October 29, 2026 · 3 min read

Employer Open Enrollment 2026: A Checklist and the 2027 HSA Limits

Many employers run open enrollment in the autumn for benefits that start January 1. Here's a practical checklist, the 2027 HSA contribution limits announced by the IRS, and a plan so you don't miss your election window.

Smiling person in a white lab coat holding papers, talking with another person

If you get health insurance through work, there is usually a short window each autumn to choose your benefits for next year. Miss it and, in most cases, you're stuck with last year's choices or none until a qualifying life event. This post gives a checklist, plus the 2027 HSA limits the IRS announced: $4,500 for self-only coverage and $9,000 for family coverage.

Find your dates first

Open enrollment dates are set by your employer, not by the government, so there is no single national deadline. Look in your HR portal or the email from HR for the start date, the end date and the date coverage begins. Write the end date down today.

A checklist for open enrollment

Compare plans, not just premiums. Look at the deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, copays and whether your doctors and medicines are covered.
Check your dependents. Make sure spouse and children are listed correctly, and add or remove anyone whose situation changed.
Review your prescriptions. Check each regular medicine against the plan's drug list.
Decide on an HSA or FSA. See below.
Look at the extras. Dental, vision, life and disability cover are often chosen at the same time.
Save the confirmation. Take a screenshot or download the summary after you submit.

The 2027 HSA limits

The IRS set the 2027 HSA contribution limits in Revenue Procedure 2026-24:

Self-only coverage: $4,500 (up from $4,400 in 2026)
Family coverage: $9,000 (up from $8,750 in 2026)
Catch-up, age 55 and over: an extra $1,000

You can only contribute to an HSA if you're covered by a qualifying high-deductible health plan. One source lists the 2027 minimum deductible for self-only HDHP coverage at $1,750 and the maximum out-of-pocket at $8,700.

What about FSA limits?

I couldn't confirm 2027 health FSA limits from the sources I checked, since some say they aren't published yet. Check IRS.gov or your benefits guide before you choose an amount. FSAs are often 'use it or lose it', so only set aside what you're confident you'll spend.

A simple timeline

This week: find your open enrollment window and put the end date in your calendar.
Next week: read the plan documents and compare costs.
Three days before the deadline: make your choices and submit.
After submitting: check the confirmation, and look for your new insurance card in December or January.

Frequently asked questions

When is open enrollment for employer health insurance? It's set by each employer. Many run it in the autumn for coverage starting January 1. Check with HR.

What are the 2027 HSA limits? $4,500 for self-only coverage and $9,000 for family coverage, plus $1,000 catch-up for those 55 and over.

Can I change my choices after open enrollment ends? Usually only after a qualifying life event such as marriage or the birth of a child. Ask HR about your plan's rules.

Do I need an HDHP to use an HSA? Yes, you need to be covered by a qualifying high-deductible health plan.

This is general information, not financial or tax advice.

How ReminderIt helps

A benefits deadline is a classic thing to forget. ReminderIt calls your phone at the time you choose and sends a WhatsApp message with Done and Snooze buttons.

Message ReminderIt on WhatsApp something like "Remind me three days before open enrollment closes to choose my benefits" with the date you were given. There's a 7-day free trial with no card, then it's $7/month.