Across UC, faculty and staff are developing new ways of doing the critical work of the university. UC’s Open Enrollment, too, will adapt to our new normal, with a virtual benefits fair and webinars from UCPath giving you easy access to all the details about this year’s choices and changes.
“This year has been like no other, with many challenges. Much has changed, but our commitment to providing you with comprehensive benefits remains as strong as ever,” said Cheryl Lloyd, interim vice president of Systemwide Human Resources.
Open Enrollment will take place from 8 a.m. on Oct. 29 through 5 p.m. on Nov. 24.
UC is offering the same high-quality health plans as last year, with minimal increases in premiums — ranging from $0 to $12 per month for faculty and staff. See 2021 premiums for faculty and staff and 2021 premiums for retirees. There are a few important changes you should know about, including increases to some medical plan cost-sharing amounts, a new administrator for Flexible Spending Accounts and enhancements to legal insurance benefits.
UC welcomes all employees to UCPath – and to UC’s first virtual benefits fair
In a milestone for UC, all faculty and staff across the system will be enrolling for benefits on UCPath this year. Whether you’re new to UCPath or a long-time user, check out an Open Enrollment webinar for tips on navigating the enrollment process and an overview of this year’s choices and changes.
In another first, UC’s systemwide Benefits Fair opens online at ucal.us/benefitsfair on Oct. 27 and is available 24/7 until Open Enrollment closes on November 24. Explore virtual booths with resources, videos and representatives available to answer your questions. UC’s Open Enrollment website opens on Oct. 26.
2021 highlights
Cost-sharing changes for Kaiser, UC Blue & Gold HMO and UC Care
For Kaiser and UC Blue & Gold HMO, emergency room copayments are increasing from $75 to $125 if the patient is not admitted to the hospital.
For UC Care, there are changes to member cost-sharing amounts:
- The calendar year deductible remains $0 when you see UC Select providers. For other providers, deductibles are increasing to $500 (preferred)/$750 (non-preferred) for individuals and $1,000 (preferred)/$1,750 (non-preferred) for families.
- The copayment for urgent care has decreased from $30 to $20. The copayment for emergency care has increased to $300 if the patient is not admitted to the hospital.
- Coinsurance for preferred providers has increased from 20% to 30%.
- The out-of-pocket maximum has increased to $6,100 (UC Select)/ $7,600 (preferred)/$9,600 (non-preferred) for individuals and $9,700 (UC Select)/ $14,200 (preferred)/$20,200 (non-preferred) for family coverage.
New administrator for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Discovery Benefits is the new FSA administrator, offering one account, one card and one mobile app for your Health and DepCare FSA — simply snap a photo with your phone to submit a claim or documentation.
Don’t forget — unlike your other benefits, you need to re-enroll in your Health and/or Dependent Care FSA each year.
Legal Insurance
New Diversity and Inclusion services are being added to further support the needs of UC’s diverse population, including domestic partnership agreements, funeral directives, hospital visitation authorizations, and gender identifier changes on government-issued documents.
Lower premiums for Supplemental and Expanded Dependent Life Insurance
Premiums for Supplemental and Expanded Dependent Life Insurance are decreasing an average of 7%.
Premium increase for Voluntary Long-Term Disability
Premiums for Long-Term Disability are increasing an average of $10.50 per month. Costs vary depending on age, earnings and date of hire.