Employee Matters - February 2026 - HR Update and Benefits Spotlight

Sep 19, 2026

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Employee Matters for February 2026 outlines HR leadership priorities and a pilot approach to responsible adoption of University-approved AI tools, emphasizing human oversight to maintain transparency, equity, and data security. It explains how the initiative will enhance employee experience by streamlining and improving insight across hiring, talent development, compensation, benefits, and HR services. The newsletter highlights key benefits actions and resources, including virtual retiree information sessions, FSA deadline guidance, UHC support options, prescription coverage questions, upcoming Form 1095-C, and HSA Form 1099-SA availability, plus well-being programs and app access.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time2 min

AccessFree to download

Message from HR Vice President and CHRO Lorraine Goffe

Responsible adoption of University-approved AI tools

How it will affect employee experience

Benefits Spotlight

Virtual Info Session for Prospective Retirees (Medicare Eligible)

Use your Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Funds by March 15, 2026

2026 Benefits transition feedback

Reminder: Important Information About Your UHC plan

Have Questions About Prescription Drug Coverage?

Enhanced UHC Customer Support

Health Care Form 1095-C Coming Soon

HSA Tax Form 1099-SA Now Available

Well-being

February is American Heart Health Month

Explore OnePass Select

Employee Matters February 2026 Message from HR Vice President and CHRO Lorraine Goffe Over the last few years I have used this column to describe HR’s strategic focus—that is, a focus on being proactive, innovative, and planning for the future. Currently we have several initiatives under way in this respect, including the responsible adoption of University-approved AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot. Because we are in the people business, I want to note from the outset that this is not about automation—we will not lose the “human” in Human Resources. This work is about enabling HR professionals to spend more time on thoughtful, high-impact work that supports employees and advances institutional priorities. What will this look like? This initiative aims to enhance the employee experience, streamline processes, and provide clearer insights across hiring, talent development, compensation, benefits, and HR services. And through human oversight and adhering to Northwestern policy and HR’s new AI policy, we will ensure our priorities of transparency, equity, and data security. Recognizing the transformational potential of this technology, we are taking a pilot-based approach andwill share insights as the work evolves. Beyond its impact within HR, this initiative is designed to leverage what we learn to advance our evergreen goal of supporting the Northwestern community. Benefits Spotlight Virtual Info Session for Prospective Retirees (Medicare Eligible) Are you considering retirement? The Benefits Office will offer a virtual information session for Medicare eligible faculty and staff on Thursday, February 19, from noon to 1 p.m. The session will cover retiree eligibility, an overview of Medicare, the Medicare Advantage plan, other Northwestern benefits, and enrollment timelines. Please register for this event. Use your Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Funds by March 15, 2026 Faculty and staff with unused funds from Plan Year 2025 (1/1/2025-12/31/2025), can still incur new expenses and spend those funds through March 15, 2026. All claims incurred between 1/1/2025- 3/15/2026 must be submitted by 3/31/2026 . Unused funds are forfeited and cannot be refunded. | Tell Us How About Your 2026 Benefits Transition Experience
We welcome feedback on your experiences with NU’s new medical, prescription drug (Rx), and dental plans since January 1, 2026. Your feedback helps us understand the participant experience and identify opportunities for greater communication and support. Please send your feedback
to [benefits@northwestern.edu](benefits@northwestern.edu. Please)[. Please](benefits@northwestern.edu. Please) note, this email should only be used to submit feedback. If you need assistance with your coverage, please email [askHR@northwestern.edu](askHR@northwestern.edu) or call (847) 491-4700 . | | --- | | Reminder: Important Information About Your UHC plan
In case you missed it! Review last month’s Benefits announcement for information on Transition of Care options, Behavioral Health coverage, and Prior Authorizations for the prescription drug plan. | | Have Questions About Prescription Drug Coverage?
Faculty and staff can find the prescription drug formulary and utilize the online formulary search and pricing tools on the Prescription Drug website. If you have questions about a covered medication, contact CVS Caremark directly at (833) 844-5348. | | Enhanced UHC Customer Support
The enhanced UHC support model remains available to faculty and staff through the first calendar quarter. You may contact UHC directly in three different ways.
1. For general questions about medical coverage, contact UHC at (833) 314-1787 for PPO and HSA plans , and (855) 828-7715 for the HMO plan.
2. You can schedule a one-on-one meeting with UHC to discuss how your medical treatment will be covered and transition of care questions.
3. You can email [northwestern@uhc.com](northwestern@uhc.com) UHC your coverage ques

FAQs

How will HR use AI tools while keeping human oversight in place?

HR will use human oversight and adhere to Northwestern policy and HR’s new AI policy. The goal is to enable HR professionals to spend more time on thoughtful, high-impact work while supporting transparency, equity, and data security.

What is the deadline to use unused FSA funds from Plan Year 2025?

Unused funds from Plan Year 2025 can still be used for new expenses through March 15, 2026. Claims incurred between 1/1/2025 and 3/15/2026 must be submitted by 3/31/2026.

When will Form 1095-C and Form 1099-SA be available?

Form 1095-C will be mailed at the end of February for employees eligible for employee health insurance in calendar year 2025. Form 1099-SA for 2025 distributions has been mailed by Inspira Financial and is also available online for paperless or mailed delivery.

Sep 19, 2026

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