Rice University’s open enrollment period for employee benefit plans will run from April 3-17. To give employees a way to better explore their benefits options, the campus will hold its annual RiceFest benefits fair from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 7 at Rice Memorial Center’s Grand Hall. Beyond HR resources, the event showcases a variety of internal university services and programs from community partners.
Employees can expect the following at RiceFest:
- Expert guidance: Human Resources staff will be available to answer open enrollment and plan detail questions.
- Wellness and fun: Enjoy complimentary massages, helpful handouts and promotional gifts.
- Prizes: Attend for a chance to win various door prizes.
A few important points of information that employees might want to consider leading up to RiceFest and open enrollment include the following:
- For fiscal year 2027, all faculty and staff will see a cost increase in medical benefits.
- 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 re-elect 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 open enrollment will take effect July 1.
Please visit the Open Enrollment page for more information.