[Ucrfacultyandstaff] UCR support to offset some health plan increases

[UCR Chancellor]

Dear Colleagues,

In late September, the University of California announced the 2026 changes
to medical plan contributions. For employees in certain medical plans and
in specific salary bands, including those enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente
health care plan, the changes included higher premiums.

Recognizing the impact this adjustment may have, I have allocated funds
from the campus central fund to provide a temporary monthly subsidy for the
2026 benefits plan year. The subsidy will apply to non-represented faculty
and staff in UCR’s lowest pay bands who are enrolled in Kaiser and UC Blue
& Gold plans.

This subsidy applies only to non-represented staff and faculty, as
union-represented individuals have these terms negotiated through the
collective bargaining process.

While this additional support will not fully offset the higher premiums, it
is intended to lessen the impact for approximately 1,550 employees at UCR.
The subsidy provides these employees with a year to evaluate options and
plan for the transition to higher premiums in 2027.

Looking ahead, my team and I will continue to advocate for benefit
structures that balance affordability for employees with the University of
California’s long-term financial sustainability.

Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer Alex Nájera
will offer both in-person and virtual town halls on November 5 to help
employees understand their options. You can register to attend the
in-person event *here* <https://events.ucr.edu/event/benefits-town-hall>.
Click *here*
<https://documents.ucr.edu/HR-Benefits/2026%20Open%20Enrollment/oe2026-oevirtual-townhall.pdf>
for login information for the virtual event.

We hope the decision to offset some of the expense demonstrates our
appreciation for our employees. Thank you for your commitment to our
mission of education, research, and public service.

Sincerely,
S. Jack Hu, Ph.D.
Chancellor
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