Open enrollment for the employee health plans is right around the corner.  The 2026 plan year will showcase limited benefit changes to coverage while promoting a revamped premium for each program.  Open enrollment will start in October.  Members will still have several plan options to choose from including

1.     UC Blue and Gold HMO

2.     PPO options

3.     Kaiser

While the benefits are mostly unchanged for the 2026 plan year, members will notice some small changes to the type of plans offered and premiums.  Most of the changes are:

1.     New High Deductible plan option

2.     More affordable premium options

3.     More competitive premium for the Blue and Gold program when compared to Kaiser

Overall, the benefits are going to be the same when looking at the deductibles, copays, formulary and pharmacy networks. 

Coverage changes for 2026 will impact weight loss coverage.  For 2026, plans are making changes for the prior authorization process for weight loss coverage.  Many of the plans will require a higher BMI in order to be eligible for coverage.