The Premium Assistance Program is designed to ease the cost of medical premiums for benefits-eligible employees whose total combined household income, based on family size, is at or below twice the federal poverty level (see 2026 Premium Assistance Income Chart). Participants who meet the criteria receive a discount equal to the lowest‑cost single employee medical premium offered. Regular medical premiums remain tax‑sheltered.
The annual deadline for current employees is 60 days from January 1, meaning applications for 2026 must be submitted by March 2, 2026. Newly eligible employees, including those recently hired or newly enrolled in a UAB-sponsored medical plan, have 60 days from their medical plan enrollment date to apply.
To submit an application, log into the UAB for Me Benefits Portal at uab.edu/hrintouch and visit the Premium Assistance page on the Benefit Resources menu. Download and complete the Premium Assistance Application for 2026, then follow the instructions on the page to submit.
2026 Premium Assistance Income Chart
| Total Family Size (as reported on federal tax refund) | Annual Household Income (as reported on federal tax refund) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $31,300 |
| 2 | $42,300 |
| 3 | $53,300 |
| 4 | $64,300 |
| 5 | $75,300 |
| 6 | $86,300 |
| 7 | $97,300 |
| 8 | $108,300 |
— Published February 17, 2026