Benefits Open Enrollment
Iowa State University recognizes County Paid Extension employees have different needs. We offer a benefit program that will allow you to choose between different benefit options to design the benefit plan that is right for you.
The 2027 Open Enrollment Period:
Opens: Monday, October 26, 2026 at 8:00am
Closes: Monday, November 9, 2026 at 5:00pm
Submit Open Enrollment Forms by: Monday, November 9, 2026
Open Enrollment is the time of year when you have an opportunity to elect or change your benefits for plan year 2027. Even if you are not planning to change your benefit elections, it is a great opportunity to review your benefits and dependents. It is the County Paid Extension employee's responsibility to be aware of open enrollment and to review benefit elections and eligible dependents.
2027 Benefit Changes
- Total medical monthly premiums are increasing
- Total dental monthly premiums are increasing
- Dental plan improvements (please reference the 2027 Open Enrollment Presentation slides for details)
- Express Scripts: Update to Diabetic Bundling Copay Rule
Not Changing
- No changes to dental plan design
- No changes to the medical plan design (copays, deductible, coinsurance, or out-of-pocket maximums)
2027 Open Enrollment Presentation Slides (PDF)
Wellmark Summary of Benefits BlueHMO
Wellmark Summary of Benefits BluePPO
Meetings with Benefits Office Staff
If you have questions or would like to meet with a Benefits Office staff member, please call 515-294-4800 or email benefits@iastate.edu to schedule an appointment. We can hold virtual or in-person meetings. We anticipate a high volume of calls in November, so please be patient and leave a message. We will work to return calls as quickly as possible.
What Should I Do During Open Enrollment?
- Review your current benefit plan elections and determine if any changes need to be made
- Verify your dependents to confirm eligibility
- Complete the Open Enrollment Form to make any changes for the 2027 Plan Year
- Dependent documentation required - be prepared to submit copies of the following:
- If adding spouse - copy of marriage certificate plus one additional document verifying same residence
- If adding domestic partner - Declaration of Domestic Partnership form (available from your HR contact person) plus one additional document verifying same residence
- If adding children - copy of birth certificate
When Do Changes Become Effective?
- January 1, 2027 – Medical, Dental, Health Care Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance Program
Additional Resources
Wellmark's ACA Preventive Services
Understanding Medical Coverage Cost video
Forms
Declaration of Domestic Relationship
This webpage is not a complete description of the Iowa State University benefit plans. Nothing on this webpage supersedes or changes any of the terms and conditions of any plan documents, insurance policies, contracts or other legal agreements. If the wording on this webpage contradicts any plan documents, insurance policies, contracts or other legal agreements, the wording in the official document and agreements will govern.