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Thank you for visiting the UCR Open Enrollment webpage for retirees and emeriti. If you should have any questions about Open Enrollment or your benefits, please send an email to the HR Central Benefits Office at benefits@ucr.edu. 

It is essential for all Emeriti and Retirees to review medical plan design and rate changes that include increased out-of-pocket expenses and copays for all plans. After reviewing the medical plan changes, if you are satisfied with your current benefits elections and not making any changes, then no action is required and all existing benefits will roll over to the new plan year effective January 1, 2027.

 

Open Enrollment Sign Up

The 2027 Open Enrollment will be open from October 29 - November 20, 2026.

Visit UCRays to make your OE Updates

What to Know About Your 2027 Benefits & Costs

As healthcare costs continue to rise nationwide, the University of California remains committed to preserving comprehensive coverage and strong plan choices:

  • Continued Strong University Contribution: UC will continue to cover, on average, over 70% of total retiree medical premiums..

  • Stable Carrier Options: UC will continue to offer its full suite of medical plans with no carrier changes for 2027. Health Net will continue to administer the UC Blue & Gold HMO through the end of 2027.

  • Out-of-Pocket Maximums: Annual out-of-pocket maximums for Kaiser Permanente and UC Blue & Gold HMO will adjust to $3,000 for individual coverage and $6,000 for two-party and family coverage.

  • UC Health Network Partnership: UC Health continues to help mitigate healthcare costs by limiting rate increases for care delivered across UC medical centers and clinics.

  • For full details, plan summaries, and cost comparison matrices, please visit the UCNet 2027 Open Enrollment Website

What You Need to Do

  • Review Your Options: Use resources like the UCnet Open Enrollment website and your virtual benefits counselor, ALEX, to compare plans and personalized costs.

  • Check Your Mail: Keep an eye out for your Open Enrollment packet from UC and emails from RASC for detailed information.

  • Take Action: Log in to UCRAYS between 8 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, and 5 p.m. on Friday, November 20, to enroll or make changes to your benefits.

  • Medicare Eligible Retirees living outside of California conduct Open Enrollment on the Via Benefits Website

Open Enrollment Resources & Information

Split Medicare Families

If you have some family members with Medicare coverage and others not currently eligible for Medicare, you’re considered a Split-Medicare family. You and the family members you cover must enroll in plans that work together.

To learn more about Split Medicare Families, please visit the UCnet Split or Mixed Medicare Families webpage.

 

Comparing Your Medicare Costs for 2027
Resources for 2027

Medical Plans for Medicare Retirees

Kaiser Permanente Medicare

Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage HMO (California Plan) is a Medicare Advantage plan, which means that it generally replaces your Medicare coverage. You agree to let Kaiser manage your Medicare benefits.

UC High Option Supplement to Medicare

The UC High Option Supplement to Medicare plan is administered by Anthem Blue Cross (medical) and Navitus (pharmacy)

  • UC High Option is a Medicare supplement plan, covering costs Medicare does not cover.

UC Medicare Choice

The UC Medicare Choice is a Medicare Advantage PPO plan (also known as Part C) that generally replaces your Medicare coverage and includes Medicare Parts A, B and D. It also offers some extra benefits that Original Medicare does not cover.

  • When you enroll in this plan, you agree to let UnitedHealthcare manage your Medicare benefits

UC Medicare PPO

Administered by Anthem Blue Cross (medical) and Navitus (pharmacy) UC Medicare PPO medical plan is a complement to your existing Medicare coverage; you must receive services from Medicare providers.

UC Medicare PPO Without Prescription Drugs

Administered by Anthem Blue Cross (medical) the UC Medicare PPO Without Prescription Drugs plan is a complement to your existing Medicare coverage; you must receive services from Medicare providers.

  • It is offered to those who have Medicare-coordinated medical insurance through UC and Part D prescription drug coverage through a non-UC plan (another group health plan, former employer or individual Part D plan)

Medicare Coordinator Program

Administered by Via Benefits, the Medicare Coordinator Program (MCP) is  sponsors by UC for Medicare-eligible retirees and families who live in a state outside of California

Medical Plans for Non-Medicare Retirees

Kaiser Permanente Non-Medicare

Kaiser Permanente Non-Medicare  for Retirees (California Plan)  is an HMO (health maintenance organization) with a closed network of providers.

Health Savings+ PPO

Administered by Blue Shield of California (medical) and Navitus (pharmacy); supported by Accolade Health Care Advocate, HealthSavings+ is a PPO plan for 2027 that is compatible with a tax-advantaged Health Savings Account (HSA)

UC Blue & Gold for Retirees

Administered by Health Net, the UC Blue & Gold is an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) with a custom network of providers created exclusively for UC. The Blue & Gold network includes all UC medical centers and medical groups, along with coverage in 30 California counties.

  • If you’re a CORE or UC Health Savings Plan member and do not choose another plan for 2027 during Open Enrollment, you and your currently enrolled family members will automatically be enrolled in HealthSavings+ if you’re eligible.

UC Care for Retirees

For 2027, UC Care for Retirees will be administered by Blue Shield of California (medical) and Navitus (pharmacy); supported by Accolade Health Care Advocate. 

  • UC Care is a PPO plan created just for UC to ensure the best possible access to world-class UC hospitals and physicians.

Open Enrollment Events

Event Date Time Location Flyer Links Resources
Anthem Blue Cross Medicare PPO Plan Overview Tuesday, October 27, 2026 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Zoom Meeting Flyer  

Kaiser: Non-Medicare

Thursday, October 29, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am Zoom Meeting Flyer  

Kaiser: Medicare

Thursday, October 29, 2026 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Zoom Meeting Flyer  
Blue Shield Accolade/Transcarent Wednesday, November 4, 2026 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm Zoom Registration Flyer  

Emeriti and Retiree Virtual Help Desk

Thursday, November 5, 2026

8:00 am – 5:00 pm Email: benefits@ucr.edu • Telephone: (951) 827-2636 or (951) 827-5086 Flyer  
UCR Health Overview Webinar Tuesday, November 10, 2026 11:00am to 12:00pm Zoom Meeting  Flyer  
United HealthCare OE Webinar Tuesday, November 10, 2026 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Zoom Meeting Flyer  
UC Riverside's Annual Benefits, Health & Wellness Fair Thursday, November 12, 2026 10:00am to 2:00pm Registration  Flyer  
Blue Shield Accolade/Transcarent Friday, November 13, 2026 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm Zoom Registration Flyer  
California Casualty Webinar Tuesday, November 17, 2026 10:00am to 11:00am Zoom Meeting Flyer  
Health Net HMO Webinar Wednesday, November 18, 2026 11:00am to 12:00pm Zoom Meeting Flyer  
Blue Shield Accolade/Transcarent Wednesday, November 18, 2026 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm Zoom Registration Flyer  
Health Equity/HSA Wednesday, November 18, 2026 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm Zoom Meeting Flyer