Open Enrollment
2026 Open Enrollment
October 20-31
New for 2026
- Open Enrollment Dates: This year’s open enrollment will run from October 20–31, a shorter window than usual.
- Coverage Elections: Employees will make elections for state medical, prescription, and dental plans, as well as NMSU-administered plans (vision, flexible spending accounts, accident, and critical illness, and hospital).
- Plan Year Shift: The October enrollment will cover a shortened plan year from January–June 2026. Another open enrollment will take place in spring 2026 for the new plan year starting July 1, 2026.
- Voluntary Benefits: Voluntary benefits through Unum (accident, critical illness, and hospital) have been renewed with lower rates and expanded hospital coverage.
We know employees will have questions, and we ask for your patience as our Benefits team adapts processes for these changes. Updates will be shared by email, in the Hotline newsletter, and on here. Please check the site for the most up-to-date information.