Live Information Sessions
During the Benefits and Well-being Fair, which will run October 13 through October 24, 2025, live sessions regarding Open Enrollment, Health & Insurance Benefits, Well-being & Caregiving, and Retirement and Retiree Plans will be made available. See information on available sessions and how to register below.General Open Enrollment Sessions
Open Enrollment Online Information Sessions
These sessions will include a review of benefit changes for 2026, benefits overview for medical, dental, vision, FSA and HSA, life and disability insurance, as well as the Open Enrollment process. The sessions will take place online at the following times. Each session covers the same information, so only plan on joining one.
- Tuesday, October 14, noon
- Thursday, October 16, 10 a.m.
- Monday, October 20, 10 a.m.
- Tuesday, October 28, 2 p.m.
- Thursday, October 30, noon
Health & Insurance Benefits
UnitedHealthcare Medical Plans Overview
Effective January 1, 2026, UnitedHealthcare will be the administrator of Northwestern's four faculty and staff medical plans. Please join one of the sessions to learn more about your medical benefits and what United Healthcare offers.
- 10/13/25 @ 1:00 pm Register Here
- 10/21/25 @ 9:00 am Register Here
CVS Caremark
CVS will show you how to save money, access their pharmacy network, and manage your medications with CVS Caremark’s digital tools and programs like PrudentRx. Join CVS for a session containing tips, answers, and what you need to make your pharmacy benefits work for you.
- 10/13/2025 @ 11:00am Register Here
10/21/2025 @ 1:00pm Register Here
Delta Dental
Join Delta Dental to learn about your Delta Dental PPO Plan that will go into effective on 1/1/26. The benefits of using a network provider, value adds, and member resources will be featured. Learn how to make the most of your dental benefits!
- 10/14/25 @ 11:00 am Register Here
Inspira: HSA, FSA, and Commuter Benefits Overview
Inspira Financial administers the Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and Commuter Benefits for Northwestern. Join one of the webinar sessions below to learn more about the different accounts, how they work, and how you can save money on a pre-tax basis for out-of-pocket expenses in 2026.
- 10/15/25 @ 11:00 am Register Here
- 10/23/25 @ 1:00 pm Register Here
LegalEASE - Legal Services Benefit
Learn more about LegalEASE's legal service benefit, which offers a personalized approach with a concierge attorney-matching system and a dedicated Member Service Advocate to assist with individual or family legal matters.
- 10/20/25 @ 9:00 am Register Here
BCBSIL/EyeMed Vision Benefit
BCBSIL/EyeMed will review important information about the vision benefits, which are designed to support eye health and overall well-being. They’ll explore the coverage for eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses as well as how to access these benefits through the website and app.
10/20/25 @ 11:00 am Register Here
Life Insurance and Disability: MetLife
MetLife will provide a high-level overview of Life and Disability benefits. Discover how these comprehensive benefits can support your overall well-being. They’ll share strategies to help you maintain good health and protect your financial future—offering care, comfort, and confidence through life’s ups and downs.
10/22/25 @ 2:00 pm Register Here
Well-being & Caregiving
McGaw YMCA
Join us for an information session on Friday, October 17, from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., to learn more about the McGaw YMCA Early Childhood Program. Our program offers a caring, play-based environment where children can explore, grow, and thrive. Guided by experienced educators, children build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning while developing strong foundations for school and life, all within a supportive community that celebrates each child’s unique journey.
- 10/17/25 @ 10:00 am Register Here
Northwestern University Staff Advisory Council (NUSAC) Overview
Join an informational session to learn more about Northwestern University Staff Advisory Council (NUSAC).
10/21/25 @ Noon Register Here
University Children's Center KinderCare
Join KinderCare to learn about our on-site early learning center, University Children’s Center, and exclusive Northwestern discount at other KinderCare locations. Discover how our nurturing programs support your child’s development from infancy through preschool.
10/23/25 @ 2:00 pm Register Here
SupportLinc EAP
Your SupportLinc EAP offers 24/7 support to help you maintain balance between your professional responsibilities, family commitments, and personal mental wellbeing. This confidential, complimentary service is available to both you and your family members throughout the year.
Join this overview to learn about the confidential assistance available, including expert consultation and resources for handling various personal and work challenges. We address issues ranging from stress and anxiety management to grief support, mindfulness practices, relationship guidance, dependent care assistance, and numerous other concerns.
- 10/24/25 @ 11:00 am Register Here
Care.com: Back-up Care + Senior & Adult Caregiving
Ever wondered about your Care benefits -- what they are and how they can help you? This webinar is designed to answer those questions, providing you with an overview of your benefits, including Backup Care, Care Membership, and Senior Care Planning, as well as how to access them.
- 10/27/25 @ 9:00 am Register Here
Bright Horizons Childcare
As an employee at Northwestern University, you have exclusive benefits at the nearby Bright Horizons at Evanston child care center – including preferred tuition rates and discounted registration fees. Our program offers a comprehensive early childhood curriculum and enriching learning experiences for children from birth to 5 years. Join us on Monday, October 27th at 11:00 a.m. CT to learn more about our beautiful center in the heart of downtown Evanston.
10/27/25 @ at 11:00 am Register Here
Retirement & Retiree Benefits
Fidelity
Fidelity will provide information on Northwestern's 403(b) retirement plans and ways they can support your needs.
10/15/25@ 2:00 pm Register Here
UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage Plan
UnitedHealthcare will provide an overview of Northwestern’s Group Medicare Advantage plan. The session is meant to assist Medicare-eligible faculty and staff understand the coverage and benefits offered through the group plan.
- 10/14/25 @ 10:00 am Register Here
- 10/15/25 @ 10:00 am Register Here