Open Enrollment: Choose, Change Your Benefits for Next Year

Open enrollment for the 2025-2026 benefits year runs through Friday, Aug. 22, allowing employees to update their elections in health, vision and dental plans – and much more.

You’ll find information about eligibility and enrollment in the Cook Children’s Benefits Guide. The guide includes topics such as time away from work, leave of absence, disability, retirement, telemedicine and lifestyle benefits and financial wellness.

This is your chance to learn about the resources available and choose the coverage that fits your life best. The benefits you choose will be effective from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2026.

Current elections will roll over automatically with the exceptions of flexible spending accounts, health savings account contributions and PTO sellback. These three elections are required to be made annually. If you want any of these for next year, you must actively make those elections. If you don't take action, you'll have to wait until the next open enrollment period unless you have a major life change, such as getting married or having a baby.

What’s new this year?

·        Prescription drug coverage is moving to Capital Rx to make filling prescriptions easier and more affordable.

·        Our Superior Vision plan now covers glasses and contacts every year for everyone on the plan.

·        Tuition Assistance gets a boost from EdAssist, a platform that streamlines the support for employees pursuing further education and professional development.

·        Three new digital tools – Headspace, Sleepfit and Aaptiv – can enhance your mental resilience, sleep quality and exercise routine. 

·        After Sept. 30, we no longer offer the surgery benefit through Lantern (formerly known as SurgeryPlus).

Cook Children's invests more than $140 million annually in benefits, covering approximately 80% of the total cost for our employees. This investment reflects our ongoing dedication to your health.

“Cook Children’s remains deeply committed to supporting you and your family’s well-being,” said Merridth Simpson, Vice President of Human Resources and Occupational Health. “Benefits are an essential part of your overall compensation, and we invest significantly in providing quality, affordable benefits to help you stay healthy and plan for your future.”

You can enroll in Workday by going to Workday Benefits, accessing the Benefits and Pay app, and submitting the elections you make. Another option is to call the Benefits Center at 833-938-4154, weekdays from 7am-7pm.

Questions? Contact the Benefits team at AskBenefits@cookchildrens.org.