The Board of Regents authorized the 2026 University System of Georgia health care programs and premiums for currently employed staff and retirees under 65 during its August session. Additionally, the board sanctioned the 2026 Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) contributions for retirees aged 65 and above.

Healthcare expenses persist in escalating due to greater usage, elevated medical fees, and increasing prescription medication costs. Although this trend affects the USG healthcare program, significant enhancements over the last two years mean minimal changes to plan design for 2026. Premium hikes are being curtailed to maintain affordability for staff. Health promotion initiatives and the $100 well-being incentive will continue for faculty, employees, and eligible spouses enrolled in a USG health insurance program.

The following items have received approval from the Board of Regents for 2026:

• Increases in deductibles, out-of-pocket maxima, co-insurance, and/or co-pays across all USG health plans.
• Monthly employee premiums will rise by amounts ranging from $7 to $54, depending on the selected plan and coverage tier.
• The well-being initiative will persist, with incentives of up to $100 available for employees and their enrolled spouses who complete specific health promotion activities through the healthcare providers (Anthem or Kaiser).
• A weight management support program will be available through Weight Watchers for employees and spouses enrolled in Anthem plans. Omada weight management programs will be accessible for those enrolled in Kaiser plans.
• For employees in the Consumer Choice HSA plan, the university’s matching contribution to the employee’s Health Savings Account will decrease from $375 to $325 for individual coverage and from $750 to $650 for family coverage. The in-network individual out-of-pocket maximum for family tiers will escalate from $9,200 to $10,000.
• Dental premiums are set to rise between $2 and $7 per month, based on the plan and tier level. Vision insurance premiums and life insurance premiums will not change for 2026.
• The tobacco and working spouse surcharges will remain at $150 monthly. Status certification is required each enrollment year, or the surcharge will apply. Certification must be conducted during Open Enrollment in the OneUSG Connect – Benefits system. Information can be accessed on the USG Surcharges webpage.

A detailed overview of the approved 2026 health plan modifications and premiums can be found on the USG Benefits website.

The 2026 Open Enrollment period will occur from Oct. 27 to Nov. 7. Ensure that all 2026 enrollment decisions and certifications are finalized through OneUSG Connect – Benefits by Nov. 7. Active employees will start receiving Open Enrollment information via mail in the fall. Virtual consultations will be available through OneUSG Connect – Benefits for those needing assistance in reviewing healthcare choices. Availability is limited to the Open Enrollment period.

This year’s UGA Benefits Fair is scheduled for Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel’s Mahler Hall. Open Enrollment presentations will take place at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. All faculty and staff are invited to attend to gain further insights into the USG benefits programs, modifications to the 2026 benefit plans, and the extensive benefits offered by USG and UGA. More details regarding this year’s Benefits Fair will be provided in the upcoming weeks.

Pre-65 retirees and dependents will stay on the same plans as actively working employees, and the 2026 design changes will apply equally. As has been the case previously, there will be distinct pre-65 retiree premium rate charts for the 2026 plan year that include the same increases noted in the summary above.

Medicare-eligible retirees aged 65 and over, along with Medicare-eligible dependents aged 65 and above, will continue to enroll in their supplementary health coverage through Alight Retiree Health Solutions. Medicare Part A and B will serve as primary coverage. Additionally, USG will persist in providing an annual contribution to a Health Reimbursement Account for retirees and/or their dependents to utilize towards premiums and other eligible out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

This year, the Board of Regents sanctioned an annual USG HRA contribution of $2,484 for each Medicare-eligible retiree aged 65 or older, along with their eligible dependents. This figure reflects a 6% reduction, aligning with the average increase in premiums for employee-only coverage. To receive the 2026 USG HRA funds, retirees and/or their dependents must enroll in coverage via Alight Retiree Health Solutions. The Medicare enrollment period is from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, with coverage taking effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

As always, retirees are encouraged to assess their plan enrollments annually and contact Alight Retiree Health Solutions to explore options for the upcoming year. Dependents enrolled in a pre-65 USG plan will lose coverage if a retiree’s enrollment is not upheld through Alight. During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, retirees will have the chance to review available options, including low-premium Medicare Advantage Plans (HMO and PPO) and Medicare Supplement plans.

University Human Resources is prepared to assist with any Open Enrollment inquiries. For additional details, visit the USG benefits website. Questions concerning these health plan benefits can be directed to [email protected] or call 706-542-2222.

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