Open Enrollment overview

Last updated: September 11, 2026

What to know:

Open Enrollment is a once-a-year opportunity for PEBB benefits-eligible employees to enroll in or make changes to their medical, dental and visions elections and enroll in a Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Limited Purpose FSA (LFSA) and/or the Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP). Open Enrollment changes are made in Workday and go into effect the following January 1. Open Enrollment is the only time each year employees can change their benefits elections unless they experience a qualifying life event (such as marriage or the birth of a child).

Mark your calendar:

• This year, Open Enrollment runs October 26 – November 23.

As always, during Open Enrollment, you can:

• Enroll in or change your medical, vision and/or dental coverage.
• Add or remove qualified dependents, including a spouse or state-registered domestic partner, to/from your medical, vision and/or dental plans. Learn more on the Dependent Verification Documentation webpage.
• Enroll or re-enroll in optional pre-tax savings programs such as a Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Limited Purpose FSA (LFSA), or the Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP).
• Respond to whether or not the HCA’s spousal premium surcharge applies to you.

You must submit changes in Workday during Open Enrollment if:

1. You wish to enroll/re-enroll in a Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Arrangement (LFSA) and/or Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) coverage for the upcoming year.
   If you are currently enrolled in a FSA, LFSA or the DCAP, you must re-enroll every year during Open Enrollment in order to continue participating in the following year.
2. You have been notified that you need to attest/re-attest to the spousal premium surcharge.
   If you currently have a spouse or State-Registered Domestic Partner (SRDP) enrolled on your PEBB medical plan, you may need to attest to whether or not the PEBB-required $50 monthly premium surcharge applies to you.

Preparing for Open Enrollment

If you are a PEBB benefits-eligible employee who wishes to make changes to your medical, dental and/or vision plans during Open Enrollment, follow these simple steps to prepare ahead of time:

1. Verify your address in Workday: The benefits options you are offered are actually based on your home address, specifically your zip code. Make sure your address in Workday is current so you aren’t offered the wrong benefit plan options.

2. Prepare your dependent verification documents: If you are planning to add any dependents (including your spouse or State Registered Domestic Partner) to your medical, vision, and/or dental plans, state law requires that you submit, within Workday, valid dependent verification documents that demonstrate proof of your relationship. Check out this list of what qualifies as valid dependent verification documentation. We strongly recommend scanning the document(s) you plan on attaching and saving it to an easy-to-find location on a secure computer prior to starting the Open Enrollment process.

3. Get informed:

• Plan to attend a Benefits Fair where you can meet providers and ask questions.
  • Or attend the Virtual Benefits Fair: If you can’t make one of the in-person Benefits Fairs, you can still visit the Health Care Authority’s Virtual Benefits Fair page to watch informative, on-demand webinars (available 24/7!) and learn more about your benefit options for the coming year.
• Compare plans: If you’re thinking of changing plans, visit the HCA’s Compare Medical Plans page – their Medical Benefits Comparison Tool can be especially useful.
• Contact insurance plan providers directly: If you have questions about networks, what each plan covers, and other benefit details, directly reach out to the providers ahead of time to determine if another plan is right for you and/or your family.

How to make changes during Open Enrollment

Starting October 26, a link to the Open Enrollment User Guide will be available with step-by-step instructions on making your changes in Workday.

Benefit changes you can make anytime

There are several benefit changes you can make that, given the necessary circumstances, don’t require you to wait until Open Enrollment:

• Attest to the Tobacco Use Premium Surcharge.
• Manage your Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions.
• Enroll in optional retirement plans.
• Enroll in optional life insurance.
• Reduce or opt out of Employee-Paid Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance.

Visit the Benefit Changes You Can Make Year-Round web page for details.