Columbia Open Enrollment for 2027 Benefits Begins Nov 2

Columbia University faculty and staff must act by November 20 to secure 2027 benefits

Columbia University faculty and staff have entered a critical window to review and adjust their employee benefits for the upcoming year. According to a report from CUIMC News, the annual Open Enrollment period began on November 2 and will run through November 20, 2026. Any selections or modifications made during this timeframe will officially take effect on January 1, 2027.

This period serves as the primary opportunity for employees to align their coverage with their anticipated needs for the next calendar year. Because changes are generally restricted to this window—unless an employee experiences a qualified life change—the stakes for accurate selection are high. All adjustments are processed through the CUBES system.

While many standard benefits like medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and transit or parking reimbursements carry over automatically, several key programs require active participation. Sara Honen Leupp, executive director of benefits at CUHR, noted that employees must make new elections every year if they wish to continue participating in a Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA), a Dependent Care FSA, a Health Savings Account (HSA), or the Child Care Benefit. Failure to re-enroll in these specific programs will result in a loss of coverage for 2027.

Quest Registration for Returning Participants – 2027 Benefits Open Enrollment

New providers arrive for fertility and mental health services

The 2027 benefits package introduces significant shifts in how certain health and wellness needs are addressed. Most notably, Columbia is transitioning its specialized health services to new providers starting January 1, 2027.

Fertility, family-building, menopause, and midlife health benefits will now be managed by Progyny. This shift is designed to provide employees with access to fertility specialists and personalized support through patient care advocates. The Progyny program also encompasses menopause solutions, midlife healthcare, and elective cryopreservation, with additional benefits available for those receiving care specifically at the Columbia University Fertility Center.

Quest Registration for New Participants – 2027 Benefits Open Enrollment

In a similar move to update support systems, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) will be provided by SupportLinc. This program is intended to offer free, confidential counseling and referral services to help staff manage both professional and personal challenges. Leupp expressed confidence that these changes will better support the evolving health and family needs of the university workforce.

Planning for life changes beyond the current year

When deciding on coverage, the university encourages employees to look past their immediate circumstances and project their needs into 2027. This proactive approach is essential because medical and financial needs often shift due to major life milestones.

Open Enrollment 2027 "What's New" Forum: Officers

For those anticipating significant life events, the available benefits offer specific avenues for support:

Legal and Estate Planning: Employees considering purchasing a home, creating a will, or undergoing estate planning may find the Legal Plan beneficial.
Family Expansion and Surgery: Those planning for a new addition to the family or an upcoming surgical procedure should evaluate medical plan options alongside Healthcare FSAs or HSAs.
Elder Care: Employees facing the complexities of caring for aging relatives can utilize Wellthy, which provides access to a personal care concierge.

Pete McHugh, director of strategic communications at CUHR, emphasized that the annual Benefits Expo offers a way to move beyond static website information. The expo is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm at 50 Haven. It serves as a centralized location where faculty and staff can speak directly with individual benefit providers regarding retirement, tuition programs, or healthcare.

Beyond informational sessions, the event includes biometric health screenings, which require pre-registration. These screenings involve a simple finger-stick test to monitor basic health metrics. The expo also features acupuncture, chair massages, and various giveaways.

For those unable to attend the expo or those who require further clarification after the event, Columbia provides resources through online channels, telephone support, and a monthly well-being newsletter. The window for these critical decisions remains open only until November 20.