2026 Benefits Open Enrollment for Regular Employees

​​Managing Benefits When Your Enrollment Comes First

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 Regular 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  select the HDHP plan in Oracle. 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.

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. Compare plans, learn about the Health Savings Account (HSA) offered alongside the new High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), and find links to Medical Resources and Tools under the 'View Medical Plans' button below.

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.

RIT offers two flexible spending account options to help you save on eligible expenses using pre-tax dollars:

• Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) 
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA)

These tax-advantaged accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax money from your paycheck to pay for qualified out-of-pocket expenses.

Available to all regular full-time and part-time employees, the MetLife Legal Plan provides affordable access to a wide range of personal legal services including:

While the plan is comprehensive, there are exclusions and specific conditions that apply. Learn more >

RIT provides Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance at no cost to eligible full-time and part-time employees. Employees can also purchase supplemental life or AD&D coverage for themselves, their spouse or partner, and eligible child(ren) through Prudential. 

If you enroll or increase coverage, you may be required to answer health questions for Prudential. They will send an email to your work address in December to complete the evidence of insurability form, if needed.

To help you make confident and informed choices during open enrollment, use the resources below to compare medical plans, connect with vendors, and get your questions answered.

2026 Open Enrollment Newsletter

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

View the Newsletter > 

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