Balancing work, family, and life’s demands is tough, especially when feeling sick or facing serious health concerns. That’s why having the right health and wellness benefits is crucial. UNLV offers a range of options through the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) and the Public Employees Benefits Program (PEBP).
Each May, employees have the opportunity to reevaluate their current benefit selections during open enrollment. This is the one time of the year that employees can make changes to certain benefits (medical, dental, vision) outside of experiencing a qualifying life event (marriage, birth, or adoption, loss of other coverage). Adjustments made during open enrollment take effect on July 1.
To help employees make the most of the plan year 2026 open enrollment period May 1-31, Human Resources is hosting an Open Enrollment Benefits & Retirement Fair on May 13 from 1:30-5:30 p.m. in Student Union Ballroom C.
The fair is an opportunity to speak one-on-one with vendors that provide a variety of products through NSHE and PEBP, including:
- Metlife (CII, HI, PA, Legal Plans) Vendor: NSHE
- American Fidelity Vendor: NSHE
- Hartford (AD&D) Vendor: NSHE
- TIAA & VOYA: NSHE
- Carrum Health: PEBP
- LegalEase Vendor: PEBP
- Nationwide Pet Insurance Vendor: PEBP
- VSP Vendor: PEBP
- UMR Vendor: PEBP
- MetLife (Vol Life, STD, LTD, CII, HI, PA): PEBP
- NVPERS: PERS
UNLV understands that navigating your benefits shouldn't feel overwhelming. The following is a comprehensive guide to the healthcare, wellness, and voluntary benefits available to UNLV employees through NSHE and PEBP.
Whether you’re looking to explore new coverage options or simply want to make the most of what’s offered, this breakdown is here to help.
PEBP is the Health Plan Administrator
While PEBP and NSHE both offer voluntary products (short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, etc.), only PEBP provides a comprehensive benefit package to eligible full-time employees and retirees, including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees can choose from a variety of medical benefit options, including two PPOs - a consumer-driven health plan and a low-deductible plan - and an HMO plan offered through Health Plan of Nevada.
Visit this PEBP webpage to learn more about the different medical plans, many of which often integrate with campus health services and wellness programs.
All medical, vision, and dental care coverage changes can only be made during annual open enrollment.
Voluntary Benefits: NSHE vs. PEBP
In addition to medical benefits, UNLV employees have access to voluntary benefits through NSHE and PEBP. NSHE is contracted with a range of vendors, while PEBP uses a third-party administrator, Corestream, to offer products through its family of vendors.
Each provider offers the same or similar products through different vendors — for example, MetLife (PEBP) vs. American Fidelity (NSHE) for short-term disability and other coverages. Other voluntary coverage includes auto insurance, identity theft protection, pet insurance, and more.
A notable change to plan year 26 is that MetLife will offer voluntary products for both NSHE and PEBP. While similar products may differ in premiums, coverages, and limits, benefits-eligible employees are encouraged to compare offerings from each provider. Taking the time to understand these differences can help you make informed choices and avoid surprises if you ever need to file a claim.
Additionally, PEBP offers a buy-up vision option with upgraded coverage through VSP.
During open enrollment, the benefits team will offer educational opportunities — including virtual and in-person sessions, as well as the Benefits and Retirement Fair — to help employees make informed decisions and get the most out of their benefits.
For a full comparison of the different benefit products offered through NSHE and PEBP and for a schedule of drop-in sessions, visit the UNLV open enrollment website.
Additional Benefits Offered through NSHE and PEBP
Being part of the UNLV community means having access to additional benefits beyond health coverage. Through NSHE, employees can take advantage of powerful educational benefits like tuition reimbursement—an investment in your future growth—and on-campus perks such as fitness centers and career development services. All of this and more is part of a comprehensive package designed to support your personal and professional well-being.
NSHE also offers valuable resources, including essential support through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), powered by ComPsych. Whether you're navigating mental health challenges, seeking financial or legal guidance, or looking to improve your overall wellness, the EAP is a confidential and comprehensive resource available to you and your family.
Through PEBP, you and your family have access to a suite of valuable health and wellness programs designed to support your overall well-being. From virtual physical therapy with Hinge Health and personalized weight loss support through Real Appeal, to expert second opinions from 2ndMD and convenient telehealth visits via Doctor on Demand—these resources are here to help you thrive. Additional programs like Disease Management and Carrum Health offer specialized care when you need it most.
Human Resources’ RebelWELL is a program created to provide wellness resources and opportunities to UNLV faculty and staff. The program serves as a go-to source for all things related to the nine dimensions of wellness. Pathways to Wellness Day, hosted by RebelWELL, is 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, in the UNLV Student Union.
During this free event, attendees can choose their "pathway" from a variety of sessions and activities from this spring's focus on four critical wellness areas:
- Financial
- Occupational
- Physical
- Emotional
This event will feature a keynote session from Sonja Rogers, UNLV’s health & wellness program manager, wellness breakout sessions, and a health fair. Visit the RebelWELL workspace in REBELearn to register.
UNLV’s goal in offering health and wellness benefits is purposefully simple: Equip employees with the tools and support necessary to thrive, both at work and at home.
