Northwestern University Announces Changes to Tuition Benefits and Health Care for Staff and Faculty
Northwestern University is set to implement significant alterations to its tuition benefits program and health care services for employees starting January 1, 2026. This decision arises from the university’s ongoing financial pressures, including increasing costs that have necessitated adjustments in its employee support systems.
Transition to New Health Insurance Provider
In a communication distributed to faculty and staff earlier this month, the university revealed its switch from Blue Cross Blue Shield to UnitedHealthcare for health insurance coverage. Alongside this, there will be changes to dental and prescription insurance providers. This transition has prompted some employees to advocate for the continuation of Blue Cross Blue Shield by appealing to the board of trustees.
The university emphasized that adopting these changes is essential for maintaining cost-effectiveness. Officials noted that without these adjustments, employees would face higher costs, and the institution would need to consider further budgetary cuts in other critical sectors.
Adjustments to Tuition Benefits Program
In addition to health insurance modifications, Northwestern will also restructure its tuition benefits program, which enables staff to enroll in courses at a discounted rate. While most current employees will not experience widespread impacts resulting from these changes, the university has announced that the Enhanced Employee Reduced benefit will be discontinued entirely. Instead, the program will be capped at $12,000 per year.
Overview of Changes
The following table summarizes key changes effective January 1, 2026:
| Change | Previous Provider/Benefit | New Provider/Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance | Blue Cross Blue Shield | UnitedHealthcare |
| Dental Insurance | Previous Provider | New Provider |
| Tuition Benefits Cap | No Cap | $12,000 per year |
| Enhanced Employee Reduced Benefit | Available | Discontinued |
These changes reflect Northwestern University’s commitment to balancing its budget while continuing to provide essential services to its community. Although the updates might pose challenges for some faculty and staff, the administration maintains that these steps are necessary for the institution’s long-term sustainability.
