2027 Open Enrollment Is Now Open
Open Enrollment runs through Friday, October 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
Take time to review your options and make your benefit elections for 2027. There are important changes this year, so review the plans and resources available to you before making your elections.
Before You Enroll:
- Review the 2027 Open Enrollment Brochure that’s relevant to your location:
- Compare the medical plans and networks available to you.
- Evaluate whether you want to enroll in any tax-advantaged accounts for 2027.
- Learn about the new Long-Term Care benefit and expanded Backup Care resources.
- Review your beneficiaries and make any updates needed, particularly if you’ve experienced a major life change.
Ready to Enroll?
Visit Aptia365 and select “Enroll in your 2027 benefits” to enroll.
Need Help During Open Enrollment?
Contact Aptia365 at 1-855-237-6421 Monday through Friday: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Eastern or Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Eastern
When is Open Enrollment?
Open Enrollment runs Monday, October 12 through Friday, October 23, 2026. Complete your elections by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on October 23.
When do my elections take effect?
Your elections apply to the 2027 plan year, which begins January 1, 2027.]
How do I enroll?
- Visit Aptia365 and select “Enroll in your 2027 benefits,” then follow five steps:
- Review your information. Confirm your personal information and add or update dependents.
- Review your options. Compare the plans, coverage, and costs available to you for 2027.
- Make your selections. Choose the benefits that work best for you and your family.
- Review your elections. Check your Benefit Summary for accuracy.
- Complete your enrollment. Submit your elections and save or print your confirmation.
Do I need to do anything if I’m happy with my current benefits?
Yes, in most cases. Tax-advantaged accounts require a new election every year, even if you want to contribute the same amount. If you are in an Aetna plan outside Texas or in the $400 Deductible Plan, your current plan will not be offered in 2027, so you need to choose a new one. If you don’t make a new election, you will be defaulted into the Anthem $900 plan. Everyone is also encouraged to log in and either elect or decline the new Long-Term Care coverage.
What should I review before I enroll?
- What’s new and changing for 2027
- The medical plans and networks available where you live
- Whether you want to enroll in any tax-advantaged accounts
- The new Long-Term Care benefit
- Your beneficiaries, especially if you’ve had a major life change
I was hired recently. Is there anything different for me?
If you were hired on or after October 1, 2026, you will need to enroll twice: once for your 2026 benefits and again for your 2027 benefits. Complete both enrollment events in Aptia365.
Why are medical plan costs going up?
The overall cost of Pearson’s medical plans is increasing by approximately 8% for 2027. Costs are rising across the health care industry because of higher prices for services and prescription drugs, increased demand for care, and inflation.
Does that mean my paycheck contribution goes up 8%?
Yes. The 8% figure is the overall cost of Pearson’s medical plans. You and Pearson share in the cost of coverage which means your costs and Pearson’s cost will increase 8%. Your 2027 costs for each plan available to you are shown in Aptia365 when you enroll.
What is happening to the Aetna medical plans?
Beginning January 1, 2027, medical plans administered by Aetna will no longer be offered, except in Texas.
Why is Pearson removing Aetna?
In many areas the Aetna network overlaps with other medical networks already available to Pearson employees. Maintaining multiple networks with many of the same providers adds cost and complexity without adding meaningful choice.
I live in Texas. Can I keep Aetna?
Yes, for 2027. However, 2027 is the final year Aetna will be offered as a Pearson medical plan option. Beginning January 1, 2028, Aetna will no longer be offered in Texas.
I’m in an Aetna plan outside Texas. What should I do?
Choose a different medical plan during Open Enrollment. Before you elect, confirm that the doctors, specialists, hospitals, and facilities you prefer participate in the network you are considering. If you are in ongoing treatment, see the Transition or Continuity of Care question below.
What is happening to the $400 Deductible Plan?
The $400 Deductible Plan will not be offered in 2027. The $900 Deductible Plan becomes Pearson’s lowest-deductible medical plan option.
Why is the $3,400 Deductible Plan now called the $3,500 Deductible Plan?
The in-network deductible is increasing to $3,500 single / $7,000 family to keep the plan compliant with revised IRS guidelines, and the name is changing to match. This applies to the plan administered by Anthem, Aetna (Texas only), and Kaiser. Out-of-pocket maximums are not changing.
Which medical plans are offered for 2027?
Three national plans: the $900 Deductible Plan, the $1,850 Deductible Plan with HSA, and the $3,500 Deductible Plan with HSA. Plan and network options vary by location, and Aetna is available only in Texas.
How do I decide which plan is right for me?
Look at the total cost of coverage, not just the deductible. The guide suggests five checks:
- Start with what’s available. Options vary by where you live.
- Check your network. Confirm your preferred providers and facilities participate.
- Broadest Networks:
- Everywhere except New Jersey, Florida and DC/MD/Northern Virginia: BlueCard PPO
- New Jersey: Horizon Managed Care Network (Select Network)
- Florida: NetworkBlue (Select Network)
- DC/MD/Northern Virginia: BlueChoice Adv Open Access (Select Network)
- Narrow Network: National Blue High-Performance Network (Non-Tiered Network). Offered in select locations
- Broadest Networks:
- Think about how you use care. Consider routine care, prescriptions, specialists, and planned procedures for 2027.
- Compare the full cost. Include paycheck contributions, deductibles, copays or coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums.
- Consider tax advantages. An HSA-eligible plan lets you save and pay for eligible expenses through an Health Savings Account.
Does Pearson contribute to my HSA?
Yes. If you enroll in one of the HSA-eligible plans, Pearson contributes up to $500 (single coverage) or $1,000 (all other coverage tiers) annually.
My plan is changing and I’m in the middle of treatment. Will I have to switch providers right away?
Not necessarily. If you’re receiving ongoing treatment, Transition or Continuity of Care may let you temporarily continue with your current provider at in-network coverage levels while a transition to an in-network provider is arranged. Certain conditions, requirements, and timeframes apply.
What is the new Long-Term Care benefit?
For 2027, Pearson is introducing a Long-Term Care benefit with life insurance through Trustmark.
What does it cover?
Long-Term Care coverage can provide financial support if you experience a qualifying condition and need assistance with certain activities of daily living. It can help with eligible care expenses while protecting your savings. The benefit also includes a life insurance component.
Do I need to answer health questions to get coverage?
Not during this initial enrollment opportunity. Employees up to age 70 can get coverage via Guaranteed Issue up to $200,000, with no health questions or medical underwriting required. Coverage approval, including Guaranteed Issue and the total amount issued, is subject to the insurance carrier’s underwriting criteria and the terms of the plan. Refer to the official policy documents for complete terms.
Do I have to enroll?
No, the coverage is your choice. Because of the special Guaranteed Issue opportunity, all team members are encouraged to log in and either elect or decline it.
What is Guaranteed Issue?
Guaranteed Issue is when the insurance company allows you to enroll without needing to answer any health questions or taking a medical exam.
How much does it cost?
Your cost and the coverage available to you are shown when you explore your Long-Term Care coverage options, using the link in the Open Enrollment Guide.
What happens to my coverage if I leave or retire from Pearson?
You can port the policy to direct draft at the same rate you lock in when you enroll.
Who can I talk to about Long-Term Care coverage?
Schedule a meeting with a Benefits Advisor or email support, using the links in the Long-Term Care section of the guide.
What is changing for preventive cancer screenings?
Beginning in 2027, Pearson is removing certain coverage limitations so you can get preventive screenings when you and your provider decide they are appropriate.
Which screenings no longer have age or gender limitations?
Age and/or gender limitations are removed from mammograms, pap tests, colon cancer screening, Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests, and lung cancer screening.
Are skin cancer screenings covered?
Yes. Skin cancer screenings will be covered at 100% as preventive care.
Do I need a mammogram first for a breast ultrasound to be covered?
No. Breast cancer ultrasounds will be covered at 100%, regardless of whether a mammogram is completed.
Do my HSA and FSA elections carry over to 2027?
No. Tax-advantaged accounts require a new election each year. If you want to contribute in 2027, make the election during Open Enrollment, even if the amount stays the same.
What are the contribution limits?
- Health Savings Account (HSA), individual: $4,400
- Health Savings Account (HSA), family: $8,750
- HSA catch-up, age 55 or older: Additional $1,000
- Health Care Flexible Spending Account: $3,500*
- Dependent Care Account: $7,500*
*The Health Care Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Account limits are projected limits for 2027. IRS limits for 2027 are not yet available and may change.
Who can contribute to an HSA?
You need to be enrolled in an HSA-eligible medical plan. For 2027 those are the $1,850 Deductible Plan with HSA and the $3,500 Deductible Plan with HSA. The $900 Deductible Plan is not HSA eligible.
What can I use the Dependent Care Account for?
Eligible expenses such as childcare, preschool, before- and after-school care, and care for an eligible adult dependent while you work.
Can everyone contribute the full $7,500 to the Dependent Care Account?
Not always. Highly compensated employees may not be able to contribute the full annual maximum because of nondiscrimination testing.
What is changing with 401(k) fees?
Effective January 1, 2027, Pearson 401(k) recordkeeping fees and Financial Engines fees will be reduced by 25%.
What does that mean for me?
Lower fees mean less of your retirement savings goes toward plan expenses, so more of your money keeps working toward your future.
Where can I get help with my 401(k) and retirement planning?
- Rafael Roque, your Empower Strategic Retirement Plan Advisor, can provide personalized guidance. You can schedule time with Rafael at a time that is convenient for you.
- The Pearson Benefits Savings & Retirement page covers the company match, investment options, and resources if you have student debt.
Who do I contact with questions or for help enrolling?
Contact Aptia365 at 1-855-237-6421 Monday through Friday: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Eastern or Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Eastern.
What is the open enrollment deadline again?
Complete your 2027 benefit elections by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Friday, October 23, 2026.
The purpose of the Creditable Prescription Drug Coverage and Medicare notice (PDF, 278 KB) is to advise that the prescription drug coverage under the Pearson medical plans are expected to pay out, on average, at least as much as the standard Medicare prescription drug coverage will pay in 2027. This is known as “creditable coverage.”