2026 USG Benefit Plan changes, Open Enrollment and Benefits Fair

At its August meeting, the Board of Regents approved the 2026 University System of Georgia healthcare plans and premiums for active employees and pre-65 retirees. The Board also approved the 2026 Health Reimbursement Account contribution for retirees 65 and older. See the complete 2026 Board Approved Changes on the USG Benefits website here. 

Healthcare costs continue to rise due to increased utilization, higher medical costs and rising prescription drug prices. While this continues to impact the USG healthcare plan, there will be limited plan design changes in 2026 thanks to significant updates over the past two years. Premium increases were capped to keep costs as affordable as possible for employees. Health promotion programs and the $100 well-being incentive will continue for employees and covered spouses enrolled in a USG healthcare plan.

2026 Healthcare Plan Overview:

• Employee Premiums: Increases of $7–$54 per month, depending on plan and coverage tier.
• Pharmacy Out-of-Pocket Maximums: Increased for Comprehensive Care and BlueChoice HMO plans.
• Well-Being Incentive: $100 available for completing the Health Risk Assessment through your chosen provider.
  • NEW: Participants MUST complete the Health Assessment to receive any reward payout.
  • Weight Management Programs:
    • Anthem plans: Weight Watchers for employees and spouses
    • Kaiser plans: Omada weight management program
• Consumer Choice HSA Plan:
  • HSA match reduced from $375 → $325 (employee only) and $750 → $650 (family).
  • In-network individual out-of-pocket maximum for family tiers increases from $9,200 → $10,000.
• Tobacco Use & Working Spouse Surcharges: $150/month. Certification is required each Open Enrollment in OneUSG Connect – Benefits, or the surcharge applies. More info: USG Surcharges
• Retiree 65+ HRA Contribution: Reduced from $2,640 → $2,484 annually, a 6% reduction that mirrors the average employee-only premium increase.
• A full summary of 2026 plan designs and premiums is available on the USG Benefits Website.

Plan Now for Open Enrollment!

• Dates: Oct. 27 through Nov. 7
• Action: Complete your 2026 enrollment elections and certifications through OneUSG Connect – Benefits by Nov. 7.
• Virtual Support: Appointments available via OneUSG Connect – Benefits for those needing help reviewing healthcare options. Limited slots, available only during Open Enrollment. Registration for virtual support with a Benefits Counselor is scheduled to open two (2) weeks before Open Enrollment begins (Oct. 13). Individuals who sign up for this support service will receive an email confirmation and a virtual team meeting link (e.g. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.)
  • GCSU Benefits will also schedule several sessions on campus during Open Enrollment when we will be available to answer questions and/or provide enrollment assistance to employees. Please monitor the Daily Digest for details as Open Enrollment approaches.
• Benefits Fair: All employees are encouraged to attend their institution’s Benefits Fair to learn about 2026 plan changes and other USG benefits. Information will also be mailed prior to Open Enrollment.
  • GCSU’s Benefits Fair will be on Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. in the Magnolia Ballroom. Please make plans to stop by and visit with our benefit vendors. They will be available to answer your questions, whether they be about new or existing services. We will also have representation from some community vendors, GCSU’s very own Retiree Association, and several campus departments and organizations who will be there to share info on resources available to you as an employee. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Retiree Information 

Pre-65 Retirees: Premium increases mirror active employee rates. 

Medicare-eligible Retirees (65+):

• Enroll in supplemental healthcare coverage through Alight Retiree Health Solutions. Medicare Part A & B is primary coverage.
• HRA Contribution: $2,484 per year per Medicare-eligible retiree or dependent enrolled in at least one plan.
• Medicare Open Enrollment: Oct. 15 – Dec 7. Coverage begins January 1, 2026.

We encourage all retirees to review their plan options annually and contact Alight Retiree Health Solutions to ensure their coverage meets their needs. Options include low-premium Medicare Advantage (HMO & PPO) and Medicare Supplement plans. 

Reminder: Dependents in a pre-65 USG plan will lose coverage if a retiree’s enrollment is not maintained through Alight.