Open Enrollment

About Open Enrollment

See links below for all topics covered on this page.

• What is Open Enrollment?
• Benefits Fair
• Accommodations for Open Enrollment
• Assistance with Benefits Questions and Open Enrollment
• Additional Resources

What is Open Enrollment?

Open Enrollment is the time for benefits-eligible employees to sign up for medical, dental and vision insurance plans, or to make changes in their coverage choices (such as switching medical plans, adding or dropping coverage, adding or dropping dependents, and setting up or changing flexible spending accounts).  All enrollments and changes made during this year’s open enrollment will be effective July 1, 2024 and will continue through December 31, 2024. 

• Open Enrollment is from May 1 through May 15, 2024. 
• All benefited employees must participate in open enrollment this year. 
• DU is moving our benefit plan year to January 1 through December 31, which means you will have another opportunity to enroll in October if needed. 
• Employees can choose from either Cigna plans or Kaiser plans during this year’s enrollment. 
• Many resources are available for help understanding this year’s benefit options. 

Employee Benefits Guide

Benefits Guide for July 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024

Employee Premium Contribution Rate Sheet

Benefit Premium Contributions for July 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024

Important Updates for 2024 Open Enrollment

As we approach the upcoming annual open enrollment period, the Human Resources and Inclusive Community (HRIC) Team would like to provide an update on what you can expect for this year’s open enrollment. All elections made during this open enrollment will become effective July 1, 2024 and will continue through December 31, 2024.  The University will also move its benefit plan year to January 1 through December 31, meaning you will have another opportunity to enroll in benefits in October if needed. Participation in October’s open enrollment will be required only if making changes or electing an FSA.  

Be on the lookout for more information on the upcoming Open Enrollment period over the next few weeks. In the meantime, if you have questions about your benefits or how this will impact you and your family, please contact your HR partner. 

We understand that your health and the health of your family is your top priority. These are our top priorities, too, which is why we continually strive to offer you the best employee health benefits plan available.

Open enrollment will start May 1 and run through May 15. During open enrollment, you’ll be able to shop and select your healthcare coverage and other benefits that best fit you and your family’s healthcare needs. Your medical plan will have a big impact on your healthcare experience, so it’s an important decision. All benefitted employees MUST actively participate in this year’s open enrollment. If you are not enrolled in medical coverage and do not enroll during this open enrollment period, we will consider no response as a waiver for this short plan year after the open enrollment period has closed. 

Colleagues, we heard you. You want more choices in your healthcare.  

Effective July 1, 2024, health benefits will transition from Cigna being the sole offering to having the option to choose offerings from either Cigna or Kaiser Permanente as the University’s health care providers. Medical Plan Designs Will Be the Same with Both Cigna and Kaiser Permanente

You will continue to have the option of choosing between the Copay Plan and High Deductible Health Plan with both carriers. For more information on benefits, please make sure to review the benefits guide.  

Medical Plan Options

Cigna Copay and Kaiser HMO

The Copay and HMO Plans have set copays for some services and a deductible and coinsurance for others. Copays do not apply toward your deductible, so you will pay copays until you reach your annual out-of-pocket maximum.

Cigna and Kaiser - High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP)

With the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), you pay the full negotiated cost for medical services and prescription drugs with the exception of preventive care which is covered at 100%, until you meet your annual deductible. If you are enrolled in the HDHP, you may be eligible to contribute tax-free dollars in a Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for eligible medical expenses. You choose when to use the money in your HSA account. It rolls over from year to year, allowing the balance to increase. Eligibility restrictions and contribution limits apply and are subject to change annually.

For more information regarding benefit plan designs, please refer to the benefits guide.

Customer Service Availability

Cigna

Cigna offers access to a 24/7 customer service line. The Cigna One Guide Service is available by calling 888-806-5042.

Kaiser

The New Member Connect Department is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 844-639-8657. Members also have 24/7 access to the kp.org/newmember site or can email the New Member Connect Department at UniversityofDenver@kp.org.