UVA_HRMissed last month’s article? No worries—we’ve summarized the key points below so you can quickly get the essential information and start taking advantage of your total rewards right away.
Total Rewards Hub
Your benefits matter every day—not just during Open Enrollment. This resource provides monthly updates and helpful tips to keep you informed about all aspects of UVA’s Total Rewards program. Explore each month’s topic to make the most of your benefits and ensure your choices support your well-being and future.
Supporting the Whole Employee: What's Changing for 2027
Open Enrollment brings important updates to UVA's benefits programs each year, but it's also an opportunity to take a fresh look at the benefits that support you and your family. From health care and financial security to leave and wellness resources, UVA's benefits are designed to support you every day and during life's most important moments.
In a Nutshell for 2027:
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Health and dental premiums are changing
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HSA employee contribution limits are increasing
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Vision premiums are decreasing
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Employee supplemental life insurance premiums are decreasing and guaranteed for three years
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UVA will transition administration of life insurance benefits for employees enrolled in the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) and Medical Center Retirement Plan (MCRP) to MetLife
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MetLife will also be the new disability vendor for employees in ORP and all benefited University Medical Center team members
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MetLife will be the new vendor for both Academic Division and University Medical Center employees for parental leave and FMLA
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Eligible MCRP and ORP participants will have a one-time supplemental life insurance enrollment opportunity without answering health questions
Together, these changes reflect UVA's ongoing commitment to a comprehensive Total Rewards program that helps employees thrive at work and in life.
Why Some Costs Are Changing
Every year, UVA evaluates its benefits programs to ensure they remain competitive, sustainable, and responsive to employee needs. Costs are increasing across the health care industry, resulting in premium adjustments for the UVA Health Plan, J Visa Health Plan, and dental plans. At the same time, UVA continues to improve access, flexibility, and financial security for employees.
What the MetLife Transition Means for You
We're creating a more connected experience for some of the benefits that protect you and your family. Vision benefits, life insurance, disability, and leave administration will move to MetLife, effective January 1, 2027. What this means for you:
- Davis Vision will still be available and offer additional vision benefits beyond the Aetna Vision Discount Program, at a slightly lower price!
- Basic life insurance will continue to be offered to benefits-eligible employees at no charge to the employee.
- If you are presently enrolled in Supplemental employee, spouse or child life insurance with The Standard, those policies will automatically transfer over to MetLife on 1/1/2027. However, you must re-elect coverage and identify your dependents during Open Enrollment.
- During Open Enrollment, there is a special one-time opportunity for MCRP and ORP participants to elect supplemental life insurance without answering health questions. No changes for VRS participants. Learn more about this on the Open Enrollment Life Insurance webpage.
- If you elect supplemental life insurance, you will have access to a suite of services at no additional cost, including will preparation, estate planning assistance, grief counseling, funeral planning resources, and more.
- New online tools from MetLife will help you navigate the leave process and life insurance options with more ease and confidence.
UVA is bringing together several important protection benefits under one administrator to support you more seamlessly throughout different stages of life.
New Ways to Save
While some premiums are increasing, UVA is also expanding opportunities for employees to save and get more value from their benefits. Higher HSA contribution limits allow you to set aside more pre-tax dollars for health and family expenses, and vision benefits are becoming more affordable:
- HSA:
- $3,500 + $1,000 UVA employer contribution for self-only coverage
- $7,500 + $1,500 UVA employer contribution for family coverage
- Vision:
- $7.54/month for employee only (was $7.90)
- $13.19/month for employee+child(ren) (was $14.23)
- $13.57/month for employee+spouse (was $13.83)
- $21.11/month for family (was $22.14)
Total Rewards Is Bigger Than Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment is only one part of UVA's Total Rewards commitment. From medical coverage and preventive care to retirement savings, life insurance, disability protection, paid leave, professional development, family support resources, and wellness programs, these benefits are designed to support employees throughout every stage of life and career.
Take the Next Step
During Open Enrollment, review your 2027 options carefully, compare costs and coverage, confirm your dependents and beneficiaries, and consider whether the special supplemental life insurance opportunity applies to you. Visit the 2027 Open Enrollment website for dates, plan details, decision tools, and enrollment instructions.
Open Enrollment is your opportunity to explore benefits that are designed for your benefit. Whether you're thinking about your health, financial future, family needs, or long-term well-being, these programs are designed to support you throughout every stage of life and career.
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