The Board of Regents approved the 2027 University System of Georgia (USG) healthcare plans and premiums for active employees and pre-65 retirees at its August meeting. The Board also approved the 2027 Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) contribution for Medicare-enrolled retirees. We are now sharing this information with you.
Healthcare costs continue to rise. National medical costs are expected to increase by 9% in 2027, while USG medical costs are expected to increase by 8%. USG pharmacy costs are expected to increase by about 11.4% as use of higher-cost specialty medications and overall prescription drug use increase across the USG healthcare plan.
For 2027, there will be no changes to deductibles, co-pays, coinsurance or out-of-pocket maximums in the USG healthcare plans. Premium increases will be capped at 6% to keep costs as affordable as possible for employees.
2027 HEALTHCARE PLAN OVERVIEW
- Employee Premiums: Increases of $4–$52 per month, depending on plan and coverage tier.
- Pharmacy Benefit Manager: For Anthem members, the pharmacy benefit manager will transition from CVS Caremark to Express Scripts (ESI). ESI will work with USG employees who may be affected by network or formulary changes. CVS pharmacies will remain in network and can continue to be used by members.
- Well-Being Incentive: Up to $100 is available for healthcare-enrolled employees and spouses. A Health Risk Assessment must be completed to be eligible to earn the incentive.
- For Anthem members, additional incentive-based earning opportunities will be available for completing well-being challenges and certifying participation in a wellness program.
- Weight Management Programming: Because Weight Watchers is associated with the CVS contract, the program for Anthem members and spouses will be discontinued as of Dec. 31, 2026.
- Tobacco Use & Working Spouse Surcharges: $150 per month. Certification is required each Open Enrollment in OneUSG Connect – Benefits. If certification is not completed, the applicable surcharge applies. More info: USG Surcharges.
A full summary of 2027 plan designs and premiums is available on the USG Benefits website.
PLAN NOW FOR OPEN ENROLLMENT 2027
- Dates: Oct. 26 through Nov. 6, 2026
- Action: Complete your 2027 enrollment elections and certifications through OneUSG Connect – Benefits by Nov. 6. Tobacco use and working spouse certifications must be completed each year.
- Virtual Support: Appointments are available via OneUSG Connect – Benefits for those needing help reviewing healthcare options. Slots are limited, available only during Open Enrollment and must be reserved in advance.
- Benefits Fair: The University of Georgia will host a benefits fair on Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Mahler Hall in the Georgia Center. All employees are encouraged to attend to learn about the 2027 plan changes and other USG benefits. Information will also be mailed before Open Enrollment.
RETIREE INFORMATION
Pre-65 Retirees (non-Medicare-enrolled): Premium increases mirror those for active employees.
Medicare-enrolled pre-65 retirees or dependents will move to the Alight Retiree Health Solution and receive a contribution to an HRA as the USG retiree benefit. USG is making this change to provide a consistent benefit for all retirees enrolled in Medicare. Additional information and outreach will be shared in September.
Medicare-enrolled Retirees and dependents:
- Enroll in supplemental healthcare coverage through Alight Retiree Health Solutions. Medicare Parts A and B are primary coverage.
- HRA Contribution: Remains at $2,484 per year per Medicare-enrolled retiree or dependent. To receive the HRA contribution, the Medicare-enrolled retiree or dependent must be enrolled in at least one plan through the Alight Retiree Health Solution.
- Medicare Open Enrollment: Oct. 15 – Dec 7. Coverage begins Jan. 1, 2027.
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.