UVA_HRSee what’s changing for 2027 and what to do before Open Enrollment begins.
This announcement contains a web-formatted version of Open Enrollment Plan Year 2027 Email 1, sent to UVA employees on September 11, 2026. Content has been preserved, with minor formatting and link-text adjustments for web accessibility.
UVA Benefits Open Enrollment for Plan Year 2027 is October 5–16, 2026.
What to Know Before Making Elections
Take a few minutes to understand what’s changing for 2027, what those changes may mean for you, and what you can do now to prepare.
Important Changes for 2027
New Health Plan Premiums
We know that what you pay for health care matters. For 2027, employee premiums will increase, while UVA will continue to cover approximately 85%–90% of the total cost of medical coverage. Our goal is to continue providing comprehensive coverage while balancing the cost of the plan.
Your premium depends on your health plan option and coverage level. Use the interactive premium comparison tools on the 2027 Changes webpage to compare monthly premiums across plans and coverage levels.
For a broader look at plan costs, use the Compare Health Plan Options and Covered In-Network Care Costs tool on the Benefits Overview webpage to compare premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums.
New Dental Premiums
Monthly premium increases range from $0.25 to $5.50, depending on your plan and coverage level.
Lower Monthly Vision Premiums
MetLife Vision Insurance with the Davis Vision® network premiums will decrease for plan year 2027.
Health Savings Account Contribution Limits Will Increase
IRS contribution limits are increasing by $100 for individuals and $250 for families in 2027. Remember that UVA’s contribution counts toward the annual IRS contribution limit.
Supplemental Life Insurance Vendor Becomes MetLife
Beginning January 1, 2027, MetLife will replace The Standard for life insurance and Unum for disability and Family and Medical Leave (FML) administration. These are vendor changes only; benefits are not being reduced.
ORP and MCRP participants will use MetLife for life insurance, disability, and FML administration. VRS life and disability benefits will not change; VRS participants will use MetLife only for FML administration.
The transition to MetLife also brings several enhancements, including lower supplemental life insurance rates, easier beneficiary management through Workday, additional employee and family support resources, and improved portability options.
During Open Enrollment, eligible ORP and MCRP employees will also have a one-time opportunity to increase life insurance coverage without a Statement of Health or medical underwriting through MetLife.
Prepare to Choose
Before Open Enrollment
- Review how you used your benefits in 2026.
- Compare 2027 plan costs and benefits.
- Review your dependent information and any required documentation if you plan to make changes.
- Remember that FSAs do not automatically carry over—you must re-elect an FSA for 2027.
Prepare for Open Enrollment and Plan Your Elections
Explore Your Plan Options
UVA PPO and Health Savings are available to all eligible employees. Choice Health remains available only to employees currently enrolled in Choice Health.
2027 Open Enrollment Presentations
Learn about 2027 changes, the UVA Health Plan, decision-making tools and resources, and key Open Enrollment dates. A live Q&A will follow each presentation.
September 22 Virtual Presentation
Register for the September 22 Virtual Presentation
September 24 Virtual Presentation
Register for the September 24 Virtual Presentation
Need Additional Help?
Information on in-person assistance, virtual support, and Benefits and Well-Being Expos is available on the In-Person and Live-Virtual Support webpage.
HR Solution Center
Email: AskHR@virginia.edu
Phone: 434.243.3344