October is Benefits Open Enrollment for MSU employees
Benefits Open Enrollment at MSU runs Oct. 1–31, and is an annual opportunity for employees to review and make changes to benefits elections. Any updates made during this period will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.
To support you during this time, Human Resource Management (HRM) will be on-site at the locations listed below to assist with questions and provide guidance.
- Coastal Research and Extension Center, Biloxi – Oct. 1 from 8:30-11:30 a.m.
- Central MS Research and Extension Center, Raymond – Oct. 2 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- North MS Research and Extension Center Verona – Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Meridian Campus, Downtown – Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Delta Research and Extension Center, Stoneville – Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- MSU, Starkville, McArthur Hall, Room 181 – Oct. 10 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Key Changes – Effective Jan. 1, 2026:
- The health plan will implement a 6.5% premium rate increase for all coverage options. Click here to view the 2026 rates.
- The Base plan family deductible will increase to $3,400 to meet the minimum required regulations under Federal Law. The Base plan coverage option qualifies under IRS regulations as a high deductible health plan that can be used with a health savings account. There are no other deductible changes for 2026.
- Both the Base and Select plans will have pharmacy programs implemented. Each of these programs are designed to assist participants with costs associated with specialty medications.
Important Dates:
- Open Enrollment Period: Oct. 1–31
- Deadline for Submission: Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. No changes will be accepted after this date.
- Benefit Changes Take Place: Jan. 1, 2026
If you have questions, contact your HRM Benefits Specialist or visit hrm.msstate.edu/benefits.