Open Enrollment begins October 26
Enroll in new benefits or make changes to your current elections for the 2027 calendar year between October 26 - November 13, 2026.
2027 Benefits Preview
Between now and the start of Open Enrollment on October 26, 2026, this page will be updated with additional details and resources to make the most of your benefit options at UVM, including the 2027 Benefits Guide, short educational videos, premium rate details, and informational session dates and times.
What to Expect for 2027
2027 includes both updates to medical premium rates and new voluntary benefit options for eligible employees.
Premium rates by coverage option
Premium increases vary by plan options. Generally, plans with higher premiums, such as PPO 1 and PPO 2, offer lower out-of-pocket costs when you receive care. Plans with smaller premium increases typically have lower paycheck deductions but require members to pay more at the time services are used. This approach helps provide options that meet different health care needs and financial priorities.
| Coverage Option | Premium Increase |
|---|---|
| PPO 1 | 10% |
| PPO 2 | 5% |
| HDHP 1 | No increase |
| HDHP 2 | No increase |
New! Voluntary Benefits
New voluntary benefit offerings such as hospital indemnity and [something else] will be available in 2027.
Together, these changes and additional options give eligible employees greater flexibility to choose the combination of coverage and cost that best fits their personal circumstances.
Personalized Care Coordination & Support
UVM Cares, launched in 2025, will continue to provide personalized care navigation and support to anyone enrolled in UVM’s medical insurance.
Most other benefit offerings remain unchanged
For this reason, UVM will not conduct an active Open Enrollment this year. That means you do not need to re-enroll to keep your current medical, dental vision, life, or disability coverage for 2026. Please note, you must elect to participate in our Flexible Spending Accounts annually.
Information Sessions
Prefer to walk through our benefit offerings with an expert? The HR Benefits Team will be hosting three info sessions specific to the 2026 Open Enrollment. Click on the links below to view the event, add it to your calendar, or join the live streams.
- Wednesday, November 5 from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
- Friday, November 7, from 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
- Wednesday, November 12, from 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Additional Benefit information sessions happen every Monday from 12-1 and are open to all.
Medical Insurance Coverage Increase
Rate Increase for Medical Coverage
UVM's longstanding medical insurance option, Vermont Open Access (PPO 1), provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont, will have a rate increase of 5% in 2026.
How to Enroll
UVM Employees enroll in their benefits via PeopleSoft (Human Resources portal). The self-service portal allows you to update your personal and dependent information, calculate estimated costs of elected per pay period, select your benefits, and upload any additional forms needed. Please note, the Open Enrollment tile is only available from October 27 - November 14.