Here are a few important reminders about your 2026 benefits, key deadlines, and wellness actions you may need to consider. Review the information to help you understand what to expect and actions you may need to take.
2026 benefits information
As a reminder, elections you made during this year’s Open Enrollment will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. Your 2026 benefits summary is available in Workday. It provides a snapshot of the coverage and plans you selected during Open Enrollment. Additional details about 2026 benefits are on the HR Open Enrollment page. Please note that you can only update your 2026 elections during 2026 if you have a qualifying status change.
Accessing your benefit information
Find links to manage your health benefits through each vendor website and/or mobile app on the HR website. You can access information such as the status of your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum, view claims and show your ID card to providers. You will only receive a new Medical ID Card if you made a medical plan change during Open Enrollment. If you did not make a medical plan change, continue to use your current card.
Electronic access to your medical benefit details
Your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) shows your medical claims and payments processed by Luminare Health, the third-party administrator for your Ohio State medical plan. You can access your EOB faster, easier and more securely when you sign up to receive electronic communications. Learn how to sign up on the OSU Health Plan website.
Coordination of Benefits
If you have a dependent enrolled in the Ohio State medical plan, you are required each year to complete a Coordination of Benefits (COB). In January, Luminare Health will mail letters with instructions on how to submit the required information. Your prompt reply ensures there isn’t a delay in the processing and payment of your medical claims.
Dependent eligibility verification
You are required to verify dependent eligibility for newly enrolled dependents. A dependent eligibility verification packet will be mailed to your home address from Alight, the university’s eligibility verification partner. The verification packet will provide information on acceptable forms of documentation to verify your dependent’s eligibility. Learn more about the dependent eligibility verification process.
FSA information for 2025 Plan Year
Be sure to file your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) reimbursement requests for the 2025 plan year by the appropriate deadlines.
- You have until March 15, 2026, to incur eligible expenses to be reimbursed from your 2025 account. This date window includes the grace period.
- By March 31, 2026, all requests for reimbursement must be received by HealthEquity or you will forfeit the unclaimed balance in your FSA(s).
Your Plan for Health (YP4H) 2025 actions
The YP4H Personify Health portal will close on Dec. 31, 2025. Before then, be sure to:
- Complete your annual Personal Health Assessment and a verified Biometric Health Screening to receive the $300 premium credit toward your 2026 medical plan contributions. Earn an additional $180 premium credit when your enrolled spouse also completes both activities.
- Redeem any remaining Personify Health Rewards Cash balances (formerly “PulseCash”) for gift cards. Balances that are not redeemed by Dec. 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST will be forfeited.
- If you have unused 2025 HRA funds, a maximum of $3,900 will carryover to 2026 as long as you remain employed and continue coverage under The Ohio State University Faculty and Staff Health Plans (the “Plan”) or through COBRA at the time of the rollover. Learn more about HRAs.
YP4H 2026 updates
In January 2026, a new wellness portal will replace Personify Health as your digital hub for accessing Your Plan for Health (YP4H) wellness benefits, earning incentives and participating in university-wide challenges. This refreshed platform is being designed based on Ohio State employee feedback asking for a program that provides more choice, simplicity and flexibility. Additional information will be shared in early 2026. Register for an upcoming webinar to learn more.
Receiving an electronic Form 1095-C
Ohio State partners with Trusaic to provide you an electronic copy of IRS tax form 1095-C. By the end of January 2026, an email will be sent when your form is available.
Protecting your personal information
Telephone scams and email phishing attempts can increase during this time of year. If you are contacted by someone saying they are an Ohio State vendor, do not provide personal information. Legitimate vendors will not call you to ask for confidential personal information and will never request confidential information through email.
Information and support
If you have any questions about your benefits, please contact HR Connection at hrconnection.osu.edu or (614) 247-myHR (6947), Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.