Agency details open enrollment timeline, benefits fairs and communications for 2026

Health Care Authority staff presented a full timeline for open enrollment preparation, outreach and systems work ahead of the Oct. 27–Nov. 24 open enrollment window. Alyssa Richards, benefits account section manager, walked through planning beginning in March (agency planning and systems updates), June staffing, August final rate sheets and October communications; open enrollment web pages will be published around Oct. 3 and the agency will host 14 in‑person benefits fairs plus attend four University of Washington fairs.

Alyssa and Brett Mello (chief information officer) described outreach and system‑readiness work: webinars and recorded materials for benefit administrators, expanded focus groups that improved the open‑enrollment wizard (dependent‑verification screens), and user‑acceptance testing. Brett said teams are finalizing test plans and addressing high‑priority bugs. Staff confirmed communications will include postcards and letters to UMP Plus subscribers, a front‑page newsletter explaining changes and an alert banner on Benefits 24/7. Dave highlighted a recent federal change increasing the dependent care assistance program (DCAP) cap from $5,000 to $7,500 effective Jan. 2026; staff said they will implement that change and communicate details to members.

Board members pressed about language access and benefits‑fair scheduling for working employees; Alyssa said the agency currently does not capture preferred language in a way that informs fairs but will work with carriers and consider translation and staffing adjustments. Staff also committed to revisiting fair hours and locations after feedback. The agency will publish detailed OE materials in October and run targeted outreach to retiree associations.