There will be three choices:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBSRI) Core PPO Plan
• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBSRI) Premier PPO Plan
• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBSRI) Consumer-Directed Health Plan (CDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA)

Effective January 1, 2026, Sentinel Group will administer the HSA for those participating in the Consumer-Directed Health Plan (CDHP).

The limit on individual health savings account contributions will increase to $4,400, and for family coverage, it will be $8,750. The limit includes both employee and employer contributions. The deductible for 2026 will increase to $2,000 per individual and $4,000 per family. 

Enhancements to the dental plan will include two adult fluoride treatments per year with no change to premiums. 

The Dependent Care Flexible Spending limit will increase to $7,500.

The spousal life insurance coverage limit will increase from $50,000 to $250,000. Coverage can be elected in increments of $10,000.

The child life insurance limit will increase from $4,000 to $10,000.  The cost will increase from $.36 per month to $1.00 per month. The age at which children may remain on their parents' life insurance coverage will increase from 23 to 26 years old.

Brown University is pleased to introduce a new voluntary Legal Plan through MetLife at a cost of $17.25 per month. This benefit offers a comprehensive range of personal legal services, including estate planning, debt collection, immigration services, and more. When you enroll, you and your legal dependents have access to legal assistance for some of the most frequently needed personal legal matters—with no waiting periods, no deductibles, and no claim forms when using a network attorney for a covered matter.

Employees can participate in Brown Gives to support the United Way of Rhode Island during Open Enrollment. Faculty and staff can donate monthly amounts of $10, $25, $50, $75, or $100 through payroll deductions throughout the calendar year. 

You can learn more about health insurance options by reviewing the Summary of Benefits.

• Summary of Benefits - 2026 Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBSRI) Core PPO Plan (Faculty/Staff & Union)

• Summary of Benefits - 2026 Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBSRI) Premier PPO Plan (Faculty/Staff)

• Summary of Benefits - 2026 Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBSRI) Premier PPO Plan (Union)

• Summary of Benefits - 2026 Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBSRI) Consumer-Directed Health Plan (CDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) 

Sample Health Plan Comparison

Considering the Blue Cross Blue Shield Consumer-Directed Health Plan with HSA? Learn more here.

View the 2026 Medical Plans webpage to learn more.

• Delta Dental of Rhode Island - PPO Plus Premier
• Dental Highlights

• Vision Benefit Highlights

OptumRx 2026 Formulary 

A formulary is a list of prescribed medications or other pharmacy care products, services or supplies chosen for their safety, cost, and effectiveness. Medications are listed by categories or classes and are placed into cost levels known as tiers. It includes both brand and generic prescription medications.

For those enrolled in the Consumer-Directed Health Plan:

• The individual health savings account contribution limit is $4,400, and for family coverage, it is $8,750. The limit includes both employee and employer contributions.
• The IRS has increased the deductible limit for 2026 to $2,000 per individual and $4,000 per family.

Brown University is pleased to introduce a new voluntary Legal Plan through MetLife, offering a comprehensive range of personal legal services. When you enroll, you and your legal dependents will have access to legal assistance for some of the most frequently needed personal legal matters—with no waiting periods, no deductibles, and no claim forms when using a network attorney for a covered matter, including: 

• Money matters like debt collection and negotiation with creditors
• Home and real estate issues
• Estate planning and wills
• Family issues like adoptions and immigration assistance
• Civil lawsuits
• Traffic violations
• And more!

You must remain enrolled in this plan for a minimum of one year.

• MetLife Legal Plan Overview

• MetLife Legal Plan FAQs