Duke to Transition to Cigna Healthcare for 2026, open Enrollment Now Underway
Duke University and Duke Health employees are navigating Open Enrollment for medical benefits, with a significant change on the horizon: a transition to Cigna Healthcare effective January 1, 2026. This year’s Open Enrollment period is crucial for staff and faculty to review plan options, confirm provider network access, and enroll or re-enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
The shift to Cigna represents a strategic move to enhance benefit offerings and potentially manage healthcare costs. While Cigna’s network broadly includes current Duke providers, employees are strongly encouraged to verify their preferred doctors are in-network using the Provider Search Directories available on the Open Enrollment website. Those with out-of-network providers can submit a Provider Nomination Form via the HR website.
Here’s what Duke employees need to know during this Open Enrollment period:
* Provider Verification: Confirm your current healthcare providers are included in the Cigna network using directories on the Open Enrollment website: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/enrollment/oe/. A Provider Nomination Form is available for desired out-of-network providers: https://hr.duke.edu/sites/default/files/Duke-Medical-Behavioral-Provider-Nomination-Form.pdf.
* Plan Comparison: Utilize the Cigna Easy Choice tool to compare available Duke plans: https://hr.duke.edu/resource/cigna-easy-choice-tool/.
* Reimbursement Accounts: Enrollment or re-enrollment is required for Health Care and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts.
* Automatic Rollover: Employees who do not wish to make changes to their current medical, dental, or vision coverage, and are not enrolling in or re-enrolling in reimbursement accounts, do not need to take action. Existing selections will automatically roll over.
* Further Facts: Detailed information is available on the Open Enrollment website: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/enrollment/oe/.
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