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.

Several Homecoming and 50th anniversary events will affect parking, transportation and building access this week. Use this information to plan ahead, navigate campus and enjoy the fun.

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.

Two new awards will be introduced this year to recognize and encourage students and professionals in the community who have devised new approaches to promote healthy environments within Alabama.

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.

This week, UAB HR Benefits begins rolling out information about Open Enrollment for benefit-eligible employees to provide employees more time to review available benefits and upcoming changes and make informed decisions for themselves and their families.