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OFFICE OF THE CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER -
CAMPUS HUMAN RESOURCES

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER -
HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES

November 14, 2025

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ALL ACADEMICS AND STAFF AT UC SAN DIEGO, INCLUDING UC SAN DIEGO HEALTH

Open Enrollment Checklist

Important: A review of current elections is recommended as premiums and/or medical plans may change for 2026. Please read the message below in its entirety.

The Open Enrollment period for 2026 benefits is open and ends on Friday, Nov. 21 at 5 p.m. Pacific. This is your once-a-year opportunity to review and select benefits offered at UC San Diego. Please don’t wait until the last minute - give yourself enough time to explore your options and make the best choices for you and your loved ones.

You can make all of your Open Enrollment changes online through the UCPath portal by 5 p.m. Pacific on Friday, Nov. 21.

Before you choose your benefits, be sure to:

Explore all your options

With an increase in some medical plan premiums, it’s important to review the options available to you. Attend an Open Enrollment presentation or virtual office hours for personalized guidance - schedules are available on Blink.

Learn what’s new or changing for 2026:

  • Premiums: Some employee medical plan costs will increase. Updated rates are available on UCnet.
  • New plan: The Health Savings+ Plan will replace both the CORE and UC Health Savings Plan (HSP) in 2026. This new plan will be UC’s lowest premium medical plan and includes a Health Savings Account (HSA).
  • If you’re currently enrolled in CORE or HSP and take no action during Open Enrollment, you’ll automatically be defaulted into the new Health Savings+ Plan.
  • Planning to retire in 2026? Visit UCnet to learn more about how to prepare, and be especially thoughtful about your plan choice this year, as it may impact your transition into retirement benefits.

Attend an Open Enrollment Fair or Vendor Presentation

Representatives from UC’s benefit vendors and network partners will be on-site offering valuable resources, giveaways, and information to help you make the most of your benefits.

  • For campus employees, visit Blink for details on the vendor presentation schedule, office hours, and more.
  • For Health and Health Sciences employees, visit Blink for details on the vendor presentation schedule, office hours, and more. Visit Pulse for 2026 Open Enrollment Benefits Fair information.

Review your dental, vision, and legal plans

UC offers dental and vision coverage at no cost for eligible employees. You can also consider enrolling in ARAG Legal Insurance for extra protection for the unexpected. You can learn more about these other benefits on UCnet.

Save on taxes

Open Enrollment is also the time to enroll or re-enroll in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for 2026.

  • Health FSA: for healthcare expenses for you and your family members.
  • Dependent Care FSA: for childcare or eldercare expenses.
    Re-enrollment is not automatic for FSAs - you must make a new annual election during Open Enrollment.

Other items to review as you make your selections:

Have you considered choosing a provider in the UC San Diego Health network for your care?

UC San Diego Health is proud to be ranked #1 in San Diego by U.S. News & World Report. Nine of our specialty care programs are also nationally ranked.

Choosing a primary care provider within our expanded network connects you with personalized prevention services, same-day visits, expert specialty care and advanced treatment at the region’s top health system.

Learn more and find a location near you athealth.ucsd.edu/choose.

Are you aware of enhanced infertility benefits that will be available under California’s SB 729?

A message from the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility team at UC San Diego Health:

Infertility affects one in six people globally and can be treated through various medical services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). Starting January 2026, California Senate Bill 729 mandates that certain health insurance plans cover infertility diagnosis and treatment, including up to three IVF cycles. The UC Blue & Gold HMO and Kaiser HMO plans are subject to this bill, offering coverage for egg retrievals, fertility medications, physician services and ambulatory surgery with specific copays and co-insurance rates. UC San Diego Health fertility specialists are in-network for some plans, and to facilitate access, please contact the Quick Connect line at 858-249-3550 for insured staff and faculty seeking fertility care. More information concerning these services can be found here under the FAQ’s. 

Important Reminders

  • You can submit Open Enrollment changes multiple times a day through UCPath. Your confirmation statement (after each election submission) is available in real-time in UCPath.
  • All enrollment changes will take effect January 1, 2026.
  • If you’re unable to make changes online, call the UCPath Center at 855-982-7284 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.). Calling may require paper forms, so don’t delay.

Visit UCnet or Blink for comprehensive Open Enrollment information.

If you are a campus employee (academics, staff), and have questions about your benefits, contact the Benefits team in Campus Human Resources. 

If you are a Health or Health Sciences employee, and have questions about your benefits, contact Health HR.

Terri S. Winbush
Chief Human Resources Officer
Campus Human Resources

Kim Eskierka
Chief Human Resources Officer
Health Human Resources

University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093