Human Resources

Benefits Open Enrollment begins on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. and ends on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

It is essential for all Faculty and Staff to review new medical plan, Blue Shield PPO, plan design and rate changes, including increased out of pocket expenses and copays to consider your options and costs.

After reviewing the medical plan changes, if you are satisfied with your current benefit elections and not making any changes, no action is required for Open Enrollment, and all existing benefits will roll over to the new plan year effective January 1, 2026.

If you are enrolled in the Flexible Spending Account Plans (DepCare FSA and Health FSA), you are required to resubmit your contribution amounts during Open Enrollment.

New this year

• Significant rate increases impact the HMO medical plans and Pay Bands 1 and 2 for 2026!
• Blue Shield will be the new Faculty and Staff PPO plan provider effective January 1, 2026!
• The new Blue Shield Health Savings+ is replacing CORE and UC Health Savings plan effective January 1, 2026.
• New medical plan designs and rate changes, including increased out of pocket expenses and copays.
• Review the UCOP Medical Plan Changes Communication – Vice President Cheryl Lloyd Systemwide letter about medical plan changes for 2026.|  2026 Benefits Changes Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions.
• ALEX Benefits Counseling Tool offers enhanced features to assist in selecting the best benefit plan options and costs for you and your family.
• Re-Enroll in the Flexible Spending Accounts (Health FSA/DepCare) for 2026! Remember to select new contribution amount to participate in FSA for 2026.
• Open Enrollment deadline: Make your elections by Friday, November 21, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

Open Enrollment Events and Education

Kaiser Permanente HMO Open Enrollment Webinar | View Flyer

·         Non-Medicare: Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Kaiser Permanente representatives will provide a summary of the Kaiser Permanente plan options and answer any questions you may have.

How to Participate:

·         Non-Medicare: Join Zoom Meeting

Navitus Prescription Drug Program Webinar | View Flyer

·         Thursday, October 30, 2025, | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The Navitus Prescription Drug Program representative will share a summary of the changes, new copays, and answer any questions you may have.

How to Participate:

·         Join Zoom Meeting

Open Enrollment Virtual Help Desk | View Flyer

·         Monday, November 3, 2025, | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Reach out to the Human Resources Benefits Office during the Virtual Open Enrollment Help Desk hours to receive guidance and obtain answers to questions regarding the changes to health and welfare plans.

How to Participate:

·         UCR Benefits Representatives will be available to assist by email at benefits@ucr.edu and by phone at 951.827.2636,  951.827.5086, or 951.827.3577.

NEW for 2026!! Accolade Non-Medicare Blue Shield PPO Open Enrollment Webinar | View Flyer

Please join Accolade for a UC systemwide presentation outlining the upcoming changes and transition to the new Blue Shield PPO plans.  Accolade will provide detailed information on the new plans available, outline the plan design and changes, review the new deductible, copay, and coinsurance rates and respond to questions.

You have three (3) opportunities to learn about the benefits of Non-Medicare Blue Shield PPO medical plans

·         Tuesday, November 4, 2025 | 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

·         Friday, November 14, 2025 | 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

·         Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Please register to attend any one or all three sessions. Register here

Health Equity Health Savings Account Webinar | View Flyer

Join us for a review of the benefits of having a *Health Savings Account when you enroll in the UC HealthSavings+ plan and how it differs from a Flexible Spending plan. The HSA pre-tax savings account funds may be used to pay for medical out of pocket expenses as an employee as well as medical expenses after retirement.

You have three (3) opportunities to learn about the benefits of the Health Savings Account. *This account is only available when enrolled in the UC HealthSavings+ medical plan

·         Tuesday, November 4, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

·         Monday, November 10, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

·         Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Please Register here to attend any one or all three sessions

 

Staff Assembly Presents In-Person Benefits Open Enrollment Townhall with Alex Najera, Associate Vice Chancellor/CHRO

·         Wednesday, November 5, 2025, | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Don't navigate benefits changes alone. Join Staff Assembly and UC Riverside's Chief Human Resources Officer, Alex Nejera, for an essential Benefits Town Hall. This is your chance to get clarity on this year's benefits offerings and directly address your concerns during this time of uncertainty. We strongly encourage you to submit your questions in advance to ensure they are addressed. Don't miss this opportunity to get the information you need straight from HR leadership!

How to Participate:

·         106 SOM Education Building II

Virtual Benefits Open Enrollment Townhall with Alex Najera, Associate Vice Chancellor/CHRO | View Flyer

·         Wednesday, November 5, 2025, | 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Join UC Riverside's Chief Human Resources Officer, Alex Nejera, for an essential Benefits Town Hall. This is your chance to get clarity on this year's benefits offerings and directly address your concerns during this time of uncertainty. Don't miss this opportunity to get the information you need regarding Open Enrollment straight from HR leadership!

How to Participate:

·         Join Zoom Meeting

Health Net HMO Open Enrollment Webinar | View Flyer

·         Wednesday, November 5, 2025, | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Health Net representatives will provide a summary of the Health Net plan benefits and answer any questions you may have.

How to Participate:

·         Join Zoom Meeting

Kaiser Permanente's Wellness Mobile Health Vehicle is Coming to You | View Flyer

·         Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.  – 1:45 p.m.

Screenings for Kaiser Permanente and Non-Kaiser Permanente members. Free flu shots for those who register for the Biometric Screening.

How to Participate

·         Register

UC Riverside In-Person, On-Campus Benefits, Health, and Wellness Fair! | View Flyer

·         Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Join us and our benefit plan providers for the in-person UC Riverside Benefits, Health, and Wellness Fair featuring Kaiser Flu Shots and Health Screenings Mobile Unit, Free Massages, Selfie Photo Booth with Scotty Bear, provider giveaways, raffle drawings, healthy snacks, relaxing music from KUCR and more.

How to Participate

·         Join us at the HUB, Third Floor, Room 302 South

UCR Health Overview Webinar | View Flyer

·         Wednesday, November 12, 2025, | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

UCR Health is affiliated with the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine and has a team of physicians, specialists and healthcare professionals with medical offices located throughout the Inland Empire, you don’t have to travel long distances for access to quality healthcare.

How to Participate:

·         Join Zoom Meeting

Contact us

For questions regarding Open Enrollment, please contact the Benefits Office via email at benefits@ucr.edu.