Employees to review and select benefits by Nov. 3
Open Enrollment began Oct. 13 and closes Nov. 3. It is employees’ annual opportunity to review and select the benefits that will best suit their needs for the upcoming year.
“For 2026, we will continue to offer a comprehensive range of benefits, and you’ll have more time to make your selections,” Executive Director and Chief Human Resources Officer Brian Carter said. “In response to employee feedback, we’ve extended the Open Enrollment period to three weeks, up from two weeks last year, to give you the time you need to choose wisely.
“Additionally, we want to address the broader industry trend of rising healthcare costs, which Sandia is not immune to. We understand that fluctuations in healthcare expenses can be concerning, and we want to be transparent about the premium increases that will take effect next year.
What’s new
Sandia will continue to offer two medical plans: the Health Savings Plan and the Total Health PPO Plan, as well as continue to offer three dental plans and three vision plans from which to choose. Additionally, employees will see the following changes.
Premiums for the Health Savings Plan, Total Health PPO Plan and Vision Plan will increase. Dental Plan premiums will stay the same. View the monthly premiums for 2026.
Both the Health Savings Plan and the Total Health PPO Plan will provide enhanced coverage for first diagnostic mammograms and colonoscopies. In addition to preventive health care benefits that are covered at 100%, the Health Savings Plan will now cover the first diagnostic colonoscopy and the first diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound at 100% after the deductible is met. The Total Health PPO Plan will cover these same services at 100%.
Employees who enroll in the Health Savings Plan will be able to contribute more to their Health Savings Account: up to $4,400 if they have individual coverage and $8,750 if they cover dependents.
Optum Rx will serve as the new provider for prescription drug coverage for Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico and UnitedHealthcare. Additionally, specialty brand drugs will be categorized into a distinct coverage tier.
Employees who enroll in the Dependent Care Flexible Savings Account will see an increase in the contribution limit, allowing them to contribute up to $7,500.
As a one-time offer during 2026 Open Enrollment, employees can apply for or increase their MetLife voluntary life insurance coverage for themselves and their dependents by answering five health questions instead of providing Evidence of Insurability on the Sandia Extras site.
How to enroll
To enroll from a Sandia computer or mobile device, employees should visit HR Self Service and navigate to Benefits and Retirement, then Benefit Detail, then Benefit Enrollment. After making selections, click “submit” to finalize choices. The elections employees make during Open Enrollment are effective from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2026.
Voluntary benefits
Sandia offers a variety of voluntary benefits that make life easier and can save employees money. Some of these extras are available year-round; others such as hospital indemnity insurance, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, short-term disability insurance and legal services can be elected only during Open Enrollment. Visit Sandia Extras to learn more about the voluntary benefits and enroll.
Post-Employment Benefits Open Enrollment
The Open Enrollment period for Pre-Medicare and Medicare retirees, surviving spouses and long-term disability terminees is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
Businessolver will partner with Sandia to provide enrollment services for those eligible for post-employment benefits.
There are some important changes to the post-employment benefit plans and rates for next year. Details can be found in the 2026 Post-Employment Enrollment Guide available in the Post-Employment Benefits Portal.
Call 833-SANDIA1 (833-726-3421) for questions.