Hundreds of university employees gathered at the Rice Memorial Center’s Grand Hall April 7 for RiceFest, the annual event designed to help staff explore health care and other benefits. More than 30 campus departments and business partners welcomed attendees, offering valuable information about services and products available together with open enrollment, which runs through April 17.
At the event, employees enjoyed complimentary massages, snacks, promotional gifts and door prizes, all while gaining a deeper understanding of their benefits options. Human Resources staff were also on hand to assist with any questions about coverage and the open enrollment process.
Now that the period has started, there are a few important points of information that employees might want to consider:
- For fiscal year 2027, all faculty and staff will see a cost increase in medical benefits.
- All faculty and staff will see a 50% dental subsidy applied to their dental plan as part of the Total Rewards Initiative.
- Open enrollment is a good opportunity for employees to review current benefits and life insurance beneficiaries.
- Required action is only needed for those who want to reelect the Health Savings Account or a Flexible Spending Account.
- Faculty and staff who change medical plans will receive a new identification card in late June.
- Ask Alex: Rice is partnering with Ask Alex, a personalized benefits concierge tool that analyzes people’s needs and helps to find the most cost-effective plan for people’s budgets.
- Changes made during the process will take effect July 1.
Please visit the Open Enrollment page for more information.