What's New

September 23, 2026

Benefits Open Enrollment

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, 2027. 

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 

• Mississippi State University, Starkville, McArthur Hall, Room 181 – Oct. 2 from 11 a.m.– 2 p.m.
• North MS Research & Extension Center, Verona – Oct. 5 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Coastal Research and Extension Center, Biloxi – Oct. 6 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. 
• Delta Research & Extension Center, Stoneville – Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. –2 p.m.
• Central MS Research and Extension Center, Raymond – Oct. 8 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Meridian Campus, Downtown – Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. –1 p.m. 

Key Changes – Effective Jan. 1, 2027 

• The health plan will implement a 6.5% premium rate increase. Click here to view the 2027 rates.  

• The Base plan family deductible will increase to $3,500 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 2027.   

Important Dates 

• Employee Benefits and Wellness Week: Sept. 22–25

• Open Enrollment Period: Oct. 1–31

• Deadline for Submission: Oct. 31, 2026. No changes will be accepted after this date.  

• Benefit Changes Take Place: Jan. 1, 2027 

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

April 22, 2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, employees are reminded that mental health support is available year‑round. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and we’re committed to helping you care for both.

To encourage healthy habits, join the 30‑Day Wellbeing Challenge designed to encourage small, meaningful habits that support overall wellbeing. Employees are encouraged to participate at their own pace. This challenge is about progress, not perfection. If you miss a day, that’s okay—jump back in whenever you’re ready. The goal is to build healthy, sustainable habits without adding stress.

In addition, employees and their families have access to a range of confidential support services through the TELUS Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including:

• 24/7 confidential counseling with licensed professionals
• Financial planning resources, because financial stress impacts mental health
• Family support services for you and your immediate family members
• Work‑life balance tools and resources
• Multilingual support services

How to Access TELUS Health EAP Services

• Phone: 1‑800‑433-7916
• Online: TELUS Health One app or website one.telushealth.com
• Username: msu          Password: msu

Employees do not need to be in crisis to use EAP services. Support is available for concerns such as stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, or everyday life issues. All services are confidential, and personal information is protected.

HRM encourages employees to explore these resources and take an active role in supporting their mental health and overall wellbeing.

March 9, 2026

Employee Benefits Enhancements

Instructions for Employee Navigator

Over the past year, HR has been carefully evaluating ways to improve the enrollment experience and strengthen the benefits available to our employees. We are excited to announce  April 1, 2026, we will launch Employee Navigator, a new online benefits administration system that will allow employees to electronically enroll in or make changes to their coverage.

As part of preparing for this transition to an online platform, we conducted a review of our current benefit offerings. During this process, we identified several existing products that cannot be supported through electronic enrollment. To ensure a seamless move to the new system and to continue offering high quality benefits, MSU will offer similar or enhanced coverage options.   

As a result, the following plans will be discontinued effective April 30, 2026, and will no longer be payroll deducted:  

• Aflac Accident  
• Aflac Cancer  
• Aflac Critical Care  
• Aflac Intensive Care  
• National Fire Union AD&D  

These plans will be replaced with a suite of new and updated Aflac offerings, including:  

• Accident Insurance  
• Cancer Insurance  
• Critical Care Insurance  
• Hospital Indemnity  
• Term Life Insurance with Long-Term Care included 

Employees currently enrolled in any of the plans scheduled for discontinuation will receive direct communication with details about this transition. In addition, all benefits eligible employees will have the opportunity to enroll in the new Aflac plans during our upcoming enrollment period.  

More information will be shared in the coming weeks. Please watch for additional communication from HRM outlining next steps, plan details, and important dates. We will also host an informational webinar to help employees learn more about the new Aflac options and navigate the transition to Employee Navigator.  

We look forward to rolling out these enhancements and supporting you through each step of the transition.  

Important Dates: 

• Deadline to enroll in the new Aflac products: April 29, 2026
• Deadline to enroll in Aflac Always to keep your existing Aflac products: May 30, 2026

March 2, 2026

Pharmacy Changes to the State Health Plan

Specialty Medication Cost Calculations (Base and Select Plans)

Effective 2026, manufacturer copay assistance programs (“copay cards”) for specialty medications will no longer count toward your annual deductible or out‑of‑pocket (OOP) maximum. Only the amount you actually pay will apply toward your calendar‑year deductible (CYD) and OOP maximum. You may continue using copay cards; however, any dollars you receive from the manufacturer will no longer count towards your deductible or OOP maximums.

Introduction of PrudentRx for the Select Plan

Effective 2026, the Select Plan will add an optional program called PrudentRx for specialty medications included on the PrudentRx drug list. Participants who enroll in PrudentRx will pay $0 out‑of‑pocket for eligible specialty medications by maximizing available manufacturer assistance (coupons, copay cards, etc.).

• If you do not enroll, a 30% coinsurance will apply to specialty medications.
• Third‑party assistance used through PrudentRx will not count toward your CYD or annual OOP maximum.

Eligible participants will receive additional details and instructions on how to enroll.