Open Enrollment
Thursday, Oct. 30, at 8 a.m. to Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at 5 p.m.
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Medical plan changes and choices
As medical costs rise nationwide, UC is making a much bigger financial contribution than they have in the past — up by 9.5% from last year. UC’s academic health centers are doing their part by absorbing a significant part of their rising operating expenses, rather than passing those increases along in the cost of providing care to members of UC medical plans.
UC is also making big changes to medical plans and premiums that are designed to make plans with provider choice and flexibility more affordable and sustain our benefits program for the long term. These changes will bring a new low-premium PPO plan option along with lower premiums for some employees and higher premiums for others.
Take time to review your options to help you choose the right medical plan for your and your family.
Medical plan changes for 2026
HealthSavings+ is a high-deductible PPO plan with UC’s lowest employee premiums and a Health Savings Account (HSA) with an increased contribution from UC — up to $750 for you or $1,500 for you and a family member.
CORE and UC Health Savings Plan members: You’ll be enrolled in HealthSavings+ for 2026 unless you choose another plan.
In the past, UC covered a larger share of the total cost for Kaiser HMO compared to other plans with similar benefits. Beginning next year, UC is balancing premiums across similar health plans.
- UC will pay roughly the same percentage of total premium costs for Kaiser HMO as they do for UC Blue & Gold HMO. Premiums for some members of Kaiser HMO will increase.
- Plans with provider choice, including in-network UC Health providers, will be more affordable overall. CORE members moving to HealthSavings+ may have higher premiums, offset by UC’s contribution to their HSA.
- Premiums for represented employees will be implemented consistent with applicable collective bargaining agreements and the law.
Blue Shield of California is replacing Anthem Blue Cross as the administrator of UC’s PPO plans — HealthSavings+ and UC Care. With a large national network, Blue Shield will offer broad provider choice that includes UC Health providers. Navitus will continue to administer your pharmacy benefits, and Accolade Care Advocates will continue to help you find care — virtual or in-person — book appointments and more.
In early October, Blue Shield began reaching out to people whose providers are no longer in your plan’s network to help with the transition.
Coverage of medications such as GLP-1s for weight loss will be limited to individuals with a body mass index of 40 or above. Some exceptions may be possible for those continuing a course of treatment. UC medical plans will continue to cover GLP-1 medications for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Please see your plan documents for details.
As mandated by California state guidelines, coverage for Kaiser CA HMO and UC Blue & Gold HMO will include up to three completed oocyte (egg) retrievals per lifetime and unlimited embryo transfers of IVF, GIFT and ZIFT per member.
Infertility services and prescriptions will be covered at the plan-specific cost share and pharmacy tier, making them more affordable for HMO members trying to grow their families. Infertility costs will accrue to the annual out-of-pocket maximum.
Washington Center employees can choose the new Kaiser Mid-Atlantic HMO plan at the same monthly premium cost as Kaiser CA HMO.
Need help deciding?
- Compare your costs for care with Which medical plan is right for you?
- Compare premium costs for UC’s medical plans
HealthSavings+ (Blue Shield of California)
UC’s newest and lowest premium medical plan, compatible with a tax-advantaged Health Savings Account (HSA). Higher out-of-pocket costs are offset by UC’s contribution to your HSA (up to $750 for single coverage and up to $1,500 for family coverage). Offers access to UC Health and other quality providers.
Kaiser HMO (Kaiser Permanente)
Predictable costs for integrated care within the Kaiser network. Can be paired with UC’s Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Washington Center employees can choose the new Kaiser Mid-Atlantic HMO plan, at the same premium cost as Kaiser CA HMO.
UC Blue & Gold HMO (Health Net)
Predictable costs, with access to UC Health and other quality providers in the UC Blue & Gold network. Your care is managed by the medical group you choose. Can be paired with UC’s Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
UC Care PPO (Blue Shield)
Higher premium for choice of provider tiers, with UC Health providers available in the lowest-cost UC Select tier. Can be paired with UC’s Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA).