UC Health Plans Change: Open Enrollment Guidance for 2026

BERKELEY, Calif. — Open Enrollment for the University of California (UC) health plans will begin on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 8 a.m. and end on Friday, Nov. 21, at 5 p.m. This year brings notable changes to UC’s medical plans and premiums, making it essential for members to review their options.

UC is introducing the HealthSavings+ plan, which will replace the CORE and UC Health Savings Plan. HealthSavings+ will offer the lowest premium among UC’s medical plans and include a tax-advantaged Health Savings Account (HSA), with UC contributing up to $750 for individual members and $1,500 for families. Those currently enrolled in CORE or the UC Health Savings Plan can switch plans during Open Enrollment.

If no action is taken during Open Enrollment, eligible members will be automatically enrolled in HealthSavings+. This new plan aims to help control rising healthcare costs, as UC has committed to covering 83% of the total medical premium costs next year, a 9.5% increase from the previous year.

Members should note that premiums will be adjusted to balance costs evenly across different health plans, impacting Kaiser HMO members and CORE members switching plans. Starting on October 27, detailed information will be available on the Open Enrollment website, and virtual benefits counselor ALEX will assist users beginning October 29.

Additionally, Blue Shield of California will become the plan administrator for HealthSavings+ and UC Care. The transition is expected to increase the in-network provider options significantly, with nearly 98% of Anthem’s in-network providers available under Blue Shield.

Changes will also occur in dental coverage, expanding Delta Dental PPO’s out-of-network provider coverage from 75% to 80% for select services. For those needing weight loss medications or infertility services, benefits will vary across plans, with stricter limits on weight loss medications.

UC is committed to making informed decisions easier for beneficiaries, providing extensive resources, including ALEX and the Open Enrollment website, to help members evaluate their healthcare needs. These resources are critical as California’s health landscape continues to evolve.

“We’re increasing our investment in employee healthcare, and we hope members take advantage of the changes and resources available,” said a spokesperson from UC Human Resources. Members should prepare ahead of the Open Enrollment period to ensure they select the plan that best fits their healthcare needs.