Skip to content

Open Enrollment Begins Oct. 26

October 19, 2017

Open Enrollment for University of California benefits begins at 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, and ends at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21. Staff and faculty are encouraged to take this time to review the available options to see whether their current plan still meets their needs or if a change is in order.

All details regarding this year’s enrollment – including options, costs and changes -- will be available the week of Oct. 23. Booklets will be mailed to the address on file for staff and faculty; information will also be posted online.

The good news this year is that premium costs aren’t going up too much and plan options are staying the same. According to the University of California Office of the President, most faculty and staff will see medical plan premium increases of less than $10 a month across all salary and coverage levels. Premium increases for UC Care will be a bit higher, ranging from $17 to $53 a month. UC will continue to adjust premiums by pay level to ensure costs are distributed fairly, and to offer dental and vision plans at no cost to faculty and staff. See this year’s rates here.

For 2018, Anthem Blue Cross will replace OptumRx as the pharmacy benefits administrator for all UC preferred provider organization (PPO) medical plans. This change will affect faculty, staff and retirees enrolled in the following PPO plans:

  • Core
  • UC Care
  • UC Health Savings Plan
  • UC High Option Supplement to Medicare
  • UC Medicare PPO with Rx

UC is working to minimize disruption for members, but changes to the formulary, to processes and to pharmacy, mail order and specialty networks should be expected. Questions on this and more can be answered on Oct. 27 at the campus Open Enrollment Benefits Fair, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Joseph E. Gallo Recreation and Wellness Center. RSVP today if you want lunch at the event.

For additional information, contact the Benefits Office at 209-228-2363 or email benefits@ucmerced.edu