Dear Colleagues,

In late September, the University of California announced the 2026 changes to medical plan contributions. For employees in certain medical plans and in specific salary bands, including those enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente health care plan, the changes included higher premiums.

Recognizing the impact this adjustment may have, I have allocated funds from the campus central fund to provide a temporary monthly subsidy for the 2026 benefits plan year. The subsidy will apply to non-represented faculty and staff in UCR’s lowest pay bands who are enrolled in Kaiser and UC Blue & Gold plans.

This subsidy applies only to non-represented staff and faculty, as union-represented individuals have these terms negotiated through the collective bargaining process.

While this additional support will not fully offset the higher premiums, it is intended to lessen the impact for approximately 1,550 employees at UCR. The subsidy provides these employees with a year to evaluate options and plan for the transition to higher premiums in 2027.

Looking ahead, my team and I will continue to advocate for benefit structures that balance affordability for employees with the University of California’s long-term financial sustainability.

Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer Alex Nájera will offer both in-person and virtual town halls on November 5 to help employees understand their options. You can register to attend the in-person event here. Click here for login information for the virtual event.

We hope the decision to offset some of the expense demonstrates our appreciation for our employees. Thank you for your commitment to our mission of education, research, and public service.