Top Five Essential Insights on Big Changes and New Options for Open Enrollment
Significant transformations are underway for the upcoming Open Enrollment period at the University of California (UC). Running from 8 a.m. on October 30 to 5 p.m. on November 21, this year’s enrollment will introduce new options and major changes to the medical plans and premiums.
Key Changes in Medical Plans
Noteworthy adjustments include the replacement of CORE and the UC Health Savings Plan with the new HealthSavings+ option. This plan will be UC’s most affordable in terms of premiums and will incorporate a tax-advantaged Health Savings Account (HSA). UC will increase its HSA contributions to $750 for individuals and $1,500 for families. CORE and UC Health Savings Plan members need to enroll in any of UC’s medical plans during Open Enrollment or they will be automatically transitioned to HealthSavings+, if they qualify.
Premium Adjustments
UC is aligning premium contributions more evenly across Kaiser HMO and UC Blue & Gold HMO. Many Kaiser HMO members will see increased monthly premiums; however, UC endeavors to make flexible plans with a choice of providers more affordable. For instance, Kaiser HMO members may experience premium increases reaching $36 per month for single coverage and up to $169 for family coverage. Despite increased subsidies, employees should closely review their premium options.
Administrative Transitions
Blue Shield of California will take over as the plan administrator for HealthSavings+ and UC Care, expanding the network of in-network providers. Nearly 98% of Anthem’s providers will transition to Blue Shield’s network. The existing relationship with Accolade and Navitus will continue for UC’s member services and pharmacy benefits.
Dental and Pharmacy Benefits
- Expanded Delta Dental PPO coverage for selected out-of-network services, increasing from 75% to 80%.
- Coverage for weight loss medications will become more restricted, focusing on those with a BMI of 40 or higher.
- Infertility services will see enhancements such as up to three oocyte retrievals per lifetime, catering to families seeking to expand.
Financial Contributions by UC
In response to rising healthcare costs, UC’s contributions to medical plan costs will increase by 9.5%, covering 83% of medical premiums. This is in addition to $55.5 million allocated to subsidies and caps.
| Medical Plan Contribution | UC’s Financial Commitment |
|---|---|
| Year 2026 | Increased by 9.5% |
| Percentage of Total Premiums | 83% |
Resources for Decision Making
Starting October 27, detailed information on premiums and options will be accessible via the Open Enrollment website. ALEX, a virtual benefits counselor, will assist with personalized comparisons starting October 29, offering insights on premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and network providers. To navigate these changes effectively, employees should utilize available resources and support services.
For more detailed support, UC employees are encouraged to attend events and webinars, and to refer to Open Enrollment packets delivered by mail. Emegypt will continue to keep readers informed about these essential changes.
