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Department of Human Resource Management
Office of State Health Benefits
March 25, 2026
Open Enrollment Coming in May 2026
Open Enrollment for health benefits and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) will be held from Friday, May 15 – Friday, May 29, 2026. Please ensure that your agency and employees are prepared for Open Enrollment, by having the agency benefits contact, and accurate employee contact information in Cardinal to avoid missing critical Open Enrollment information.
Steps to Update Agency Benefits Contact Information:
- Log into Cardinal, click on the NavBar icon, and navigate to:
Menu > Benefits > Employer Information > BA Contacts
- Enter the Agency number and click Search. Cardinal will display the available contact option(s) for the agency.
- Ensure that the contact information for all four key positions is accurate:
- Benefits Administrator
- Benefits Executive
- Billing Administrator – Payroll Contact
- Billing Executive – Payroll Contact
For step-by-step instructions, use the Managing BA Contacts, job aid.
Employee Contact Information:
The following employee personal contact information should be accurate in Cardinal:
- Home address (and Mailing address, if different)
- Phone number
- Email address
Employees can find step-by-step instructions to view and update their personal information by using the ESS_How to View and Update Personal Details, job aid.
Eligibility Guidelines:
Advise employees to familiarize themselves with the dependent eligibility rules, required supporting documentation and the penalties for covering an ineligible dependent on the State Health Benefits Program. Follow the link for eligibility guidelines: https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits/health-benefits/eligibility-for-coverage.
New virtual programs for COVA Care, COVA HDHP and COVA HealthAware Members
Starting April 1, the following new virtual programs will be available. For employees enrolled in the health plans listed above, they will receive additional information at home directly from each health plan vendor. These communications will walk them through their specific program and how to enroll in the program. We encourage members to monitor their mail and take a few minutes to review and act on these materials.
Virta Health
The program is designed to improve overall health by reversing prediabetes and type-2 diabetes and supporting healthy obesity & weight management. Enrolled members will receive ongoing support from medical and nutrition experts and personalized guidance based on participant’s goals and objectives. A starter kit, which may include a connected weight scale and a blood glucose meter, is given to participants if needed (certain conditions apply to determine starter kit contents).
COVA Care and COVA HDHP members enrolled in the Lark/Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) should have received additional information regarding the transition of care to this new program.
Hello Heart
The program helps eligible members monitor blood pressure and better understand how daily habits affect heart health. This program:
- Assists participants with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and coronary heart disease in managing these conditions.
- Tracks heart health, helps participants stay on top of their medications and provides real-time tips.
- Provides participants with a starter kit that includes a blood pressure monitor (certain conditions apply to determine starter kit contents).
Hinge Health
The program assists members with musculoskeletal and women’s pelvic health issues. Developed by physical therapists, a participant’s plan will adapt as their pain or symptoms change. The program is personalized to meet participants’ needs, goals and abilities tracked by a dedicated care team (Physical Therapists, health coach, orthopedic specialist and AI care assistant). A starter kit, which may contain a tablet, yoga kit, and exercise bands, is given to participants if needed (certain conditions apply to determine starter kit contents).
COVA Care and COVA HDHP members enrolled in the LiveHealth Online Thrive: Healthy Back & Joints and Bloom powered by SWORD, will receive additional information regarding the transition of care to this new program.
As a bonus, these vendors are available to participate at upcoming Benefit Fairs to answer questions and share more about their programs. This enhancement gives your employees an opportunity to connect directly with vendors and learn how these valuable programs and services can support them and their families. Please remember to complete and submit your Agency Employee Event Form requests to OHB for your benefits fairs.
Please do not reply to this e-mail. You may send inquiries to the Office of Health Benefits mailbox at ohb@dhrm.virginia.gov.
Published by the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management
www.dhrm.virginia.gov
101 N. 14th Street, 12th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
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