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Open Enrollment

Last Updated: November 2, 2026 8:58:47 AM PST
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Open Enrollment is a window during which employees and retirees may change their coverage or add eligible dependents onto their health insurance.

Open Enrollment banner featuring a smiling woman at a desk and the dates Thursday, Oct. 29–Friday, Nov. 20, 2026.

This year’s Open Enrollment for the 2027 benefits will begin Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 8 a.m. (PT) and end on Friday, November 20, 2026 at 5 p.m. (PT). All changes are effective January 1, 2027.

Please mark your calendar so you don’t forget to review your benefits and make any necessary elections.

Save the date for UC San Diego's in-person Open Enrollment Benefits Fair! 

Representatives from our benefits vendors and network partners will be on-site to provide valuable information, resources, and giveaways to help employees and retirees make the most of their UC benefits.

Open Enrollment Benefits Fair Event Highlights:
Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: UC San Diego Campus, Warren Mall
Key vendors include:
Health Net, Kaiser, Blue Shield, ARAG Legal, Delta Dental, Prudential, and more!

Open Enrollment is the time for UC employees and retirees to make changes to the following benefits:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Legal
  • Supplemental plans (Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity) - Active Employees Only
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA and DepCare FSA) - Active Employees Only

Important: FSA and DepCare FSA require active re-enrollment each year. These plans do not roll over automatically into the next plan year.

Also available year-round:

  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) and Pet Insurance can be changed at any time, and you may also make updates during Open Enrollment.

Not available for UC employees during Open Enrollment:

  • Life Insurance (supplemental life)
  • Voluntary Short-Term Disability (STD)
  • Voluntary Long-Term Disability (LTD)
To make updates outside of Open Enrollment, visit:
How to make changes to voluntary disability and supplemental life insurance

Open Enrollment Presentations & Resources

Be sure to check back regularly for important updates, including plan details, premium information, enrollment instructions, and available support resources for faculty, staff, retirees, and family members.

What resources will be provided here:

  • Open Enrollment Resources - UC informational brochures, webpage links, booklets, job aids, and much more. 

  • Informational presentations for faculty, staff, retirees, and family members — learn what’s changing for 2027 and how it may affect you.

  • Office hours — drop-in sessions where Benefits and HCF staff will answer questions and address concerns.

  • Benefits vendor webinars and recordings — Attend or watch vendor presentations.

  • Plan documents — downloadable plan summaries, rate sheets, and enrollment guides.

Be sure to look for additional information and complete your elections within the designated enrollment period.

Open Enrollment Resources

Open Enrollment Resources for Faculty, Staff & Retirees

Systemwide Open Enrollment (OE) website – Everything you need to know about OE, including information on plan changes for 2027, benefit choices, plan comparisons, and costs.

Confidential online tool that guides Faculty & Staff through 2027 benefits choices, and helps employees select the best plan for them and their family.

  • ALEX (virtual benefits counselor). If you are represented by a union, your premium contributions are determined by the terms of your bargaining unit agreement. ALEX is the best resource to understand your specific costs.

Open Enrollment brochure (English and Spanish) for employees eligible for faculty/staff benefits.

Open Enrollment brochures for retirees.

  • Open Enrollment Retiree Brochure (PDF) - Please be aware of errors affecting Medicare split-family premium rates in the 2027 Retiree Open Enrollment printed brochure that was mailed to retirees on October 23, 2026. The correct amounts are available in UCRAYS, in the Retiree Health Premium Estimator, and on the UCnet website. The screenshot below shows which rates were incorrect, along with the accurate rate, in the printed materials mailed to California retirees: 
Title: When one or more family members are not Medicare-eligible Column headings: Non-Medicare/Medicare Plans Self + Adult 1 in Medicare Self (in Medicare) + Child(ren) Self + Adult, 1 in Medicare + Child(ren) Self + 2 Adults in Medicare Kaiser Permanente/Senior Advantage Your Premium: 100.10 ∣ 100.10∣0.00 | 321.68 ∣ 321.68∣0.00 Medicare Part B Reimbursement: 0.00 ∣ 0.00∣ 77.50~~ 91.37 ∣ 91.37∣0.00 | ~~ 347.79 347.79 404.32 UC Blue & Gold/UC Medicare Choice Your Premium: 669.91 ∣ 669.91∣422.99 | 955.69 ∣ 955.69∣560.20 Medicare Part B Reimbursement: 0.00 ∣ 0.00∣0.00 | 0.00 ∣ 0.00∣0.00 UC Care/UC Medicare PPO Your Premium: 635.41 ∣ 635.41∣ 376.20~~ 376.97 ∣ 376.97∣951.94 | $437.41 Medicare Part B Reimbursement: 0.00 ∣ 0.00∣0.00 | 0.00 ∣ 0.00∣0.00

Faculty & Staff Open Enrollment: 

Retirees Open Enrollment:

This booklet contains valuable information on how to get assistance, verify your family members' eligibility, things to consider, and important notices about this year's Open Enrollment. 

Use these brochures as a resource to compare the different UC medical and Medicare plans. It provides an overview of each plan's features, benefits, and coverage options, helping you make an informed decision about which plan best meets your healthcare needs.

To ensure you make the most of UC's Open Enrollment period, here’s a checklist to help guide Faculty, Staff and Retirees through the process.

Medical Premium Cost

Find out how to contact your benefits plan for questions or support.

Open Enrollment Highlight Presentations

Watch the Open Enrollment Presentation, offered by the HR Senior Benefits Analysts for Active Faculty & Staff

HR Benefits Open Enrollment Highlights (English)
UC San Diego Campus/Health Faculty & Staff - No registration required

Date: Monday, November 2, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Meeting Link: https://ucsd.zoom.us/j/91396425601
Meeting ID: 913 9642 5601

HR Benefits Open Enrollment Highlights (Spanish)
UC San Diego Campus/Health Faculty and Staff - No registration required

Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Meeting Link: https://ucsd.zoom.us/j/99747368088
Meeting ID: 997 4736 8088

Can't attend live? Presentations will be recorded and available on demand for viewing.

Attend an Open Enrollment Presentation, offered by the Health Care Facilitator team for retirees and prospective retirees

Can't attend live? Presentation will be recorded and available on demand for viewing.

HCF Retiree Open Enrollment Highlights
UC San Diego Campus/Health Retirees

Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Zoom Link: https://ucsd.zoom.us/j/99771155770
(No registration required)

HCF Retiree Open Enrollment Highlights
UC San Diego Campus/Health Retirees

Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Zoom Link: https://ucsd.zoom.us/j/95139499986
(No registration required)

HCF Retiree Open Enrollment Highlights
UC San Diego Campus/Health Retirees

Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Zoom Link: https://ucsd.zoom.us/j/92651140824
(No registration required)

Open Enrollment Office Hours

Open Enrollment Benefits Office Hours

Campus HR Benefits team are partnering with Health HR Benefits team to host virtual office hours. You’ll find the full schedule and Zoom link below — no registration required.
UCSD Campus/Health Employees & Retirees

Zoom Link: https://ucsd.zoom.us/j/97487860526
(No registration required)

Schedule:

Date: Monday, November 2, 2026 
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 

Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p. m.

Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
 
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

Date: Monday, November 16, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 
 
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
 
Date: Friday, November 20, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

Health Care Facilitator Open Enrollment Office Hours

Connect with the HCF team in real time for Open Enrollment questions.
UCSD Campus/Health Retirees

Date: Monday, November 2, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Zoom Link: https://ucsd.zoom.us/j/93587930976
(No registration required) 

Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Zoom Link: https://ucsd.zoom.us/j/96918892382
(No registration required) 

2027 Plan changes

What's Changing for UC's medical plans

Medical plan premiums

For employees whose medical premium contributions are not set by a bargaining agreement, monthly contributions will increase across plans: for self-only coverage, monthly increases will range from $6.58 to $29.24. Contributions are based on your 2026 salary band, coverage tier (who you’re covering) and plan. If you are represented by a union, your premium contributions are determined by the terms of your bargaining unit agreement. ALEX is the best resource to understand your specific costs.

Here’s what to expect:

  • HealthSavings+ PPO, a high-deductible health plan, will once again be UC’s lowest-premium medical plan. Monthly premium contribution increases will range from $6.85 (for self-coverage for an employee earning $75,000 or less) to $58.99 (for family coverage for an employee earning over $223,000). It includes a tax-advantaged Health Savings Account, with a 2027 total contribution limit of $4,500 for individuals and $9,000 for families, including contributions from UC of up to $750 for individuals and $1,500 for families.
  • Kaiser HMO monthly premium increases will range from $6.58 (for self-coverage for an employee earning $75,000 or less) to $65.20 (for family coverage for an employee earning over $223,000). UC employees who live and/or work in the Washington, D.C. area can choose the Kaiser Mid-Atlantic States (MAS) HMO plan at the same premium cost as Kaiser California HMO.
  • UC Blue & Gold HMO monthly premium increases will range from $8.08 (for self-coverage for an employee earning $75,000 or less) to $80.11 (for family coverage for an employee earning over $223,000). 
  • UC Care PPO monthly premium increases will range from $13.63 (for self-coverage for an employee earning $75,000 or less) to $96.22 (for family coverage for an employee earning over $223,000).  

Out-of-pocket costs

Some out-of-pocket medical costs will change in 2027:

  • The annual out-of-pocket maximum for UC HMO plans will increase to $3,000 for self-only coverage and $6,000 for two-party and family coverage.
  • For HealthSavings+, the out-of-pocket maximum for any one member with family coverage will be $12,000 for in-network care. There are no changes to the overall out-of-pocket maximums for UC’s PPO plans.
  • For UC Care and UC Blue & Gold HMO members, and Kaiser members who receive behavioral health services through Optum, the $30 copay will apply to each behavioral health visit, rather than after the first three visits.
  • UC Blue & Gold HMO will cap pharmacy copays at $250, which may lower costs for some specialty medications.

Important reminder about medical plan networks

When comparing plans, call your providers and ask if they plan to participate in the network of the plan you are considering next year.

Provider participation is based on separate contracts between health plans and doctors, medical groups and facilities, and those contracts can change over time. If a change affects access to care, UC and the health plan will provide information about available options.

A new name for Accolade

The healthcare advocate for HealthSavings+ and UC Care has a new name: Transcarent. Members will also have a new app, tools and features to help them understand benefits, find care and get answers to health care questions. Usernames and passwords will carry over to the new app, and the same phone number will remain available for help.

Non-medical plan highlights

Auto, home and renters insurance

In 2027, California Casualty will again offer auto, home and renters insurance to UC employees and retirees, with exclusive rates and flexible payment options, including payroll deduction. Beginning Dec. 1, 2026, call 888-882-7609 or visit CalCas.com/UC to learn more, request a quote and start the enrollment process for coverage in 2027.

Dental and vision

UC will continue to cover the full cost of dental and vision coverage for eligible employees. These benefits are not changing, but Warby Parker will join the VSP provider network, providing another eyewear option.

More voluntary benefits and tax-savings accounts

 During Open Enrollment, you can enroll or re-enroll through UCPath in:

  • Accident, critical illness and hospital insurance: Accident insurance will provide increased cash benefits for emergency room, urgent care and doctor’s office visits.
  • Legal insurance: There are no changes to benefits or premiums.
  • Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA) — You must re-enroll to continue participating. The 2027 contribution limits are:
    • Health FSA (health expenses for you and your eligible dependents): $3,400
    • Dependent Care FSA: $7,500, or $3,200 if you earned $160,000 or more in 2026

You can enroll in pet, auto, home and renters, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance year-round. Enrollment in AD&D insurance is available through UCPath, but it is not included in your Open Enrollment options. Apply for pet insurance through Nationwide and for auto, home and renter’s insurance through California Casualty.

2027 Medical Plan Documents (Active & Retired)

Medical Plan Documents and Resources

UC Care PPO - Blue Shield of California (BSC)

Find In-Network Providers:

  1. Visit blueshieldca.com/fad/
  2. Enter Location (city and state)
  3. Under Plan:
    • Coverage start date: Select the current year
    • Plan type: Select University of California
    • Subplan: Select your plan — UC Care
    • Select Continue with this plan
  4. In the field marked Doctor name, specialty, condition, enter a provider name or type of care you're looking for.
    • UC Care members: From the Provider Tier drop-down, choose UC Select Tier 1 (coverage inside CA only) or Blue Shield PPO Tier 2.

Navitus Drug Formulary Search Tool: 

HealthSavings+ - Blue Shield of California (BSC)

Find In-Network Providers:

  1. Visit blueshieldca.com/fad/
  2. Enter Location (city and state)
  3. Under Plan:
    • Coverage start date: Select the current year
    • Plan type: Select University of California
    • Subplan: Select your plan — HealthSavings+
    • Select Continue with this plan
  4. In the field marked Doctor name, specialty, condition, enter a provider name or type of care you're looking for.

Navitus Drug Formulary Search Tool: 

UC Blue & Gold HMO - Health Net

Health Net recently announced changes to its commercial health plan business in California. As the administrator of UC Blue & Gold HMO, Health Net has committed to administer the plan through the 2027 plan year. If you’re currently a Blue & Gold HMO member, no action is needed in response to the announcement at this time.

Kaiser HMO - Kaiser Permanente 

Additional Plan Benefits:

Drug Formulary Search Tool:

2027 Medicare Plan Documents (UC Retirees)

UC Medicare plans are available for UC retirees only.

Kaiser Senior Advantage HMO plan

Drug Formulary Search Tool: 

Additional Plan Benefits: 

UC Medicare Choice PPO - UnitedHealthcare

Plan Documents:

Find a provider:

Pharmacies and Prescriptions:

UC Medicare PPO Plans - Anthem

Additional Plan Resources:

Navitus Drug Formulary Search Tool: 

Medicare Coordinator Program – Via Benefits

Non-Medical Plans (Active & Retired)

ARAG Legal

Delta Dental – PPO/HMO

2027 Plan Documents

Additional Plan Resources:

Experian- Identity theft protection 

 Supplemental Plans - Accident, Critial Illness & Hospital Indemnity - Prudential

Vision 

VSP - Active Employees

VSP - Retirees

Vendor Presentations - Webinars and Recordings (Active & Retired)

UC Care & HealthSavings+

Attend a webinar to learn more about Open Enrollment plan changes and how Accolade (soon to be Transcarent) can support you during Open Enrollment and throughout the year, registration is required.

Kaiser HMO Recordings and Resources

Talk With a Pre-enrollment Specialist:

Call 1-800-324-9208 (TTY 711) or text at 1-773-974-3113 (TTY 711), Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Pacific time to speak with a Kaiser Permanente pre-enrollment specialist.

Open Enrollment 2027 Traditional HMO Plan Presentation (English)

Open Enrollment 2027 Traditional HMO Plan Presentation (Spanish)

UC Medicare Choice - UnitedHealthcare

Attend the 2027 UC Medicare Choice OE Webinar

Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Time: 12 p.m. PT
Webinar number: 2661 932 8348
Webinar password: 2027UCNovOE!
Click here to join meeting

How to join the online meeting (PDF)

Watch a prerecorded educational presentation

Kaiser Senior Advantage

Talk With a Pre-enrollment Specialist:

Call 1-800-324-9208 (TTY 711) or text at 1-773-974-3113 (TTY 711), Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Pacific time to speak with a a Kaiser Permanente pre-enrollment specialist.

2027 Medicare HMO Plan Open Enrollment Presentation (Recording)

Findhelp - Social Care Network

UC has partnered with findhelp, the largest network of social assistance programs and resources in the U.S. that are free or offered at a reduced cost. All UC medical plan members and their family members have access to findhelp, so you can find the resources to help you and your family live better.

Findhelp can link you with a variety of services, including:

  • Food: Find help to pay for food, locate food pantries, and seek nutrition education
  • Housing: Find advice and help on finding or paying for housing and locating temporary shelters
  • Transit: Find help to pay for bus passes or gas or transportation to receive health care services
  • Money: Find help to pay for child care, connect to government benefits, and locate assistance with tax preparation
  • Education: Find help to pay for school, financial or health education; citizenship and immigration assistance; and skills and training

Go to uchealthplans.findhelp.com. Then enter your ZIP code and select the category (e.g., Housing, Food) of interest to access the list of services.

Findhelp [PDF] 

Benefits Events Calendar

Choose San Diego’s No. 1 Hospital System: UC San Diego Health

 

We know choosing a health system during open enrollment is an important decision. When you choose UC San Diego Health, you'll have access to expert care for every stage of life.

Primary Care Near You

You can find the best primary care provider (PCP) for every member of your family, from infants to seniors. See a list of PCPs accepting new patients. 

Specialty Care Among the Nation's Best

From diagnosing complex conditions to delivering advanced treatments, our nationally recognized experts provide specialized care across a wide range of medical and surgical specialties.

Connected Care That Fits Your Life

Manage your health on your schedule with expanded online scheduling options. You can also view test results and connect with your care team through the MyUCSDHealth app.

Learn more at health.ucsd.edu/enroll

Convenient Locations Across San Diego

Map of the San Diego area showing primary care, pediatric, specialty-care, and hospital locations, with a legend titled “Leading the Way in Your Community.”

If your current plan doesn’t include UC San Diego Health, you can choose a plan that does during UC Open Enrollment. If your current plan already gives you access to UC San Diego Health, you may be able choose a primary care physician in our network anytime during the year.

Tip: In December, call us to schedule your first (or next) appointment. Our exclusive phone line for UC San Diego employees can help you schedule appointments or find a doctor near you: 619-543-2273.

From Coverage to Care in a Few Simple Steps

 

What You Can Do Anytime Before Open Enrollment

Thinking about your benefits doesn’t have to wait until Open Enrollment starts. Doing a quick self-check-in during the year is a great way to reflect on what’s working, consider where your needs may be changing, and note any questions you’d like answered in the upcoming Open Enrollment sessions offered.

✔ Check Your Dependents & Beneficiaries

Make sure your family and dependent information in UCPath is accurate and up to date.

Update dependents in UCPath

✔ Review Your Current Benefits

Take a look at your current elections in UCPath to see what’s working and what you may want to change this year.

Log in to UCPath to review benefits

✔ Identify Topics You Want to Learn More About

Think about which areas — like health, dental, retirement, or FSAs/HSAs — you’d like more information on. These topics will be covered in Open Enrollment sessions.

See last year's session topics

✔ Set a Self-Check-In Reminder

Make Open Enrollment part of your annual routine by marking your calendar for October 15 each year to review your benefits.

Add to my calendar (.ics)

UC San Diego Wellness Program

Explore UCSD’s Employee Wellness hub for programs, events, and resources that support your health and well-being.

Bright Breaks

¡AHORA SE OFRECE EN ESPAÑOL! Bright Breaks is available to all campus and Health Science career employees. Enjoy 7-minute wellness breaks on your own or with your team, restore your body and mind, and win weekly prizes!

Employee Wellness Newsletter

Want wellness tips delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to the Employee Wellness monthly newsletter for updates on programs, events, and resources.

Stay Current on Your Benefits

The Benefits Quarterly Newsletter delivers important updates, reminders, and resources to help you make the most of your UC San Diego benefits.

Subscribe Now

Need to Make a Change Before Open Enrollment?

Most benefits can only be changed during Open Enrollment. However, certain Qualifying Family Changes allow you to make updates at any time, including: Marriage, domestic partnership, or divorce Birth or adoption of a child Loss of other coverage Change in dependent eligibility  

learn more about Family Changes

Still need help?

If you are a campus employee, and still have questions, please reach out to hr@ucsd.edu.

If you are an employee of UCSD Health, please visit hhr.ucsd.edu or call (619) 543-3200.