2026 Benefits Open Enrollment for Adjuncts

Benefits Open Enrollment Has Ended

Open Enrollment was your annual chance to review, update, or enroll in employee benefits for the upcoming year, beginning Jan. 1, 2026. This year open enrollment took place Monday, Sept. 29-Friday, Oct. 17,  earlier than usual to support the university's transition to Workday, launching on Jan. 1, 2026. The earlier timeline was a one-time change.

We understand that our Open Enrollment may start earlier than your spouse’s or domestic partner's. You can enroll in RIT benefits and, if needed, switch later to your spouse’s or domestic partner’s plan, or drop other coverage and switch to an RIT plan, anytime before Jan. 2026.

• This is considered a qualifying event for a mid-year change.
   
• Submit a Change Benefits for Adjunct Employee service request as soon as possible, no later than Dec. 15. 
   
• For more details on eligible actions and required documents, see the Mid-Year Benefits Enrollment Change webpage.

This will be the last year you will enroll through the RIT Oracle self-service portal. Visit the knowledge article for step by step instructions.

Please note: If you are interested in enrolling in an HSA, you must first select the HDHP plan in Oracle. After selecting and saving your HDHP election, return to enroll in the HSA. Be sure to review the HSA eligibility details.

Cost Increases: Due to the high cost and utilization of service, medical plan contribution rates for both the university and employees will increase across all plans in 2026. Your actual increase depends on the plan you choose, who you cover, and your salary level. More information will be available soon.

Medical Plan Changes

• Discontinuation of POS B No Drug Plan: As announced last year, the non-creditable POS B No Drug plan will no longer be offered as of Jan. 1, 2026. If you are enrolled in this plan for 2025, you’ll need to select a new plan for 2026. If you do not take any action, you will be automatically enrolled in the POS D plan.
   
• New Plan Option: The university will offer a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with an associated Health Savings Account (HSA) option beginning in 2026. Learn more.
   
• Rochester Regional Health Copay Change: Beginning in 2026, the discounted copay for Rochester Regional Health providers will no longer apply. Copays will be the same as other in-network providers across all plans, except for the HDHP with HSA, which does not include copays.
   
• Specialty Prescription Copay Assistance: We’re introducing two copay assistance programs, PillarRx and HelpScript, to substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs for members who use certain specialty drugs. More information will be available soon. Learn more.

Colleges and universities nationwide continue to face growing financial challenges driven by several factors, including fewer students considering college, shifts in federal research funding, and more. RIT is no exception.

While contribution rate increases are never welcome news, RIT will continue to fund the majority of your medical premiums, which are also increasing for the university next year. 

RIT offers a variety of medical plan options to meet the needs of our employees. Whether you're looking for lower premiums, more options for care, or tax-advantaged savings, there's a plan for you.

Reminder: RIT covers most of the medical premium cost. Employee contributions vary based on the selected plan, coverage level, and salary level. Rate information will be available soon. 

View Medical Plans

Through VSP Vision Care, RIT provides affordable vision benefits, including eye exams, lenses and frames. There are no changes to the plan designs or employee contributions for 2026.

How the Plan Works with Participating Providers

• A $15 copay for routine eye exams. 
• A $150 allowance for frames or contact lenses each calendar year. 
• Full coverage for standard lenses after a $20 copay (covers single vision, bifocals, progressive, etc.)
• A $150 allowance toward contact lens evaluation and purchase, plus a 15% discount on fittings before the allowance applies.
• Discounts on upgraded frame options.
• Specialized coverage through the VSP Diabetic Eyecare Plus Program for members with specific eye health conditions.

2026 Open Enrollment Newsletter: Adjunct Edition

This year, the Open Enrollment newsletters are digital as part of RIT’s sustainability initiative. View the 2026 Open Enrollment Newsletter: Adjunct Edition, featuring key information about your benefits and enrollment process.

Open Enrollment Newsletter

Attend the Employee Benefits Fair 

Oct 1 and Oct 2
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Fireside Lounge, CPC

Join us at our annual benefits fair to explore connect directly with the vendors who administer RIT's benefits and learn about the programs they offer. This year's participating vendors include:

• Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (Medical and Dental)
• Fidelity (Health Savings Account and Retirement Plan
• OptumRx (Prescription Drug)
• Wegmans Pharmacy (Prescription Drug)
• Lifetime Benefit Solutions (Flexible Spending Accounts)
• VSP (Vision)
• TIAA (Retirement Plan)
• CAPTRUST (Investment Advice Program)
• Prudential (Life, AD&D, and Disability)
• MetLife Legal (Legal Services Plan)
• Bree Health (Employee Assistance Program)
• Better Me Wellness (RIT's Employee Wellness Program)
• City of Rochester (Home Owner Partnership)
• RIT Audiology Center

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Information Sessions

Not sure if a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) or another medical plan is the right fit for you? Join an upcoming in-person open information session to explore your options. The one-hour sessions cover details of the HDHP and other available plans so you can make informed decisions. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions during a live Q&A.

Registration is required and multiple sessions are available.

Register Here

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