WWU Staff Begin 2027 Benefits Enrollment

Western Washington University staff start their annual PEBB open enrollment period this month.

The window allows employees to modify medical, dental, and vision coverage for the 2027 plan year. All changes take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.

Enrollment is optional for most workers who wish to keep their current plans. The exception applies to those seeking Flexible Spending Account or Dependent Care Assistance Plan coverage. Those Navia plans require annual enrollment during this specific period.

Administrators advise employees to review upcoming premium changes to verify their current plans still meet household needs. All modifications must be processed through the Benefits 24/7 online portal. Staff who have not yet claimed their profiles must do so before the period begins. A Benefits team member must provide prior confirmation before any 2027 enrollment or change form is accepted.

During the open enrollment window, workers can add or remove dependents. They may also attest to the spouse or state-registered domestic partner coverage premium surcharge for 2027. Employees enrolled in other group medical plans, TRICARE, or Medicare Parts A and B can waive their medical coverage.

The university provides several resources for decision making. The PEBB open enrollment webpage hosts HSA forms, benefits comparisons, and premium data. An online tool allows users to compare up to three medical plans. A new PEBB Medical Plan Quality Report Card compares clinical quality among insurance carriers and health providers.

HR Benefits hosts four drop-in sessions to assist employees. The first takes place Friday, Oct. 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Haggard Hall 101. A virtual session runs Tuesday, Nov. 3, from noon to 1:30 p.m. The third drop-in is Thursday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to noon in Haggard Hall 101. The final session is Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Humanities Building room 210. Participants at the Humanities Building session must bring their own laptop or tablet because computer access is unavailable.

Questions about enrollment accounts should be directed to Benefits 24/7. For general benefits questions, staff should contact the plans directly or reach out to HR Benefits at HR.Benefits@wwu.edu.