Great Colleges to Work for 2024

Open Enrollment (Deadline is Oct. 31, 2025)

Employees may make changes to their benefits that will take effect January 1, 2026. If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact us at 662-325-3713 or benefits@hrm.msstate.edu

Benefits Open Enrollment

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Mark your calendars for Benefits Open Enrollment, which runs from Oct. 1–31. This is your annual opportunity to review and make changes to your benefits elections. Any updates you make during this period will take effect Jan. 1, 2026. 

To support you during this time, Human Resource Management, or HRM, will be onsite at the locations listed below to assist with questions and provide guidance. 

Additionally, don’t forget to participate in Employee Benefits & Wellness Week, which offers both virtual and in-person sessions to help you better understand your benefits options. Click here for more information.

HRM Onsite Schedule 

  • Coastal Research and Extension Center, Biloxi – Oct. 1 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. 

  • Central MS Research and Extension Center, Raymond – Oct. 2 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

  • North MS Research & Extension Center, Verona – Oct. 6 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

  • Meridian Campus, Downtown – Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. –1 p.m. 

  • Delta Research & Extension Center, Stoneville – Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. –2 p.m.

  • Mississippi State University, Starkville, McArthur Hall, Room 181 – Oct. 10 from 11 a.m.– 2 p.m.

Key Changes – Effective Jan. 1, 2026 

  • The Base plan family deductible will increase to $3,400 to meet the minimum required regulations under Federal Law. The Base plan coverage option qualifies under IRS regulations as a high deductible health plan that can be used with a health savings account. There are no other deductible changes for 2026. 

  • Both the Base and Select plans will have pharmacy programs implemented. Each of these programs are designed to assist participants with costs associated with specialty medications.  

Important Dates 

  • Employee Benefits and Wellness Week: Sept. 22–26

  • Open Enrollment Period: Oct. 1–31

  • Deadline for Submission: Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. No changes will be accepted after this date.  

  • Benefit Changes Take Place: Jan. 1, 2026 

If you have questions, contact your HRM Benefits Specialist at (662)325-3713 or visit hrm.msstate.edu/benefits.