News & Announcements
Annual Enrollment for 2026 Benefits
**Important: This information may change before the open enrollment period.**
Annual Enrollment Period: October 3 through October 17, 2025
Effective Date for Changes: January 1, 2026
Follow this link to see the State of Tennessee's 2026 Annual Enrollment Newsletter.
You are encouraged to login and review your current coverage to verify that your selections are accurate.
Key Points:
Passive Enrollment:
If you do not make any changes, your current benefits will continue into next year. Note: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) must be renewed each year.
Login:
Single sign-on into Edison
Edison Changes:
For guidance on making changes, refer to the Edison guide.
For questions, contact the Edison Help Desk at 1.866.376.0104.
Pharmacy Cost Changes for 2026:
Weight Loss Medications:
25% coinsurance for all plans.
Specialty Medications:
30% coinsurance for in-network drugs.
Maximum Out-of-Pocket:
A separate limit for specialty drugs will apply, varying by employee tier and plan.
Vendor Changes:
Dental Provider:
Delta Dental will be replaced by MetLife for the DPPO plan. (If you are currently enrolled in Delta Dental, you will automatically be transitioned into MetLife Dental). Cigna Dental remains for basic prepaid services.
Rate Changes:
- Employee only and employee + spouse tiers: No change
- Employee + child(ren) tier: 25% increase
- Employee + spouse + child(ren) tier: 20% increase
- Waiting Periods: Eliminated for all enrolled members
Health Savings Account / Flexible Spending Accounts:
TASC will be the new vendor for health savings accounts for members who enroll in a consumer-driven health plan for employees with a flexible spending account.
Additional Resources:
- Helpful Videos: Annual Enrollment Videos
- 2026 Insurance Premiums and Health Plan Comparison Charts
- Important Partners for Health Website Links
Need Help? ANNUAL ENROLLMENT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR 2026 BENEFITS
Benefits Administration
800.253.9981 or 615.741.3590
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. CT
Fax: 615.741.8196
e-mail: benefits.administration@tn.gov
Re-employment of Retirees
In April 2025, the Tennessee General Assembly passed, and the Governor signed into law, legislation impacting Return to Work program requirements and optional membership in the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS). Public Chapter 159 – (SB251/HB313) introduces:
- a new return to work program for hard to fill position,
- defines the term Bona Fide Separation from Service for consistency with federal law, and
- eliminates the ability to waive the 60-day waiting period for 120-day temporary employment. Public Chapter 159 becomes effective on July 1, 2025.
For additional information and guidance, please see the Legislation Impacting: Return to Work and Optional Membership announcement or visit Retire Ready Tennessee for Retirees
Retirement Consultations:
Cassandra Wyrick from Empower will conduct on campus for retirement consultations throughout the year. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to discuss their retirement options. This is a valuable chance to get personalized advice on your retirement plans, including the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS), 401(k), and other retirement options available to employees. To see time, availability and to schedule an appointment, please click on the link below.
Employee Spotlight
Employee Spotlights are featured in the Office of Administration's monthly newsletter - Inside Look. Here you can find previous 'Spotlights' as well as Accolades, which highlights ETSU Faculty & Staff achievements and honors.
HR Liaisons SharePoint Page
Check out the HR Liaisons SharePoint Page! Visit this page for the latest HR updates, events, and helpful information and documents.