Viva Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama have enhanced health plans for UAB, UAHSF and UAB Health System employees for 2020.

UAB’s annual open enrollment for benefits will begin 7 a.m. Oct. 25 and conclude 5 p.m. Nov. 11. Eligible employees can choose among dental, vision and health insurance plans, plus voluntary plan options and tax-deferred spending accounts for health and dependent care for 2020.

In addition to the health, dental and vision benefits, UAB employees also will have the option to select insurance to cover accidents and identity theft and/ or participate in a pet-care discount program during open enrollment during open enrollment Oct. 25-Nov. 11. These programs are wholly voluntary and paid for by employees and can be cancelled at any time.

Nationwide, the cost of health care is rising, and UAB is working to reduce the impact of these costs on its employees and the organization. Here are some things you can do to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Eligible employees may choose among four health plans plus dental and vision benefits during the annual open enrollment Oct. 25-Nov. 11. Medical premium assistance — based on household income — and priority access services also will be available.

Eligible employees of UAB, UAB Hospital, and UAB Hospital Management LLC will have the option to choose or decline vision coverage during the annual open enrollment for benefits that begins 7 a.m. Oct. 25 and concludes 5 p.m. Nov. 11.

Employees have a choice of two stand-alone dental plans — basic or comprehensive coverage — provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama.

Benefit-eligible employees will have the choice of enrolling in a traditional health care plan during the annual open enrollment Oct. 25-Nov.11. No plan design changes will be implemented this year.

VIVA Choice — UAB’s consumer-driven health plan — is an option for benefit-eligible employees during the annual open enrollment Oct. 25-Nov.11.

UAB will observe additional holidays to provide employees additional time to spend with their families and friends.