Open Enrollment is Coming - Postdocs
Dear Members of the Postdoctoral Community,
Open Enrollment will run from Monday, October 26 through Friday, November 13 for benefits effective January 1, 2027. Information about postdoc benefits, including premiums for 2027, can be found on the Gallagher Postdoc Benefits website.
What is Open Enrollment?
Open Enrollment occurs once a year and allows you to enroll in, waive, or make changes to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, and the legal plan. With the exception of FSA elections, all coverage elections will rollover to 2027, unless you make a change during Open Enrollment.
Outside of Open Enrollment, changes can only be made if you experience a qualifying life event. Other benefits, such as 403(b) retirement plans, commuter benefits, pet insurance, PerkSpot discounts, and tuition benefits do not require action during Open Enrollment.
For questions contact Gallagher at 844-315-4550 or UniversityServices.GBS.nupfbp@ajg.com.
Register for a Live Open Enrollment Info Session Live information sessions will review benefit updates, an overview of benefit plans, and the Open Enrollment process for 2027. Register for one of the sessions, happening via Microsoft Teams:
- October 19, 2026 at Noon Register for the session
- October 22, 2026 at Noon Register for the session
Do You Need to Participate in Open Enrollment?
We encourage you to review your current life beneficiaries and coverage options to ensure they meet your needs and your family’s needs in the coming year. With the exception of FSA elections, all coverage will rollover to 2027. Note: NRSA, Department of Education, and Direct Paid postdocs are ineligible for FSA benefits.
- YES: If you want to change plans, add or drop a dependent, waive coverage, or participate in an FSA or HSA, you must make these selections during Open Enrollment.
- NO: If you do not want to make changes to your benefit plans and you do not want to participate in an FSA or HSA for 2027, no action is required.
Required Notices
- Patient Protection Disclosure
- Medicare Part D Notice
- Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act Notice
- HIPAA Special Enrollment Notice
- HIPAA Privacy Notice
- Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act Notice
- No Surprise Act
- Summary Plan Description
If you have questions about your benefits or the Open Enrollment process, please contact the askHR Service Center at 847-491-4700 or askHR@northwestern.edu.
And as mentioned previously, you cannot make any elections or updates until the system opens on Monday, October 26. Stay tuned for a reminder email once Open Enrollment officially kicks off!