Eligible employees of UAB, UAB Hospital and UAB Hospital Management LLC must choose or decline health care coverage during the annual open enrollment Oct. 16-Nov. 2. In addition to the consumer-driven health plan Viva Choice, a traditional health plan from Viva Health and a traditional health plan from Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBS) are available for 2027. Employees also may opt to secure dental and vision benefits through separate plans offered. (More details on health, dental and vision plans will be shared in upcoming Reporter articles.)
This is an active enrollment, which means any benefit-eligible employee who does not select a 2027 health care plan option during the enrollment period will not have UAB-provided health care coverage (medical, dental, vision) beginning January 2027.
Modest increase for health premiums; premium assistance expands
Ongoing inflation has contributed to rising health care costs nationwide. There will be a modest increase in premium rates for health plans for 2027 (see rates chart below). UAB also is expanding its Premium Assistance Program to help more employees afford medical coverage. The program provides financial assistance to eligible employees enrolled in a UAB health plan.
Beginning in 2027, eligibility for premium assistance will expand significantly. The subsidy will now be available to employees whose household income, based on family size, is at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level, compared to 200 percent in 2026.
Premium Assistance: By expanding eligibility from 200 percent to 250 percent of the federal poverty level, UAB is making premium assistance available to more employees and families who may need help with health care costs.
Because of this change, additional employees and families may qualify for assistance with their medical premiums.
Employees must apply for premium assistance each year during open enrollment. Eligible employees receive a fixed subsidy each pay period during the plan year.
Employees who previously did not qualify are encouraged to review the updated income limits, as they may now be eligible under the expanded guidelines.
Details about eligibility requirements, income limits and the application process are available in the Open Enrollment Toolkit on the UAB for Me benefits portal.
Refer to the chart below for rates based on provider and tier selection.
UAB Plan Rates for 2027
Health Plans
| Plan | Single | Employee + Children | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viva Choice | $92.45 | $310.22 | $419.17 |
| Viva UAB | $119.66 | $364.39 | $509.69 |
| BCBS | $213.65 | $650.97 | $873.44 |
Dental Plans
| Plan | Single | Employee + Children | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCBS Basic | $18.78 | $32.17 | $44.38 |
| BCBS Comprehensive | $35.74 | $61.12 | $86.10 |
Vision Plans
| Plan | Single | Employee + Children | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| VSP Basic | $5.68 | $10.74 | $18.05 |
| VSP Premier | $9.96 | $15.50 | $32.43 |
No increase for dental, vision plans
In 2027, premiums for dental and vision plans will remain unchanged.
Refer to the chart above for rates based on plan options and tier selection.
Need help?
All the information employees need to make their selections will be collected in the open enrollment toolkit in the UAB for Me benefits portal. This includes plan details, educational pieces, FAQs, decision-making tools and other resources that can help you make selections.
Employees who want assistance sorting through the options have several choices to help them select the one best suited for their household:
- A plan-shopping application is available during the online open enrollment process.
- HR consultants or HR Benefits representatives are available in individual schools/departments for your convenience.
Live virtual educational sessions explaining 2027 open enrollment information and benefits changes will be held from 1-2 p.m. Sept. 30, 1-2 p.m. Oct. 8 and 11 a.m.-noon Oct. 9. Register to attend here.
Meanwhile, contact your school/department HR consultant or the UAB Benefits office at
All elections will be effective Jan. 1, 2027, and premiums for medical, dental and vision coverage will be reflected in the January 2027 payroll.