Welcome to 2026 annual enrollment!
Our annual enrollment period is Nov. 3–21, 2025.
Annual enrollment is active this year. That means you are required to elect your benefits Nov. 3–21 if you want coverage for 2026, even if you don’t plan to make any changes. Your 2025 elections will not roll over automatically. If you don’t enroll, you and your dependents will not have coverage through Ardent Health in 2026.
Annual enrollment is your opportunity to make changes to your current benefit elections for 2026. We encourage you to take some time to educate yourself about your options and choose the best coverage for you and your dependents.
Important changes for 2026
Medical (changes only for team members who live within 50 miles of an Ardent hospital)
- We are moving to value-based pricing (VBP) for all medical plans. This approach places a ceiling on the amount covered, rather than having the provider determine the cost.
- Some networks will no longer be available. Providers and facilities that aren’t part of the network will be subject to the VBP model.
Learn more about value-based pricing
Learn more about Quantum Health
Prescription drug
- EmpiRx Health is replacing OptumRx as our pharmacy benefits manager. Your prescriptions may be subject to new criteria, such as prior authorization or other requirements for specialty medications. You’ll receive additional information if you’re impacted; be sure to engage with the vendor and complete the next steps the vendor requests so there’s no disruption to your care.
- You will receive a new ID card, combined for medical and pharmacy.
Learn more about the transition to EmpiRx Health
Life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
- Securian Financial is replacing New York Life as our life and AD&D insurance vendor.
- For 2026 annual enrollment only, Evidence of Insurability (EOI, or proof of good health) is waived for optional life insurance. This means you can enroll or increase coverage up to the guaranteed limit ($500,000) for yourself, and enroll or add one $5,000 increment of coverage up to the guaranteed limit ($100,000) for your spouse or domestic partner.
Increases to flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) contribution limits
- Dependent Care FSA: $7,500 ($1,800 for highly-compensated employees)
- HSA (available if you enroll in the high deductible health plan): $4,400 for self coverage and $8,750 for any other coverage level (combined for both you and Ardent)
Contribution rates for part-time team members
- Bi-weekly medical plan contribution rates for part-time team members will increase to help ensure Ardent can continue offering coverage options that support the needs of you and your dependents, while also aligning more closely with current market standards.
Review frequently asked questions
Your annual enrollment checklist
- Learn about your options.
To see an outline of all changes that will go into effect for 2026, or to learn more about the benefits available to you, review your Benefits Guide and the information posted on the Ardent Benefits Portal (the portal is available starting Nov. 3.). - Enroll or make changes to your current elections between Nov. 3 and Nov. 21, 2025.
- Gather your dependents’ information. You will need dates of birth and Social Security numbers for your newly added dependents.
- Go to the Ardent Benefits Portal to make your elections.
- If you are new to our enrollment tool, select “Create an account.” Then, follow the on-screen prompts. You will need access to your email and cell phone for registration verification.
- If you already have an account, visit the enrollment site and enter your email user ID and password. Select how you want to receive the verification code (by email or phone) and then enter the code to verify your information.
- Review your options and confirm your choices.
- Evaluate your options and make your benefits elections.
- Make sure to submit your elections.
- Save or print a copy of your benefits summary page.
- Verify your dependents.
You must verify any newly added dependents. You will receive a communication from the Ardent Benefits Service Center about the required documentation and the steps you must take to complete the dependent verification process.
Remember: You must enroll if you want Ardent coverage for 2026. If you don’t enroll, you and your dependents will not have medical, dental or vision coverage, or spending accounts, through Ardent in 2026.