2027 Open Enrollment
What You Need To Know
Open Enrollment runs November 9–20, 2026. These changes will be effective January 1, 2027.
What’s Changing: Health Plans
Medical Plan Updates
New Medical Necessity Review Process
BCBS MA will require a medical necessity review for physical and occupational therapy after the 16th visit and every four weeks thereafter. Submission is handled by in-network providers or by the patient when using an out-of-network provider. This change will not apply to habilitative services.
HelpScript for Non-HSA Plan Members
HelpScript will be available to Blue Care Elect Preferred PPO plan members to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for certain high-cost specialty medications. The program works with BCBS MA to identify available financial assistance through manufacturers and provides enrollment support for eligible members. To learn more about how the program works, click here.
Maternity Claims Billing: BCBS & Kaiser
Starting in 2027, providers will begin billing maternity services individually, including prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care. Your maternity coverage remains unchanged, but you may receive more EOBs and notice changes in the timing of deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. No action is required.
Health Care Premium Increases
Premium rates for medical plan coverage will increase in 2027 by 5.3% for those enrolled in Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plans and by 7.5% for those enrolled in Kaiser. Delta Dental premiums will increase by 2.6%, with no changes to the current dental benefits. VSP vision premiums will increase by 15% with an enhanced frame allowance.
Vision – Frame Allowance
When you enroll in the VSP routine vision care plan, you and your covered family members will have access to the enhanced frame allowance, covering up to $250 per frame for prescription glasses (increased from $200).
What’s Changing: IRS Limits
Transit Pretax Contributions (DC, NY, PA, SF and SV Only)
The monthly transit pretax contribution is increasing from $340 to $350 in 2027. In accordance with local law, employees in these locations may pay for their transit expenses on a pretax basis (up to the applicable legal limit).
Health Savings Account (HSA)
The maximum amount you can contribute to your HSA is increasing to $4,500 for individuals and $9,000 for families, per IRS guidelines. The catch-up contribution limit if you’re 55 or older remains $1,000.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
The maximum amount you can contribute to your health care FSA is increasing to $3,500. For the dependent care FSA, the annual contribution limit will increase to $6,000. Current FSA elections do not carry over into 2027. To participate in an FSA in 2027, you must make a new election during Open Enrollment.
Retirement Plan Contribution Limit Increase
Beginning in 2027, the limit on 401(k) contributions will increase as follows:
- Less than age 50 — $25,500
- Age 50–59 and over age 63 — $34,000
- Age 60–63 — $37,250
Contributions can be made on a tax-deferred or Roth basis. However, beginning in 2027, employees who will be least age 50 and earn more than $155,000 must make catch-up contributions as Roth contributions. The 401(k) limits listed above are projected amounts and are subject to change once the official limits are released.
What’s Changing: Insurances
Life Insurance
Effective January 1, 2027, Securian will replace Unum as Goodwin’s carrier for basic and voluntary life and AD&D coverage. Basic life benefit amounts will remain unchanged, while voluntary life coverage will be expanded and may require Evidence of Insurability.
Open Enrollment will also include a one-time guaranteed-issue opportunity for you and your spouse, with your coverage amounts varying by position at the firm. To learn more, visit the iNet.
Trustmark
As part of 2027 Open Enrollment, eligible partners and employees will have an opportunity to enroll in or make changes to Trustmark Life and Long-Term Care coverage from November 9 through November 20, 2026. If you were hired on or after January 1, 2026, you may enroll with a guaranteed-issue coverage. Current participants may make changes to their coverage, and employees who previously waived coverage may elect coverage, subject to applicable health questions. For more information, visit the iNet.
What’s Changing With Well-Being Benefits
Wellthy
Goodwin’s partnership with Health Advocate ended October 31. Wellthy is available to provide partners and employees with support for caregiving, health, financial, and other care-related needs. For more information on Wellthy, visit the iNet.
Bright Horizons Back-Up Care
Bright Horizons will implement several program updates, including changes to copays, pet care, employee attestation requirements, and reservation windows. Additional information is available on the iNet.
Need more details?
Explore the 2027 Open Enrollment iNet page for more detailed information about the wide variety of benefits available to you as a Goodwin employee.
Enroll Now
Take Action
Be sure to visit iNet for additional information and to review new Open Enrollment materials. Then review the enrollment checklist and visit Workday to make your 2027 benefit elections by November 20. While you’re making your benefits decisions on the enrollment site, you will need to enter:
- If you are enrolling a new dependent, specific information will be required, including their SSNs. These numbers are required for tax reporting.
- Your life insurance beneficiaries.
- Your benefits elections. Print and save your confirmation statement, which will be shared with you after you enroll.
Don’t forget!
You will not have another opportunity to change your benefits elections until the next Open Enrollment period (November 2027) unless you experience a qualifying life event, such as marriage, divorce, childbirth or child adoption, or loss of coverage. Be sure to look closely at your benefits offerings and choose those that’ll maximize your care in the coming year.
Questions?
Need guidance? We’re here to help! Contact a member of the Benefits team.