Updates & Announcements
The Updates & Announcements webpage is your go-to source for announcements and updates related to your benefits programs. We encourage you to bookmark this page and check back periodically for updates.
March 12, 2026
Review the March 2026 Employee Matters Newsletter for benefits information regarding: staff parental leave 101 info session, leave of absence process for managers info session, Form 1095-C, 403(b) reminder, and Well-being programs.
March 2, 2026
To support the community with the recent changes to Northwestern’s medical plans, a one-time, limited enrollment window for 2026 coverage is available for eligible employees who did not enroll in a medical plan last Fall. The enrollment period ends on March 31, 2026.
February 12, 2026
Review the February 2026 Employee Matters Newsletter for benefits information regarding: info sessions for prospective retirees, FSA reminders, benefits feedback request, how to get answers to your medical and Rx questions, Form 1095-C, HSA Tax Forms, and Well-being programs.
January 28, 2026
The Enhanced Employee Reduced Tuition benefit (EER) will be reinstated for employees hired before
January 1, 2026.
January 21, 2026
Review the January 2026 Employee Matters Newsletter for benefits information regarding: HSA investment webinar, enhanced dental benefits, HMO rewards program, 403(b) Roth Catch-up provisions webinar, and Well-being programs.
January 7, 2026
This message follows the What to Expect Next update sent on December 16 and
highlights what you need to know now that the new benefits plan year has begun. Please
read for key transition details and resources to help you use your benefits
confidently in 2026.
December 16, 2025
As we prepare for 2026, here’s what to expect regarding your medical, prescription, and dental coverage.
December 15, 2025
There is an upcoming change to retirement plan rules under the SECURE 2.0 Act that applies to certain NU 403(b) retirement plan participants beginning January 1, 2026. The change only applies to you if you will be 50 or older in 2026 and your 2025 FICA wages exceed $150,000 (Form W-2 Box 3). This email was sent to those impacted by the new regulation.
October 27, 2025
Open Enrollment for coverage in 2026 has started. Learn more about what is changing and action required during this period.
October 6, 2025
Prepare for Open Enrollment by staying informed. Review the resources available, register for a live Open Enrollment Presentation, and the Virtual Benefits & Well-being Benefits Fair.
September 12, 2025
Learn about the Medical and Rx Plans and resources for benefits-eligible Faculty and Staff. Changes effective January 1, 2026 - with enrollment during Open Enrollment.
June 24, 2025
We want to address some of the most pressing questions we have received over the last few days and clear up some misinformation about the changes.
June 12, 2025
To better contain costs for the University and its employees, Northwestern will transition to new medical, dental and drug prescription insurance providers for benefits-eligible employees beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
June 12, 2025
Effective January 1, 2026, the medical plans will be administered by United Healthcare (UHC), the PPO dental plan will be administered by Delta Dental of Illinois (Delta), and the prescription drug plan will be administered by CVS Caremark (CVS).
June 12, 2025
As the University manages its overall costs, we also must adjust certain terms of our tuition benefits, with no changes to the Dependent Reduced, Dependent Portable or Employee Portable plans for current faculty and staff. Changes to the tuition plans will become effective January 1, 2026.
June 12, 2025
The current Legacy medical, dental and vision plans for Retirees aged 65 or older will end on January 1, 2026. Retirees under age 65 currently covered under the Legacy Plans will automatically continue coverage in 2026 under Northwestern’s new medical and dental insurance providers and a new prescription plan provider.