Columbia University Open Enrollment 2027
Columbia University faculty and staff are facing new choices as the annual Open Enrollment period runs from Nov. 2 through Nov. 20. Benefit selections made during this window will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. All modifications must be processed through CUBES, serving as the primary portal for employees reviewing their coverage for the upcoming year.
Sara Honen Leupp, executive director, benefits, CUHR, noted that not all benefits roll over automatically. Employees hoping to maintain participation in a Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Dependent Care FSA, Health Savings Account (HSA), or the Child Care Benefit must actively submit a new election for the 2027 plan year. Without this renewal, coverage for these specific accounts lapses. Meanwhile, standard policies such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and transit or parking reimbursement carry over automatically.
Provider Shifts for Family and Mental Health Services
Significant operational changes accompany the 2027 benefits options, particularly regarding family-building and counseling support. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, fertility, family-building, menopause, and midlife health benefits will transition to Progyny. According to Leupp, the updated program pairs members with patient care advocates for emotional support, alongside elective cryopreservation and specialized coverage for individuals receiving care exclusively at the Columbia University Fertility Center.
Simultaneously, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) shifts to SupportLinc. The vendor supplies free, confidential counseling and referral avenues designed to assist personnel in handling personal and professional hurdles. We’re confident that these changes will provide employees with excellent resources to support their health, well-being, and family needs,
Leupp stated.
Evaluating these adjustments requires looking ahead at personal milestones. Leupp advises workers to assess whether they anticipate major life events in the coming year, such as purchasing a home, drafting a will, or pursuing estate planning, which might make the Legal Plan a practical addition. Similarly, employees forecasting medical procedures or new family members are encouraged to weigh medical plan structures alongside FSAs or HSAs, while those managing elder care can utilize Wellthy for personal care concierge access.
Attend the Upcoming Benefits Expo to Speak with Administrators
For staff seeking direct answers from administrators and vendors, the CUIMC Benefits Expo is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm at 50 Haven. Representatives from various benefit programs will staff tables throughout the venue to discuss retirement options, tuition programs, and healthcare details.
Our Benefits Expos are a great place for faculty and staff to see all the benefits that are available to them in one place,
said Pete McHugh, director, strategic communications, CUHR. It’s also a great chance to talk to vendors individually, and gain more insight into a particular area, whether it’s retirement, tuition programs, or healthcare, that you may not get from a website or marketing materials.
Beyond administrative consultations, attendees who pre-register can undergo biometric health screenings featuring a simple finger-stick test to check basic health markers. The event also incorporates acupuncture, chair massages, raffles, and giveaways.
For employees unable to attend the expo or those with lingering inquiries, there are other resources available online, in person, by phone, and with a monthly well-being newsletter.
