The annual Open Enrollment period is optional for eligible employees and action is not always required. Please see the chart below to determine whether action is needed for your particular scenario:

You have the option of two methods to make your elections during open enrollment:

1. (Preferred) Make your changes online through Cardinal Employee Self Service (ESS) by May 29 at 11:59pm EST.

• The Cardinal ESS User's Guide shows you how to register and navigate the Cardinal system to make your open enrollment elections.
• For specific guidance on using Cardinal ESS for open enrollment, you can follow use these video instructions or written instructions.

2. Make your changes using an enrollment form and return to VCU HR by May 29 at 5:00pm EST. 

• Use the Health Benefits and Flexible Spending Enrollment 2026-2027 to make your elections. For detailed guidance, follow the instructions to completing your open enrollment form.
• Select one method only to return the forms to VCU HR:
  • Submit your form via Docusign
  • Upload a PDF of your form when submitting an HR Support Request
  • Upload a PDF to VCU Filelocker and share with User ID "OPENENROLL" or email address openenroll@vcu.edu
  • Deposit forms in the drop box outside the HR Welcome Center (located within Lindsey House, at the Belvidere St. entrance)

The following documentation published by state health plan providers communicates detailed information about each health plan's benefits.

State health plan brochures

• COVA Care plan brochure
• COVA HealthAware plan brochure
• COVA HDHP brochure
• Sentara Health Vantage plan brochure
  • Sentara Service Zip Codes
• Kaiser Permanente plan brochure
  • Kaiser Service Zip Codes
• Delta Dental brochure

Additional resources

• Benefits at a Glance
• Premiums 2026-27
• ALEX Interactive Benefits Counselor
• COVA EAP flyer
• Price a medication under the various COVA plans (see ‘Pharmacy Plan Details’ heading at bottom of web page)
• Eligibility and required documentation for family members

The following documentation provided by the state and their flexible spending account (FSA) partner, Inspira Financial, communicates detailed information about FSAs.

• The FSA Sourcebook contains detailed information on FSAs.
• Use the FSA Worksheet to estimate how much to save in your FSA to meet your needs.
• You can also use VCU's FSA Calculator to estimate your per-paycheck FSA deductions based on your enrollment type.

Note: The following contribution limit changes for FSAs apply to the 2026-27 plan year:

• Health FSA (Medical) - increase to $3,400 per plan year
• Dependent Care FSA - increase to $7,500 per plan year

Employees who participate in a COVA Care or COVA HealthAware health plan can earn a $17 per month ($8.50 per paycheck) discount on health plan premiums beginning in July. Spouses enrolled on a plan can earn an additional $17 monthly discount by completing the assessment, making the total monthly discount $34 ($17 per paycheck).

Current Premium Rewards end June 30, 2026. COVA Care and COVA HealthAware members must now complete two requirements to earn a Premium Reward: an annual preventive visit, well-adult or well-woman (gynecological) exam and completion of a Health Assessment. 

To be eligible to receive the Premium Rewards effective July 1, 2026, members must complete the following:

1. Enrollment: Be enrolled in a COVA Care or COVA HealthAware plan.
2. Health Assessment: Complete or update and submit the Health Assessment using the current health plan’s app or website between January 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026*.
3. An Annual Preventive Visit: Processed and paid by the health plan between January 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026.

COVA Care and COVA HealthAware members will get credit for the completion of both the annual
preventive visit, well-adult or well-woman (gynecological) exam that was processed and paid by the health plan and the Health Assessment during the lookback period of January 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026.

After completing the requirements, keep a copy of these records for your reference. You do not need to return these documents to VCU HR, as your health plan company will report your completion of the activity directly to the State Health Benefits Program. Review your paystub on the effective date of your Premium Reward to confirm that the correct premium is charged. 

Note: If you and/or your enrolled spouse do not meet the requirements by May 31, 2026, you can still begin participation in the Premium Rewards program for July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 plan year at a later date. However, the incentive will only be applied once both requirements have been completed. 

For more details, read the Premium Rewards overview and the Premium Rewards FAQ.