The Board of Regents approved the 2026 University System of Georgia health care plans and premiums for active employees and pre-65 retirees at its August meeting. The board also approved the 2026 Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) contribution for retirees 65 and older.
Health care costs continue to rise due to increased utilization, higher medical costs and rising prescription drug prices. While this continues to impact the USG health care plan, thanks to significant updates over the past two years there will be few plan design changes in 2026. Premium increases are being limited to keep costs as affordable as possible for employees. Health promotion programs and the $100 well-being incentive will continue for faculty, staff and covered spouses enrolled in a USG health care plan.
The following has been approved by the Board of Regents for 2026:
- Increases in deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, co-insurance and/or co-pays across all USG health care plans.
- Increases in monthly employee premiums between $7-$54 per month, depending on the plan and coverage tier.
- The well-being program will continue, and an incentive of up to $100 for employees and covered spouses will be available for completing designated health promotion activities through the health care provider (Anthem or Kaiser).
- A weight loss support program will be available through Weight Watchers for employees and spouses enrolled in Anthem health care plans. Omada weight management programs will be available for those enrolled in Kaiser plans.
- For employees enrolled in the Consumer Choice HSA plan, the university’s matching contribution to the employee’s Health Savings Account will be reduced from $375 to $325 for employee-only coverage and from $750 to $650 for family coverage. The in-network individual out-of-pocket maximum for family tiers increases from $9,200 to $10,000.
- Dental premiums are set to increase between $2-$7 per month based on plan and tier level. There is no change to vision insurance premiums or life insurance premiums for 2026.
- Tobacco and working spouse surcharges will continue at $150 per month. Certification of status is required each enrollment year, or the surcharge will apply. Certification must be done during Open Enrollment in OneUSG Connect – Benefits system. Information is available at the USG Surcharges webpage.
A summary of the 2026 approved health care plan design changes and premiums is available on the USG Benefits website.
The 2026 Open Enrollment period will be Oct. 27 through Nov. 7. Please complete all 2026 enrollment elections and certifications through OneUSG Connect – Benefits no later than Nov. 7. Active employees will begin receiving Open Enrollment information in the fall by mail. Virtual appointments are available via OneUSG Connect – Benefits for those needing help reviewing health care options. These slots are limited and available only during Open Enrollment.
This year’s UGA Benefits Fair will take place on 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 be held at 10:30 am. and 11:30 a.m. All faculty and staff are encouraged to attend to learn more about the USG benefits programs, changes to the benefit plans for 2026 benefit plans and all the benefits USG and UGA have to offer. More information about this year’s Benefits Fair will be shared in the coming weeks.
Pre-65 retirees and pre-65 dependents will remain on the same plans as active employees, and 2026 design changes will apply as well. As in the past, there will be separate pre-65 retiree premium rate charts for the 2026 plan year that include the same increases shared in the summary above.
Medicare-eligible retirees 65 and over and Medicare-eligible dependents age 65 and older will continue to enroll in their supplemental health care coverage through Alight Retiree Health Solutions. Medicare Part A and B will provide primary coverage. USG will also continue to provide an annual contribution into a Health Reimbursement Account for retirees and/or dependents to use toward premiums and other eligible out-of-pocket health care expenses.
This year, the Board of Regents approved an annual USG HRA contribution of $2,484 for each Medicare-eligible retiree age 65 or older, as well as their Medicare-eligible dependent(s). This amount reflects a 6% reduction, aligning with the average increase in employee-only premiums. To receive the 2026 USG HRA funding, retirees and/or their dependents must enroll in coverage through Alight Retiree Health Solutions. The Medicare enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, with coverage effective Jan. 1, 2026.
As always, retirees are encouraged to review their plan enrollments each year and reach out to Alight Retiree Health Solutions to evaluate options for the coming year. Dependents in a pre-65 USG plan will lose coverage if a retiree’s enrollment is not maintained through Alight. Retirees will have an opportunity to review available options, including low-premium cost Medicare Advantage Plans (HMO and PPO) as well Medicare Supplement plans, during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period.
University Human Resources is ready and available to offer support with Open Enrollment questions. For more information, visit the USG benefits website. Questions about these health plan benefits can be directed to hrweb@uga.edu or 706-542-2222.