Get the Most Out of Your Benefits in 2021

UVA’s Benefits Open Enrollment for plan year 2021 will occur October 5 – 16, 2020. NOW is your time to review and select benefits for next year. Are you getting the most out of yours? Your family’s health, vision, and dental care benefits are a significant investment in your physical and financial well-being and should be treated like any major purchase. In fact, UVA employees spend an average of $4,000 a year on health care for individuals, and $12,500 for families.

As we edge toward our fall Open Enrollment, this is the time to review how you’ve used your benefits so far. What can you do now to plan for the benefits you'll need in 2021?

What to Expect

For all of us, and for many reasons, 2020 is a year like no other. UVA leadership cares about our employees and is always looking for ways to help. For benefits Open Enrollment this year, our goal is to make the benefits review process as easy and stress-free as possible.

Here’s what to expect:

  • A redesigned website with clear action items, new tools to help you choose your benefits wisely.
  • You can meet virtually with HR team members a month before Open Enrollment to understand your benefits better.
  • New podcasts and short videos that explain your benefits
  • Information in emails, social media, digital monitors across Grounds, and buses 
  • Two detailed print pieces delivered to your home, and a reminder postcard before Open Enrollment closes (make sure your home address is listed correctly in Workday) 

Mark Your Calendar

September 1 – Open Enrollment website is live: hr.virginia.edu/oe2021

September 28 – October 14: Virtual Presentations - To ensure your health and safety, hosted virtually through Zoom in September and October. Hear about benefits changes and ask questions. No RSVP required. Presentations are not customized for any school or unit, so attend any presentation that fits your schedule. All options listed below will offer the same content, with the exception of the Town Hall.

  • Monday, September 28, 10 – 11 am
  • Thursday, October 1, 3 – 4 pm
  • Monday, October 5, 9 – 10 am
  • Wednesday, October 7 TOWN HALL, 12 – 1 pm
  • Friday, October 9, 1 – 2 pm
  • Wednesday, October 14, 1 am – 12 pm

October 7: Town Hall - A Virtual Open Enrollment Town Hall will be held October 7, 12 – 1 pm, which will bring in additional information beyond the Open Enrollment Zoom presentations. The Town Hall will include short presentations and a Q&A session with the:

  • UVA Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP)
  • Hoos Well team
  • Leave team
  • Benefits team
  • Retirement team

Questions can be submitted during the Town Hall, and upvoted. A moderator will curate the questions for the presenting team representatives to answer.

October 5 – 16: Virtual Benefits and Well-Being Expo – In order to ensure the safety of our community, the expo will be held virtually this year. This convenient format will provide you and your family with access to the Virtual Expo 24/7 for two weeks by phone, tablet, or computer. Visit vendor booths online, view materials and presentations, and learn about resources and programming to improve your healthy lifestyle and thrive. Each booth offers an easy link to get in touch with the vendor to ask questions or receive additional information.

As you explore, you’ll earn points for visiting booths, which will increase your chances of winning a prize, courtesy of our generous sponsors and exhibitors. Fitbits, eco-friendly gift baskets, and free WW one-month memberships are just a few of the potential prizes!

Review Your Benefits

It's not too early to make sure the benefits you chose in 2020 are meeting your needs and supporting your health and well-being. Consider:

  • Have you used all your preventive services for health, dental and vision? Visit:
  • Do you have funds left in your FSA account that you can use? Visit the Chard Snyder website to check your FSA account balance.
    • All funds in your FSA need to be used by the end of 2020! 
    • Chard Snyder has an online FSA store where you can use your FSA dollars. Check out the FSA Eligibility List to find out which kinds of over-the-counter products and medications you can purchase.
  • Will you or a family member need to meet with a specialist?
  • Did your benefits elections in Workday match your spending in 2020? Log in to Workday and review your benefits.
  • Are your dependents listed with correct social security numbers in Workday? Review their social security numbers in Workday and adjust as needed.
  • Is your home address and phone # correct in Workday? Review your profile in Workday and update as needed.

Asking yourself these questions can help you make the best investment. As Open Enrollment approaches, knowing what you need now is a great way to prepare for next year.

We Hear You. How Can We Help?

HR Solution Center