debit Card Information Inspira Mobile App Website Link
Dependent Care FSA Match Employees with a family adjusted gross income up to $130,000 can apply for Northwestern matching funds by completing the online Dependent Care Employer Match Application. For assistance completing this form, review this User Guide. To begin the match on the first of the month, an application must be received by the Benefits Office by no later than the 15th of the preceding month. You must enroll every year during Open Enrollment for the following year.

Flexible Spending Accounts

You can save money when you use tax-free dollars from a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay eligible health and dependent care expenses incurred by you, your spouse or your dependent child(ren).

Starting January 1, 2026, the Dependent Care FSA annual limit will increase for the first time in decades. If you are single or married filing taxes jointly, you may contribute up to $7,500 per household a year to a Dependent Care FSA. The minimum annual contribution is $240.

Dependent Care FSA Match

Employees with a family adjusted gross income up to $130,000 can apply for Northwestern matching funds by completing the online Dependent Care Employer Match Application. For assistance completing this form, review this User Guide. To begin the match on the first of the month, an application must be received by the Benefits Office by no later than the 15th of the preceding month.

You must enroll every year during Open Enrollment for the following year.

^{Health Savings Account}
Due to IRS regulations, the HSA is only available to individuals enrolled in a qualified High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). For plan year 2026 you must be enrolled in the HSA Plus or HSA Essential plans to participate in Northwestern's Health Savings Account. Covers health care expenses incurred by you or your eligible tax dependents not paid by insurance. Complete listing in IRS publication 502 found on the IRS website. For more information, view the HSA Quick Reference Guide. Northwestern will match your pre-tax contribution to your HSA up to: $1,000 - if you elect You Only coverage, or $2,000 - if you elect You + Spouse, You + Child(ren) or You + Family coverage If you and Northwestern contribute the maximum allowed, the total contributions to your HSA for the year will equal the annual maximum contribution allowed under federal regulations. Review the Health Savings Account website for information on how to invest your funds for tax-free growth.

^{Health Savings Account}

Due to IRS regulations, the HSA is only available to individuals enrolled in a qualified High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). For plan year 2026 you must be enrolled in the HSA Plus or HSA Essential plans to participate in Northwestern's Health Savings Account. Covers health care expenses incurred by you or your eligible tax dependents not paid by insurance. Complete listing in IRS publication 502 found on the IRS website. For more information, view the HSA Quick Reference Guide.

Northwestern will match your pre-tax contribution to your HSA up to:

$1,000 - if you elect You Only coverage, or
$2,000 - if you elect You + Spouse, You + Child(ren) or You + Family coverage

If you and Northwestern contribute the maximum allowed, the total contributions to your HSA for the year will equal the annual maximum contribution allowed under federal regulations.

Review the Health Savings Account website for information on how to invest your funds for tax-free growth.

Discount Providers & Transit

Click To Learn More About Other Benefits

^PerkSpot	^LegalEASE	^{MetLife Pet Insurance}
PerkSpot is your personal savings resource online. You can find discounts and rebates on goods and services from many U.S. brands. Through partnerships with thousands of popular retailers, PerkSpot is able to obtain discounts for almost anything you can buy. Whether you're in the market to buy clothing, home furnishings, cell phones, personal computers, jewelry, sports and fitness equipment, or even travel and vacation packages, PerkSpot can save you time, money and energy. This program complements the Wildcard Advantage Discount program, which will continue to be offered by the Procurement and Payment Services office.	LegalEASE offers a legal insurance plan that provides support and protection for personal legal issues, including: Home and consumer (Buying, selling, foreclosure and tenant disputes) Financial (Debt collection, collections, contracts) Auto and traffic (Traffic matters and license suspensions) Family (Adoption, divorce, name change) Estate planning and wills (Will, living will, health care power of attorney) You and your eligible family members, including your spouse/domestic partner, dependent child(ren), and parents can take advantage. Enroll in this benefit via myHR during Open Enrollment. Cost is $15.27 per month. Contact LegalEASE at 800-248-9000 for more information about covered services and fees.	Northwestern offers pet insurance for dogs and cats for U.S. based faculty and staff. Now more than ever, pets are playing a significant role in our lives. MetLife Pet Insurance can help with unplanned vet expenses for covered accidents or illnesses.
Website Link	Video Overview Coverage Website What's Included	Benefit Booklet Mobil App Website Link

^PerkSpot

^LegalEASE

^{MetLife Pet Insurance}

PerkSpot is your personal savings resource online. You can find discounts and rebates on goods and services from many U.S. brands.

Through partnerships with thousands of popular retailers, PerkSpot is able to obtain discounts for almost anything you can buy. Whether you're in the market to buy clothing, home furnishings, cell phones, personal computers, jewelry, sports and fitness equipment, or even travel and vacation packages, PerkSpot can save you time, money and energy.

This program complements the Wildcard Advantage Discount program, which will continue to be offered by the Procurement and Payment Services office.

LegalEASE offers a legal insurance plan that provides support and protection for personal legal issues, including:

Home and consumer (Buying, selling, foreclosure and tenant disputes)
Financial (Debt collection, collections, contracts)
Auto and traffic (Traffic matters and license suspensions)
Family (Adoption, divorce, name change)
Estate planning and wills (Will, living will, health care power of attorney)

You and your eligible family members, including your spouse/domestic partner, dependent child(ren), and parents can take advantage.

Enroll in this benefit via myHR during Open Enrollment.

Cost is $15.27 per month.

Contact LegalEASE at 800-248-9000 for more information about covered services and fees.

Northwestern offers pet insurance for dogs and cats for U.S. based faculty and staff. Now more than ever, pets are playing a significant role in our lives. MetLife Pet Insurance can help with unplanned vet expenses for covered accidents or illnesses.

Website Link

^{UHC One Pass Fitness Discount}	^{Chicago Campus Fitness Center}	^{Pre-tax Transit Benefit}
UHC’s fitness membership program, One Pass Select, provides unlimited access to thousands of gyms, fitness studios, online workouts, and grocery delivery. Explore the membership tiers and select one that fits your lifestyle.	Join one of the premier health and fitness clubs in Chicago. This program is part of Northwestern's Procurement and Payment Services department. Northwestern provides discounted membership to Fitness Formula Clubs for the following Northwestern community members based on the Chicago campus: Northwestern students McGaw residents Northwestern-paid fellows and post-docs Full- and part-time employees (part-time employees must work at least 18.75 hours per week on a regular basis to qualify) Spouses or same-gender domestic partners of the above community members	The University has partnered with Inspira, a major processor of commuter benefits, to administer our pre-tax Commuter Transit and Parking programs (the campus parking programs administered by Transportation & Parking Services are not included). If you want to place a new order or change an existing order, you must log into mybenefits.inspirafinancial.com/ before the monthly cutoff date (5th of each month) and shut off your deduction. If you do not place or update your order before the cutoff date you will receive your transit benefit for one more month. No refunds or adjustments can be provided.
Website Link	Learn more about membership at Fitness Formula Clubs and the Lake Shore Field House: Amenities Fees and Eligibility Applying for Membership Canceling Membership Intramural Program Frequently Asked Questions	Enrolling in Commuter Benefits Quick Steps Commuter FAQs

^{UHC One Pass Fitness Discount}

^{Chicago Campus Fitness Center}

^{Pre-tax Transit Benefit}

UHC’s fitness membership program, One Pass Select, provides unlimited access to thousands of gyms, fitness studios, online workouts, and grocery delivery. Explore the membership tiers and select one that fits your lifestyle.

Join one of the premier health and fitness clubs in Chicago. This program is part of Northwestern's Procurement and Payment Services department. Northwestern provides discounted membership to Fitness Formula Clubs for the following Northwestern community members based on the Chicago campus:

Northwestern students
McGaw residents
Northwestern-paid fellows and post-docs
Full- and part-time employees (part-time employees must work at least 18.75 hours per week on a regular basis to qualify)
Spouses or same-gender domestic partners of the above community members

The University has partnered with Inspira, a major processor of commuter benefits, to administer our pre-tax Commuter Transit and Parking programs (the campus parking programs administered by Transportation & Parking Services are not included).

If you want to place a new order or change an existing order, you must log into mybenefits.inspirafinancial.com/ before the monthly cutoff date (5th of each month) and shut off your deduction. If you do not place or update your order before the cutoff date you will receive your transit benefit for one more month. No refunds or adjustments can be provided.

Website Link

Learn more about membership at Fitness Formula Clubs and the Lake Shore Field House:

Caregiving Resources

Click To Learn More About Caregiving Resources

^{Child Care Resources}

^{Paying for Childcare & Fee Assistance Partner Schools}

As a parent, finding the right childcare fit for your family can be one of the most important and challenging tasks that you may face. Northwestern offers programs, services, and consultation to support you in your search.

Northwestern employees receive benefits, such as discounts or dedicated spaces, at these daycare centers, preschools and elementary schools.

Paying for childcare can be challenging. Northwestern offers several programs to help faculty, staff, and students. Please visit the program pages for more information about individual programs.

Center-Specific Childcare Fee Assistance
- Available to qualifying benefits-eligible families with children enrolled at the following centers:
TGS Graduate Student Childcare Grant
Backup Care Program
Portable Caregiving Grant

Find more information on paying for childcare here

^Care.com

Northwestern provides a paid membership to Care.com’s online marketplace for faculty, staff and students. Users will be able to search Care.com's extensive marketplace place to find:

Childcare (babysitters and nannies)
Adult & senior companion care
Pet care
Light housekeeping
Homework helpers

Back-up Care

Factuly, staff and graduate students also have a back-up care benefits of up to 10 days/year through Care.com at a subsidized rate

Senior & Adult Care

Staff & Faculty have a Senior Care Planning benefit which includes 1:1 senior & adult care consultations and a monthly caregiver support group. Consultations and support group are facilitated by licensed social workers and senior care experts.

Login to myHR Benefits with your username and password, select "Benefits" and then select the "Care.com" tile on the left-hand side of the screen.
- This will take you securely to the Northwestern Care.com portal so you can create your account. This step requires multi-factor authentication. Please note that you may have to disable pop-up blockers on your browser in order to access the site.
When hiring a provider through the Care.com membership service, there are best practices for safe hiring that you should be sure to follow.
Download a flyer with more information about the benefits of membership.

Tuition Plans

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^{Tuition Benefits Updates}
Effective January 1, 2026, the updated tuition benefits take effect for current faculty and staff. Current benefits-eligible faculty and staff will remain eligible for the Employee Reduced Tuition benefit, which offers 90% reduced tuition with a $12,000 annual limit. The Enhanced Employee Reduced Tuition benefit, which provides 90% reduced tuition without an annual limit for employees with a salary of less than $100,000, will no longer be available. Faculty and staff who take noncredit courses billed through CAESAR at Northwestern (such as certificate courses) may still use the Employee Reduced Tuition benefit, but benefits for these courses will now be subject to an annual limit of $5,250. The $5,250 limit for noncredit courses counts toward the $12,000 annual benefit limit for the Employee Reduced Tuition benefit. The Employee Certificate Tuition benefit, which provides reimbursement for noncredit courses taken at Northwestern that are billed outside CAESAR, and the Music Academy Reduced Tuition benefit, which provides a discount on nondegree lessons taken at the Bienen School’s Music Academy, will no longer be available. The Dependent Reduced (DRU0, DRU2), Dependent Portable (DP0, DP1), and Employee Portable (EP) tuition benefit plans will remain unchanged for current faculty and staff.
Resources How to Apply Employee Reduced Employee Portable Dependent Reduced Dependent Portable

^{Tuition Benefits Updates}

Effective January 1, 2026, the updated tuition benefits take effect for current faculty and staff.

Current benefits-eligible faculty and staff will remain eligible for the Employee Reduced Tuition benefit, which offers 90% reduced tuition with a $12,000 annual limit. The Enhanced Employee Reduced Tuition benefit, which provides 90% reduced tuition without an annual limit for employees with a salary of less than $100,000, will no longer be available.
Faculty and staff who take noncredit courses billed through CAESAR at Northwestern (such as certificate courses) may still use the Employee Reduced Tuition benefit, but benefits for these courses will now be subject to an annual limit of $5,250. The $5,250 limit for noncredit courses counts toward the $12,000 annual benefit limit for the Employee Reduced Tuition benefit.
The Employee Certificate Tuition benefit, which provides reimbursement for noncredit courses taken at Northwestern that are billed outside CAESAR, and the Music Academy Reduced Tuition benefit, which provides a discount on nondegree lessons taken at the Bienen School’s Music Academy, will no longer be available.
The Dependent Reduced (DRU0, DRU2), Dependent Portable (DP0, DP1), and Employee Portable (EP) tuition benefit plans will remain unchanged for current faculty and staff.

Resources

Business Resource Groups

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Faculty and staff are valued members of the Northwestern community. The University actively strives to attract and retain a diverse and exemplary workforce. Various affinity groups aim to enhance personal and professional development, foster a sense of community, and help Northwestern create a workplace where everyone feels they belong and thrives.

Association for Higher Education Administrators' Development	Association of Northwestern University Women	Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Staff Affinity Group
AHEAD is an affinity group open to all staff at Northwestern and dedicated to helping staff get ahead at Northwestern by providing networking opportunities and personal and professional development programming through a grass-roots, peer-to-peer approach.	The Association of Northwestern University Women (ANUW) is committed to encouraging and supporting the professional development of all those who self-identify as women in administration at Northwestern University. Our goals are to support women’s careers in administration, to build networks for the exchange of information, to foster a sense of community among women staff, and to serve as role models and mentors for other women.	The APIDA Staff Affinity Group (ASAG) is an affinity space open to all Northwestern staff members who self-identify as part of the APIDA (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American) community –which is inclusive of, but not limited to, East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian, and Pacific Islander diasporic identities, as well as multiracial and multiethnic APIDA identities. ASAG was formed in January 2018 as a way to support APIDA staff members on campus and start a conversation about APIDA representation within institutional diversity initiatives.
Informational Flyer Website Link	Website Link	Website Link

Black Professionals Network	Latinx Professionals Coalition	Northwestern University Staff Advisory Council
The Northwestern University Black Professionals Network strives to build community through our shared experiences to foster open dialogue, leadership and mentorship that will improve the NU Black professional experience.	Northwestern Unidos: Latinx Professionals Coalition was founded in 2017 by a group of staff who were committed to enhancing the professional experience of Latinx identified staff at Northwestern. Over the course of several months, the group charter and by-laws were developed and voted upon by the membership.	The Northwestern University Staff Advisory Council (NUSAC) serves as an advisory voice and change-agent for Northwestern staff in matters relating to community engagement, professional opportunities, and workplace concerns. This is accomplished through active engagement with staff, the University President, the Office of Human Resources and/or various senior administrators.
Website Link	Website Link	Informational Flyer Website Link

Northwestern University Organization of Women Faculty	Society of Women Engineers	Mixed Backgrounds and Origins Staff Space
Founded in 1981, the Northwestern University Organization of Women Faculty (OWF) has long been a national leader in its efforts to improve conditions in higher education for women faculty and graduate students. Both an advocacy group and a networking resource, the OWF offers women faculty at all institutional levels an opportunity to be heard and to help shape University policy.	SWE's mission is to empower members to fulfill their full potential as engineers and leaders. Our continuous programming aims to provide a constant support system among women and non-binary engineers both academically and professionally. In addition, we seek to inspire the next generation of engineers through STEM outreach programs.	The Mixed Backgrounds and Origins Staff Space (MBOSS) carves out space for multiracial, mixed-race, or biracial staff members to foster a sense of individual belonging and build community. Additionally, the group aims to challenge members to cultivate a deeper understanding of the multiracial experience and how we contribute to the pursuit of social justice.
Website Link	Website Link	Website Link

Disability Insurance

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MetLife
MetLife is the administer Northwestern's Long Term Disability (LTD) plans. LTD provides a monthly benefit if you are unable to perform your regular job (during the first two years of your disability) or any reasonable job (after two years of disability) due to illness or injury.
Benefit Overview Website Link