5 Things to Know for Open Enrollment
From UCOP article published Oct. 14, 2025
There are some big changes to UC’s medical plans and premiums.
Subsidized Medical Plan Rates for 2026
UC Davis will continue to subsidize the employee share of the UC Blue & Gold HMO plan to match Kaiser Permanente, keeping employee rates lower for an HMO plan that includes UC Davis Health providers.
Find personalized rates that are specific to UC Davis, your plan(s) and bargaining unit.
- Use ALEX Benefits Tool (coming Oct. 29)
- Visit UCPath (coming Oct. 30)
Note: special rates for UC Davis and ANR employees are not published on the UCnet website, though they are inserted in the UC Open Enrollment brochure mailed to you.
If you sometimes ignore Open Enrollment, this is the year to take another look at your options.
- HealthSavings+ is replacing CORE and UC Health Savings Plan.
- If you don’t choose a new plan during Open Enrollment, your premiums may change a lot.
- Blue Shield of California will be the plan administrator for HealthSavings+ and UC Care.
- Your coverage through Delta Dental PPO is expanding.
- Coverage for weight loss medications and infertility services is changing.
FAQs: 2026 Benefits Changes
- UC’s response to rising costs?
- How much is UC contributing to medical plan costs?
- Why is HealthSavings+ replacing CORE and UC Health Savings Plan?
- What are the advantages of a Health Savings Account (HSA)?
Questions?
Dates for New Plans and Rates
Your new coverage will begin on January 1, 2026 and your payments are made via payroll on a pre-tax basis.
- Monthly paid employees: You will see the first deduction on your January 2, 2026 paycheck.
- Bi-weekly paid employees: Deductions will begin on your January 14, 2026 paycheck.
- Premium deductions for all benefit plans will now align with the current month of coverage instead of being taken one month in advance. For example, deductions for January 2026 coverage will be taken from the January 14th paycheck.
- Bi-weekly paid employees will not see premium deductions in December.