Significant changes are on the horizon for WSU employees in 2026. From retirement contributions rules to long-term care coverage. Here’s a quick overview of what’s new.

That’s a Wrap: Open Enrollment 2026

With the 2026 Open Enrollment period now closed, employees who changed their medical or vision plans can expect updated ID cards in early 2026. For details on 2026 benefits, including coverage updates, premium rates, and archived communications, visit the Open Enrollment website.

New! 2026 Voluntary Retirement Contributions

The IRS has set new limits for voluntary retirement plans, along with a significant change for catch-up contributions for employees earning $145,000 or more in the 2025 tax year.

For the 2026 tax year, the new contribution limits are:

  • $24,500 for general voluntary contributions for TIAA Voluntary Investment Plan (VIP) and Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP)
  • A new catch-up contribution limit of $8,000 for employees age 50+ participating in TIAA VIP and DCP plans
  • A higher catch-up contribution limit has been established for participants ages 60-63, and applies exclusively to TIAA VIP plans.

Key Regulatory Change: Starting in 2026, employees age 50+ who earned $145,000 or more in 2025 and make catch-up contributions must use Roth (post-tax) contributions. Pre-tax contributions for catch-up amounts will no longer be allowed for these individuals. This applies to both the 457b Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) and the 403b Voluntary Investment Plan (VIP).

💡 TIP: To maximize pre-tax contributions, consider contributing up to the general limit ($24,500) in both plans (DCP and VIP), as they fall under different IRS codes. Any additional catch-up contributions beyond that limit will be Roth (post-tax). Click here for full details or visit the Voluntary Retirement Plans website.

Want to increase your 2025 contributions? Deadlines for the TIAA VIP and DCP plans are approaching. More details and limits are available here.

Want to increase your 2025 contributions? Deadlines for the TIAA VIP and DCP plans are approaching. Click on Learn More for additional details and limits.

Learn More

Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML)

Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) changes are coming in 2026, with details still being finalized by the Washington State Employment Security Department. Watch for updates on the Medical Leave and Accommodation website and WSU Announcements.

WA Cares Long-Term Care Program

WA Cares benefits start July 2026. New provisions include out-of-state coverage, opt-in for previously exempt workers, supplemental insurance options, and simplified qualification rules.

Key Changes Effective January 1, 2026, are:

🗝️ Out-of-State Coverage: Workers who move out of Washington can keep coverage if they’ve paid into the program for at least three years.

🗝️ Opt-In for Previously Exempt Workers: Those who opted out with private insurance may rejoin before July 1, 2028. Employment Security Department (ESD) will contact exempt workers after January 1, 2026.

🗝️ Supplemental Insurance: Private insurers can now offer supplemental long-term care policies to complement WA Cares benefits.

🗝️ Simplified Qualification: The previous requirement for five consecutive years of contributions within a ten-year period has been removed.

More information will be posted when details become available in WSU Announcements, the HRS WA Cares website, and the WA State Cares website.

Content Credit: Ann Monroe, Director, HRS Benefits & Medical Leave and Accommodation