Leave of Absence
Each year, Emory University offers you the opportunity to review your benefit elections during the annual enrollment period and make changes for the upcoming plan year. This year’s annual benefits enrollment period will end on November 3, 2025. Changes made to your coverage will become effective January 1, 2026.
What's New for 2026?
Whether it's your physical, mental, or financial health, Emory offers a comprehensive benefits package to help meet your needs. Here are the highlights of what is changing for 2026:
Medical, Dental, and Vision Rates
Medical costs continue to rise overall. As a result, there will be an increase of 7.5% in medical plan rates. Emory remains committed to paying 90% of the coverage for our employees. However, coverage for family members is subsidized at a lower percentage. Dental and vision plan rates will remain the same as last year. View rates.
Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
The Healthcare FSA limit will increase to $3,300 (up from $3,200). Remember, you must re-enroll in an FSA each year, and decide how much to set aside. It does not roll over. If you participate in a Healthcare FSA you can set aside more pre-tax funds for eligible expenses in 2026.
Dependent Day Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Contributions to the Dependent Day Care FSA will increase to $7,500 (up from $5,000) if you are single or married and file a joint tax return. If you are married and file separately, you can contribute up to $3,750 (up from $2,500).
Highly compensated employees under the IRS definition (Emory earnings of more than $160,000 for 2025), will be restricted to an annual contribution of no more than $1,800.
Health Savings Account (HSA)
The maximum you can contribute to a Health Savings Account is increasing to $4,400 (up from $4,300) for single coverage, and $8,750 (up from $8,550) for family coverage. If you participate in a Health Savings Account, you have the option to save more towards the account.
Well-being and Medical Plan Incentives
You and a covered spouse can offset your medical expenses by participating in a new menu of well-being activities such as challenges, a financial wellness checkup, the Winship 5K, and more. View incentives.
Alex Tool to Help with Benefits Decisions
Using the ALEX® tool can help you better understand your benefits options so you can make smart, cost-effective choices. The tool offers some expanded features this year. Learn more about ALEX.
Summary of Benefits and Coverage
For additional information about the medical plans, you can view the eight-page Summary of Benefits and Coverage:
Reminders
You must be actively at work with Emory (receiving a paycheck) in order to:
- Receive the Emory contribution and/or incentive payments under the HSA plan;
- Elect or increase life insurance on yourself or your dependents;
- Change disability coverage; or
- Elect a Dependent Day Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Your action is required
Your current coverage will continue unless you make a new election. Remember, you must re-enroll for the Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) each year.
To make changes to your current elections, complete and return the General Election Form to the Benefits and WorkLife Department by November 3, 2025. This form is in Adobe pdf format. You should download it and save it to your computer first before completing it.
Once completed, you can either print and mail your form, send by fax, or send it as an email attachment (see below).
By Mail
Emory University
Human Resources
Benefits and WorkLife Department
1599-001-1AP
1599 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30322
By Fax
Attn: Frances Reese
404-727-7145
By Email
Form must be postmarked by November 3, 2025.