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Duke University Announces Key Changes to Employee Benefits for 2026

Duke University is making significant adjustments to its employee benefits program, primarily impacting health, dental, and vision insurance. These changes, set to take effect in January 2026, are designed to streamline premium payments and provide greater clarity for staff and faculty.

New Health Plan Details (Coming Soon!)

While specific details regarding the new health plan are still being finalised, Duke is committed to ensuring high-quality healthcare coverage for its employees. Further information, including plan options, coverage levels, and provider networks, will be released in the coming months. Keep an eye on Duke's HR website and internal communications for updates.

Premium Payment Schedule Shift: What You Need to Know

The most immediate change involves the premium payment schedule. Currently, premiums are deducted from your paycheck after coverage for that month has been provided. Starting January 2026, deductions will be made for the current month's coverage. This means you’ll be paying for your health, dental, and vision insurance alongside the services you’re receiving.

Here's a breakdown of the timeline:

• November 2025: Premiums will be deducted for December coverage.
• December 2025: No premium deduction will occur. This is a one-time adjustment to align with the new payment schedule.
• January 2026 onwards: Premiums will be deducted monthly for the current month’s coverage.

Why the Change?

Duke’s Human Resources department explains that this shift aims to simplify the payment process and provide a more predictable financial experience for employees. It also allows for quicker reconciliation of premium payments with service costs.

Resources & Next Steps

Duke University encourages all staff and faculty to familiarise themselves with these changes. Here’s where you can find more information:

• Duke Human Resources Website: [Insert Duke HR Website Link Here - Replace with actual link]
• Benefits Information Sessions: Duke will be hosting information sessions in late 2025 to answer questions and provide detailed explanations of the new plan and payment schedule. Dates and times will be announced soon.
• Contact HR: For individual questions or concerns, please contact the Duke Human Resources Benefits team directly.

These changes represent a significant update to Duke’s employee benefits. By staying informed and utilising the available resources, employees can navigate these adjustments smoothly and continue to enjoy comprehensive healthcare coverage.