2026 Board of Regents Benefits & Plan Changes

At its August meeting, the Board of Regents approved the 2026 University System of Georgia (USG) healthcare plans and premiums for active employees and pre-65 retirees, along with the Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) contribution for retirees aged 65 and older.

While healthcare costs continue to rise, USG has limited plan changes for 2026 and capped premium increases to help keep coverage affordable. Health promotion programs and the $100 well-being incentive will remain available for employees and covered spouses enrolled in a USG healthcare plan.

    • Premium Increases: $7–$54/month depending on plan and coverage tier.
    • Pharmacy Out-of-Pocket Maximums: Increased for Comprehensive Care and BlueChoice HMO plans.
    • Well-Being Incentive: Employees and Spouses enrolled in a USG healthcare plan can earn up to $100 for completing well-being activities. Employees and Spouses must complete the Health Risk Assessment to be eligible for the incentive.
    • Weight Management Programs:
      • Anthem: Weight Watchers for employees and spouses
      • Kaiser: Omada weight management program
    • Consumer Choice HSA Plan:
      • HSA match reduced from $375 to $325 (employee) / from $750 to $650 (family)
      • In-network out-of-pocket max for family tiers increased from $9,200 to $10,000
    • Surcharge Reminder: $150/month for tobacco use and working spouse (certification required during Open Enrollment)
    • Pre-65 retirees and their dependents will stay on the same plans as active employees, and 2025 plan design changes will apply to them as well. Separate premium rate charts for pre-65 retirees will reflect the same increases outlined above.
    • Retirees 65 and older and their Medicare-eligible dependents will continue to enroll in supplemental healthcare coverage through Alight Retiree Health Solutions, with Medicare Parts A and B providing primary coverage. USG will continue to provide an annual contribution into a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for retirees and/or dependents to use for premiums and eligible out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
      • This year, the Board of Regents has approved a USG HRA annual contribution of $2,484 per year for each Medicare-eligible retiree and covered dependent age 65 and older. To receive the 2026 USG HRA funding, retirees and/or dependents must enroll in coverage through Alight Retiree Health Solutions. The Medicare enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, with coverage starting Jan. 1, 2026.