The Board of Regents has approved the 2026 health care plans and premiums for employees and retirees in the University System of Georgia (USG). The decision, made at the board’s August meeting, includes adjustments to both plan design and costs.
Health care expenses continue to rise because of increased usage, higher medical service prices, and more expensive prescription drugs. However, according to USG officials, changes to the health care plans over the past two years have helped limit new modifications for 2026. Premium increases are being kept as low as possible. Programs promoting employee well-being will remain in place, including a $100 incentive for eligible faculty, staff, and spouses who participate in designated activities.
For 2026, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, co-insurance rates, and co-pays will increase across all USG health care plans. Monthly employee premiums will go up by amounts ranging from $7 to $54 depending on plan choice and coverage level. The well-being program continues with incentives for completing certain health promotion activities through Anthem or Kaiser providers.
Weight loss support programs will be available: Weight Watchers for those enrolled in Anthem plans and Omada weight management for Kaiser enrollees. Employees using the Consumer Choice HSA plan will see reduced university matching contributions—$325 for individual coverage (down from $375) and $650 for family coverage (down from $750). The in-network individual out-of-pocket maximum under family tiers rises from $9,200 to $10,000.
Dental insurance premiums are set to increase by between $2 and $7 per month based on plan type and tier; vision and life insurance premiums remain unchanged. Tobacco use and working spouse surcharges continue at $150 per month; employees must certify their status each year during Open Enrollment via OneUSG Connect – Benefits or face automatic surcharges. More details can be found on the USG Surcharges webpage.
A summary of these changes is available on the USG Benefits website.
Open Enrollment for 2026 runs from October 27 through November 7. Employees must complete enrollment elections and certifications by November 7 using OneUSG Connect – Benefits. Information about Open Enrollment will be mailed this fall; virtual appointments are available during this period but are limited.
The annual UGA Benefits Fair is scheduled for October 16 at Mahler Hall in the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with presentations at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Faculty and staff are encouraged to attend to learn more about benefit programs offered by USG and UGA.
Pre-65 retirees and their dependents will stay on current plans with applicable design changes taking effect next year; separate premium rate charts apply but reflect similar increases as those affecting active employees.
Medicare-eligible retirees age 65 or older—and their Medicare-eligible dependents—will continue enrolling in supplemental coverage through Alight Retiree Health Solutions while Medicare Parts A & B provide primary coverage. USG’s annual contribution into Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA) for these retirees has been set at $2,484 per person—a decrease of six percent compared with last year—matching average premium increases among active employees. To receive this funding in 2026, retirees must enroll via Alight Retiree Health Solutions during Medicare’s open enrollment period (October 15–December 7), with coverage starting January 1.
Retirees should review their options annually with Alight Retiree Health Solutions; failure to maintain enrollment may result in loss of dependent coverage under pre-65 USG plans. Options include various Medicare Advantage HMO/PPO offerings as well as supplement plans during open enrollment.
University Human Resources is available to assist with questions regarding Open Enrollment or benefits selections. Additional information can be found at the USG benefits website, or by contacting hrweb@uga.edu or calling 706-542-2222.
“Health care costs continue to rise due to increased utilization, higher medical costs and rising prescription drug prices,” according to information provided by USG officials.
