University of Wisconsin–Madison
Human Resources

Benefits Open Enrollment

The next Benefits Open Enrollment period is October 5–30, 2026.
Changes go into effect on January 1, 2027.

What is Benefits Open Enrollment?

Benefits Open Enrollment is an annual opportunity for benefits-eligible employees to enroll in or make changes to most benefit plans for the upcoming calendar year.

Why is Benefits Open Enrollment important?

This is the only time you are eligible to make changes unless you have a qualifying life event, such as a family or employment change. Some benefits require re-enrollment if you wish to continue them into 2027.

Will there be changes to insurance plans and programs in 2027?

Yes, changes are expected for some plans and programs in 2027. Watch this page for updates so that you can make informed decisions during Benefits Open Enrollment.

Learn more

Questions?

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the HR office in your unit.

Contact your benefits providers by phone:

Language Assistance

For assistance in the following languages, contact Cultural Linguistic Services:

Events

Benefits 2027: What You Need to Know

  • Oct. 6, 2026
    In Person

    Benefits 2027: What You Need to Know (Multilingual)

    Offered in English, Spanish, Hmong, Tibetan, Chinese, and Nepali.

    9:30–11 a.m.

    (Enter the building and follow signs)

  • Oct. 7, 2026
    Virtual

    Benefits 2027: What You Need to Know

    Noon–1 p.m.
    Location: Virtual

    Join this event on Zoom

  • Oct. 8, 2026
    In Person

    Benefits 2027: What You Need to Know

    9:15–10:15 a.m.
  • Oct. 8, 2026
    In Person

    Benefits 2027: What You Need to Know

    10:15–11:15 p.m.
  • Oct. 8, 2026
    In Person

    Benefits 2027: What You Need to Know

    12:45–1:45 p.m.
  • Oct. 12, 2026
    Virtual

    Benefits 2027: What You Need to Know

    2-3 p.m.
    Location: Virtual

    Join this event on Zoom

  • Oct. 12, 2026 — Late Night
    In Person

    Benefits 2027: What You Need to Know (Multilingual)

    Offered in English, Spanish, Hmong, Tibetan, Chinese, and Nepali.

    11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

    Free parking in lots 60, 74, 82, and 64

  • Oct. 14, 2026
    Virtual

    Benefits 2027: What You Need to Know

    5-6 p.m.
    Location: Virtual

    Join this event on Zoom

  • Oct. 15, 2026
    Virtual

    Benefits 2027: What You Need to Know

    Noon–1 p.m.
    Location: Virtual

    Join this event on Zoom

  • Oct. 16, 2026
    Virtual

    Benefits 2027: What You Need to Know

    1–2 p.m.
    Location: Virtual

    Join this event on Zoom

  • Oct. 21, 2026
    Virtual

    Benefits 2027: What You Need to Know

    3–4 p.m.
    Location: Virtual

    Join this event on Zoom

Employee Benefits and Resource Fair

  • Oct. 8, 2026
    In Person

    Employee Benefits and Resource Fair
    Open Benefits Lab

    9 a.m.–3 p.m.
    Location: Union South, Varsity Hall

    Learn more about benefits enrollment and discover campus resources. If you have decided your 2027 benefits, get help enrolling through Workday at the on-site open lab. (Enter Varsity Hall and stop at the Benefits Services table to be directed to the Open Benefits Lab.)

    Learn more

Multilingual In-Person Sessions

  • Oct. 6, 2026 — Daytime
    In Person

    Benefits 2027: What You Need to Know

    Offered in English, Spanish, Hmong, Tibetan, Chinese, and Nepali.

    9:30–11 a.m.

    (Enter the building and follow signs)

  • Oct. 12, 2026 — Late Night
    In Person

    Benefits 2027: What You Need to Know

    Offered in English, Spanish, Hmong, Tibetan, Chinese, and Nepali.

    11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

    Free parking in lots 60, 74, 82, and 64

Accommodation Requests

If you need an accommodation to attend these events, please contact benefits@ohr.wisc.edu. All accommodation requests should be made no less than two weeks before the event. We will attempt to fulfill requests made after this date, but cannot guarantee they will be met.

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