Open Enrollment 2025

Open Enrollment is just around the corner! It’s time to start thinking about your elections and any changes you would like to make. Check out the information and resources available below to make informed decisions about your benefits! 

 

 

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Important Open Enrollment Details

• Open Enrollment runs from 8 a.m. Oct 30 through 5 p.m. Nov 21.
• Open Enrollment changes will be effective Jan 1, 2026
• All Open Enrollment changes are made through UCPath
• Your coverage will continue if you don't take any action, except for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Poctdoctoral Scholar Benefits are through Gallagher. Open Enrollment information can be found here.
• Student Employment benefits are through UCSHIP. Contact UC Merced Insurance Office for questions

2026 Highlights

New services and changes for UC's benefits plans. Visit the UC net OE Page for more information (live on Oct 27th)

HealthSavings + is replacing CORE and UC Health Savings Plan

• HealthSavings + will be the lowest premium medical plan, and you will get a tax-advantaged Health Savings Account (HSA) with a higher contribution from the UC (up to $750 for individuals and $1,000 for families)
• Core and UC Health Savings Plan members can enroll in any of UC's medical plans during Open Enrollment. If you don't act, you'll be automatically enrolled in the HealthSavings + if you're eligible

Premiums are changing considerably.

• UC is balancing premiums, paying the same percentage of total premium costs for plans. 
• Kaiser HMO members and CORE members transferring to HealthSavings + will see the biggest increase.

Blue Shield of California will be the plan administrator for HealthSavings + and UC Care

• Nearly 98% of Anthem's in-network providers are also in Blue Shield, and you will have more in-network providers overall.
• Accolade Care Advocates and Navitus will continue as our partners.

Coverage through Delta Dental PPO is expanding

• The UC is expanding coverage for out-of-network providers from 75% to 80%of allowed costs for some services.

Coverage for weight loss medications and infertility services is changing

• Access to weight loss and appetite suppressant medications will be more limited across all UC medical plans. 
• Following a state mandate, benefits for infertility services and prescriptions will be expanded and made more affordable for Kaiser HMO and UC Blue & Gold HMO members.

Medical Plans Rates

• Faculty & Staff - Medical Plan Costs
• Retiree - Medical Plan Costs

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Take Action During Open Enrollment 

• Enroll or re-enroll in Health FSA and/or Dependent Care FSA
• Enroll in, opt out, or transfer between UC-sponsored benefits plans
• Add or remove eligible family members within your medical/dental/vision/legal plans

Benefit Plans Available During Open Enrollment

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Supplemental Health (Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity)
• Health & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's)
• Legal