Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment is a window during which employees and retirees may change their coverage or add eligible dependents onto their health insurance. This year's Open Enrollment opens on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 8 a.m. (PST) and ends on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 5 p.m. (PST). All changes are effective January 1, 2026.
SAVE THE DATES!
**UC San Diego Health - Open Enrollment Benefits Fair returns. This year it will be held the La Jolla Medical Campus.
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Jacobs Medical Center—lawn between the hospital and ECOB
Featured: HealthNet • Accolade • Delta Dental • ARAG Legal • Kaiser • + more
During Open Enrollment, UC employees may make changes to the following benefits:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Legal
- Supplemental plans (Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA and DepCare FSA)
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:
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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 during Open Enrollment:
- Life Insurance (supplemental life)
- Voluntary Short-Term Disability (STD)
- Voluntary Long-Term Disability (LTD)
How to make changes to voluntary disability and supplemental life insurance
Open Enrollment Presentations & Resources
Below you’ll find the Open Enrollment informational presentations for Faculty, Staff, Retirees, and Family members that explain upcoming plan changes and premium costs.
What’s available here
- Open Enrollment Resources - UC informational brochures, webpage links, booklets, job aids, and much more.
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Informational presentations for Faculty, Staff, Retirees, and Family members — learn what’s changing for 2026 and how it may affect you.
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Office hours — drop-in sessions where Benefits staff will answer questions and address concerns.
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Benefits vendor recordings — Watch recorded vendor presentations on demand.
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2026 plan documents — downloadable plan summaries, rate sheets, and enrollment guides.
If you have questions after reviewing these materials, please join an office hours session or contact the Benefits team for assistance.
Open Enrollment Resources
2026 Open Enrollment Resources
Systemwide Open Enrollment (OE) website – Everything you need to know about OE, including information on plan changes for 2026, benefit choices, plan comparisons, and costs.
Confidential online tool that guides you through your benefits choices, and helps you select the best plans for you and your family.
PDF versions of the Open Enrollment brochure (English and Spanish) for employees eligible for faculty/staff benefits.
- Open Enrollment Brochure for Faculty & Staff (PDF)
- Folleto de Inscripción Abierta para Facultad y Personal (PDF)
PDF versions of the Open Enrollment brochures for retirees.
- Open Enrollment Retiree Brochure (PDF)
- Open Enrollment Brochure for Retirees Residing Outside of California (PDF)
A video tutorial on how to complete the Open Enrollment process on UCPath.
Job aid on how to complete the open enrollment process on UCPath for Active Faculty & Staff.
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 you through the process.
2026 Medical Premium Cost
- 2026 Faculty/Staff Monthly Medical Plan Costs (PDF)
- 2026 Medical Plan Costs for UC Retirees (PDF) - The monthly medical premiums apply to retirees who receive the full UC contribution toward their coverage.
- 2026 Online Retiree Health Plan Premium Estimator - For retirees subject to graduated eligibility. (Live on October 29)
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
Watch the recording:
Download a copy of the presentation (PDF)HR Benefits Open Enrollment Highlights (Spanish)
UC San Diego Campus/Health Faculty and Staff
Watch the recording (Mira la grabación):
Download a copy of the presentation (Descarga una copia de la presentación) PDF
Attend an Open Enrollment Presentation, offered by the Health Care Facilitator team for retirees and prospective retirees
HCF Retiree Open Enrollment Highlights
UC San Diego Campus/Health Retirees
Watch the HCF Open Enrollment Presentation for 2026
Download a copy of the presentation (PDF)
HCF Retiree Open Enrollment Highlights
UC San Diego Campus/Health Retirees
Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Zoom Link: https://ucsd.zoom.us/j/97401723369
(No registration required)
HCF Retiree Open Enrollment Highlights
UC San Diego Campus/Health Retirees
Date: Monday, November 10, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Zoom Link: https://ucsd.zoom.us/j/93319224639
(No registration required)
HCF Retiree Open Enrollment Highlights
UC San Diego Campus/Health Retirees
Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
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)
Phone: 1 (669) 219 2599
Meeting ID: 974 8786 0526
Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Date: Monday, November 10, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
Time: 10:30 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: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Zoom Link: https://ucsd.zoom.us/j/91617400967
(No registration required)
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Zoom Link: https://ucsd.zoom.us/j/95776112290
(No registration required)
Open Enrollment Vendor Presentations
Accolade / Blue Shield Open Enrollment Webinars (UC Care and HealthSavings+)
Have open enrollment questions? Join Accolade and learn about the 2026 transition to Blue Shield and the introduction of UCs new HealthSavings+ plan. This 1.5-hour session will feature benefit overviews focusing on the 2026 changes, guidance and live Q&A – including 30 minutes dedicated to answering your questions.
The presentation will run for approximately one hour, followed by 30 minutes of live Q&A with Accolade experts.
Registration is required.
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
HealthEquity HSA 101 Webinars (HealthSavings+)
Ready to learn how to save on healthcare premiums while building a secure financial future? Join us for a 30-minute session where we uncover the power of a Health Savings Account (HSA).
What you’ll learn:
- How to maximize HSA’s triple-tax advantage through your contributions
- Which qualified medical expenses an HSA can cover
- Who you are allowed to spend your HSA funds on HSA eligibility requirements and essential account features
Engage with our experts as they guide you through the key benefits of HSAs. Whether you're new to health savings or looking to grow your knowledge, this webinar is for you.
Registration is required:
- November 4, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- November 10, 2025, 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
- November 18, 2025, 2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
UnitedHealthcare (UC Medicare Choice PPO)
Get the most out of your Medicare Choice plan. Let the UHC experts show you all the benefits of a UC
Medicare Choice plan. This Health Plan Informational Session is all about helping you feel confident and informed — because understanding your options is the first step toward a healthier, happier you. Plus, there will be time for Q&A — so you can get answers to what matters most to you.
Date and time:
Thursday, November 6, 2025 12:00 PM | (UTC-07:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Zoom link:
https://uhc.webex.com/uhc/j.php?MTID=m6a4c00607d80a81e8cbfca590ab9f4ae
Webinar number:
2660 060 8350
Webinar password:
UCNov2025! (82668202 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Join by phone
1-763-957-6400 US/Canada (Preferred)
Access code: 266 006 08350
2026 Plan Changes
HealthSavings+ is replacing CORE and UC Health Savings Plan.
HealthSavings+ will be UC’s lowest premium medical plan, and you’ll get a tax-advantaged Health Savings Account (HSA) with a higher contribution from UC (up to $750 for individuals and $1,500 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 HealthSavings+ if you’re eligible.
Learn more:
- HealthSavings+ overview and video
- Why is UC replacing CORE and UC Health Savings Plan with HealthSavings+?
- What are the advantages of a Health Savings Account (HSA)?
- What are the out-of-pocket costs for HealthSavings+
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’s network, and you’ll have more in-network providers overall. Accolade Care Advocates and Navitus will continue as our partners.
Learn more:
- Details on the transition from Anthem to Blue Shield of CA
- How will I know if my provider is not in the Blue Shield network?
- Is Blue Shield replacing Accolade and Navitus, too?
- Why is Blue Shield of California replacing Anthem as administrator for employee PPO plans?
Your coverage through Delta Dental PPO is expanding.
To make it easier to see the dentist of your choice, we’re expanding coverage for out-of-network providers from 75% to 80% of allowed costs for some services. Since in-network providers agree to set costs, visiting a network dentist gives you the highest level of coverage and helps keep your out-of-pocket costs as low as possible.
Learn more: My dentist has left Delta Dental. Has UC considered other dental plan administrators.
Coverage for weight loss medications and infertility services is changing.
Access to weight loss and appetite suppressant medications (for example, drugs known as GLP-1s) 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 trying to grow their families.
Learn more:
2026 Plan Documents
Anthem (UC Medicare PPO With or Without Rx & UC High Option)
- 2026 Comparison Chart Medicare PPO Plans (PDF)
- 2026 Medicare PPO Without Rx Summary of Benefits (PDF)
- 2026 Medicare PPO With Rx Summary of Benefits (PDF)
- 2026 High Option Supplement to Medicare Summary of Benefits (PDF)
Additional Plan Resources
- 2026 UC Medicare PPO Plans Global Core Flyer (PDF)
- 2026 UC Medicare PPO Plans LiveHelath Online Flyer (PDF)
- Sydney Health Mobile App Registration Flyer (PDF)
- Navitus (Rx) Money Savings Tips Flyer (PDF)
ARAG Legal Plan
Blue Shield (UC Care & HealthSavings+)
- 2026 Comparison Chart Medical PPO Plans (PDF)
- HealthSavings+ compares to CORE and HSP (PDF)
- UC Care 2026 Medical Plan Benefits Summary—English [PDF]
- HealthSavings+ 2026 Medical Plan Benefits Summary—English [PDF]
- 2026 Global Core Brochure - UC Care and HS+ Blue Shield of CA (PDF)
Find a provider or confirm whether your provider is in-network:
Delta Dental (PPO & DeltaCareUSA)
- Delta Dental_PPO Benefits Highlight (PDF)
- Delta Dental_PPO Evidence of Coverage (PDF)
- Delta Dental_DeltaCareUSA Benefits Booklet (PDF)
- Delta Dental_DeltaCareUSA Evidence of Coverage (PDF)
Additional Plan Resources:
- Delta Dental_PPO and DeltaCareUSA Member Perks (PDF)
- Delta Dental_PPO and DeltaCareUSA Online Resources (PDF)
Health Net (UC Blue & Gold)
- 2026 UC Blue & Gold FAQ (PDF)
- 2026_Health Net_Summary of Benefits and Coverage (PDF)
- 2026_Health Net_Plan Overview (PDF)
- 2026_Health Net_Behavioral Health Guide (PDF)
- 2026_Health Net_Find a Provider (PDF)
- 2026_Health Net_Family Planning Booklet (PDF)
Additional Plan Resources:
- 2026_Health Net_Combined Acupuncture and Chiropractic Program (PDF)
- 2026 _Health Net_Flu Shot Flyer (PDF)
Kaiser HMO (Non-Medicare)
- Evidence of Coverage (English)
- Summary of Benefits and Coverage (English)
- Summary of Benefits and Coverage (Spanish)
- Chiropractic and Acupuncture Summary of Benefits (English)
- Chiropractic and Acupuncture Summary of Benefits (Spanish)
Additional Resources:
- Kaiser Permanente One-Pass Commercial Flyer (PDF)
- Kaiser Permanente - 2026 Health and Wellness Guide (PDF)
- Kaiser Permanente - 2026 Health and Wellness Guide_Spamish (PDF)
- Kaiser Premanente_Care Away from Home flyer (PDF)
- Kaiser Premanente_Care Away from Home flyer_Spanish (PDF)
- Kaiser Premanente_Digital-Self-Care-Apps_NATL_2025_English/Spanish_(PDF)
Kaiser Senior Advantage (Medicare)
- Summary of Benefits (English)
- Summary of Benefits (Spanish)
- Evidence of Coverage - KP Senior Advantage
- Evidence of Coverage - MSP
- Medicare Part D Drug Formulary
Additional Resources:
Prudential (Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity)
- UC Plus_ 2026 OE Guide (PDF)
- UC Plus _ 2026 Supplemental Health Plans at a Glance (PDF)
- Prudential_Accident Insurance (PDF)
- Prudential_Critical Illness Insurance (PDF)
- Prudential_Hospital Indemnity (PDF)
UC Medicare Choice (UnitedHealthcare)
- Evidence of coverage (pdf)
- Plan guide (pdf)
- Summary of benefits (pdf)
- Complete drug list (pdf)
- Find a Provider Online Search Tool
Additional Resources:
- UnitedHealthcare_UC Medicare Choice_ HouseCalls (PDF)
- UnitedHealthcare_UC Medicare Choice_ How to Register Online (PDF)
- UnitedHealthcare_UC Medicare Choice_Healthy At Home (PDF)
- UnitedHealthcare_UC Medicare Choice_One Plan At A Time (PDF)
- UnitedHealthcare_UC Medicare Choice_Renew Active Fitness Benefit (PDF)
- UnitedHealthcare_UC Medicare Choice_Medicare 101 FAQ (PDF)
Vision Plan (VSP)
WEX Health
Flexible Savings Account
Dependent Care FSA
Recorded Vendor Presentations
Accolade / Blue Shield Open Enrollment Webinars (UC Care and HealthSavings+)
Watch the recording from Accolade and learn about the 2026 transition to Blue Shield and the introduction of UCs new HealthSavings+ plan.
ARAG Legal Plan
Be Protected When Legal Happens Webinar
Watch this video and learn how ARAG legal insurance protects you when legal happens. Covering a wide range of legal needs, you can use this plan to help with real-life legal issues, like contractor issues, speeding tickets and more. When the unexpected happens, ARAG provides protection and peace of mind.
DIY Docs from ARAG
With DIY Docs, it's easier than ever to create state-specific, legally valid documents online that you can store, update and print – anytime.
Kaiser HMO (Non-Medicare)
Kaiser Senior Advantage (Medicare)
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.
Benefits Events Calendar
Choose UC San Diego Health
We know UC San Diego employees have choices about where to receive their health care. Selecting a primary care provider in the UC San Diego Health network during open enrollment means you and your family will have access to the best in prevention, diagnosis and treatment options.
From routine checkups and same-day visits to specialty care for serious conditions, we make it easy to get the care you need close to home or work. Our extensive network includes primary care providers (PCPs) throughout San Diego, Riverside and Imperial counties.
As the region’s only academic health system, UC San Diego Health is leading the way in innovative treatments and groundbreaking research — resulting in care you won’t find anywhere else in the county.
Quality matters. We are proud to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 health care provider in San Diego.
This open enrollment, choose UC San Diego Health, where your health is our priority.
Ready to Switch? We’re Here to Help
Find a location: View an interactive map at health.ucsd.edu/choose and find a primary care location near you.
Check plan choices: Most UC health plans provide access to the world-class care at UC San Diego Health. If you change your insurance for 2025 to UC Blue & Gold HMO, you’ll receive welcome materials to help you get started. See the find a provider in the Blue & Gold HMO network flier (PDF).
- If your current plan doesn’t include UC San Diego Health providers or our affiliated providers, you can choose a plan that does during open enrollment.
- If your current plan already gives you access to UC San Diego Health, you can 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 employees can help you schedule appointments or find a doctor near you: 619-543-2273.
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.
✔ 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.
✔ 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.
✔ 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.
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.
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
Questions?
Campus employees can submit an inquiry or access the phone number for the HR Support Team via the Employee Center. To reach Campus HR without UCSD credentials, please contact the Human Resources Department.
Health System and Health Sciences employees can contact Health Human Resources.