Skip to main content
Open Enrollment 2026-2027
The annual Open Enrollment period is May 15-29, 2026. During this time, you can make your health plan and/or flexible spending account (FSA) elections, add or remove family members or waive state health coverage.
Beginning May 15, 2026, you may submit your elections online using Cardinal HCM.
Changes made during Open Enrollment will take effect July 1, 2026.
Action REQUIRED to:
- Enroll in or change your health plan
- Elect or remove optional buy-ups for COVA Care, COVA HDHP and COVA HealthAware.
- Waive Coverage
- Add or remove family members
- Participate in Premium Rewards
- Elect FSAs (Health or Dependent Care) for new coverage year
No Action is required if you:
- Have no health plan-related changes
- Are not enrolling in an FSA
- Do not plan to participate in Premium Rewards
Spotlight on Your Benefits
The 2026-27 Spotlight publication is a newsletter that provides health benefits enrollment information provided by Virginia DHRM. In this newsletter, you will find available health plan information and their premiums, Flexible Spending Account information, enrollment instructions, and much more.
Visit the DHRM's Open Enrollment page to access the enrollment form, the Summary of Benefits Coverage (SBC), and other important information.
Medical or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
You must re-enroll each year to continue to participating in flexible spending accounts. The maximum Health FSA contribution is up to $3,400/plan year. The maximum Dependent Care FSA is up to $7,500/plan year, depending on your tax filing status. FSA elections do NOT carry over automatically. You MUST submit a new election every year to participate in an FSA.
Earn Premium Rewards (NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR 2026-2027)
Premium rewards are health plan incentives for COVA Care and COVA HealthAware plan participants who complete a health assessment and an annual preventative visit, well-adult or well-woman exam. You can save money with a premium reward and reduce your monthly premium.
An employee can reduce the premium by $204 annually ($17/month). An employee and their spouse can reduce their premium by $408 annually ($34/month) if they both fulfill the requirements to earn a premium reward. Refer to page 17 in the Spotlight for more details.
Visit ALEX Benefits Counselor
Not sure which health plan is the best for you? Talk to ALEX, your virtual online benefits counselor. ALEX evaluates your input and recommends a plan tailored just for you!
Cardinal HCM
Action Required: Cardinal MFA Setup
To access Cardinal for health benefits and payroll, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is now mandatory. William & Mary employees must complete this setup to avoid being locked out of the system during Open Enrollment.
Quick Step Process:
- Navigate to the Okta Dashboard
- Log in using your Cardinal credentials.
- Username: W&M email address
- Password: Cardinal password (may need to reset password)
- Click your Name (top-right) > Settings.
- Under Extra Verification or Security Methods, click Set Up next to your chosen app.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to scan the QR code.
Need Help?
If you are locked out or cannot complete the setup:
- Email: vccc@vita.virginia.gov
- Subject Line: CARDINAL
- Online Guide
To Make Changes/Elections During Open Enrollment
You will use Cardinal HCM to make your online Open Enrollment (OE) elections.
- First time in Cardinal? Forgot your Cardinal password? Visit Cardinal login help
- Need your Cardinal ID? (For first time users to register with Cardinal) - Find it in Workday by selecting the Personal tab on your profile and viewing IDs section. This is listed as your State Benefits ID (Cardinal).
- Instructions? Access Cardinal's Open Enrollment page for instructions.
If you are unable to complete your Open Enrollment through Cardinal, you must submit a completed enrollment form to University Human Resources by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Friday, May 29, 2026. Completed and signed enrollment forms should be submitted via Box, dropped off at the front desk at Bell Hall (109 Cary St.) or placed in the green mailbox outside of Bell Hall.
Enroll or make changes on time! The deadline is Friday May 29, 2026.
UHR is Here to Help!
Need help with Open Enrollment? Join our upcoming virtual session or attend one of our walk-in assistance events. See below for dates, times, and locations.
Join our virtual Open Enrollment session to learn more about your benefits and get answers to your questions. This session will provide an overview of available options and guidance to help you make informed decisions.
- When? Monday May 18, 2026 at 10am
- Where? Join Us On Teams
Walk-In Support Sessions
| W&M Campus (Jones Hall, Computer Lab Rm 203) | |
| Tuesday, 5/19 | 8:30am - 12:30pm |
| Thursday, 5/21 | 12:30pm - 4:30pm |
| Wednesday, 5/27 | 12:30pm - 4:30pm |
| Friday, 5/29 | 8:30am - 12:30pm |
| VIMS Campus (Davis Hall, Owens-Bryant Boardroom) | |
| Tuesday, 5/26 | 12:30pm - 4:30pm |