Benefits Annual Enrollment 2026

Start Annual Enrollment

Kick Off To Benefits Season

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Annual Enrollment is your opportunity to make sure you are getting the most value from your UTA benefits. Whether you are reviewing your current coverage, adding dependents, enrolling in UT Flex, or exploring new benefit options, Annual Enrollment allows you to make changes that support your health, finances, and well-being for the year ahead.

Annual Enrollment Dates:  July 15 - July 31, 2026

Coverage Effective Date:  September 1, 2026

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IMPORTANT REMINDER

UT Flex requires annual enrollment.

 

If you wish to participate in a Health Care or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account for the 2026-2027 plan year, you must make a new election during Annual Enrollment.

Annual Enrollment Guides

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Plan Changes and What's New for Employees 2026-2027

Effective September 1, 2026

Preventive Care Incentive Program (PCIP)

NEW! Your health plan is designed to support you in staying well. That's why you have access to a no-cost annual preventive exam with your in-network doctor. Effective May 2027, employees and spouses covered can earn an exemption from a new monthly $50 standard premium differential simply by having an annual preventive exam by February 28, 2027. 

Learn How to Waive It Preventive Care Incentive Program FAQ

 

Newborn Baby Benefit Change

This change is consistent with BCBSTX's standard benefit and means newborns will have their own deductible, inpatient copay and coinsurance.

 

Hello Heart Program

NEW! Hello Heart is your new heart health program. Participants in UT SELECT may be eligible to participate in this program to help prevent or decrease development of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. Check the eligibility criteria to see if this program is for you.

Hello Heart Pre-Enrollment Hello Heart FAQ

 

Increase in Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Out of Pocket Maximum - The annual ACA out-of-pocket maximum will increase to $10,600 (individual) and to $21,000 (family)

UPDATED! The Healthcare Reimbursement Account (HCRA) maximum increases to $3,400. The Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (DCRA) maximum increases to $7,500 for plan year 2026-2027.

IMPORTANT:  If you want to participate in UT FLEX during the new plan year beginning September 1, you MUST elect a UT FLEX account during Annual Enrollment, even if you are already enrolled during the current plan year. 

NEW! UT Lifestyle Benefit are optional benefits that supplement your regular health coverage with support for a range of needs. Lifestyle Benefits provide cash payments or access to services when you need them most. New for this year's annual enrollment period, coverage begins Sept 1, 2026.

Securian Financial
  • Accident Insurance: Offers additional financial protection by providing a cash payment directly to you if an accident occurs.
  • Critical Illness Insurance: Provides a cash payment after diagnosis of a covered condition, such as a heart attack or cancer.
  • Hospital Indemnity Insurance: Provides cash payment after each day spent in a hospital to help supplement your health insurance.
LegalEASE

Provides comprehensive legal plan benefits that empower employees and their families with accessible, affordable legal support when they need it most.

MetLife Pet Insurance

Sees your pet as family and delivers a unique kind of coverage and care that helps them live well, not just get well, so you can live well, too.

Learn More About These New Benefits
Dependent audits will be conducted with employees at UT MD Anderson, wiht all institutions to follow. Using Annual Enrollment to review your listed dependents and make any necessary updates or removals. 

Register for the new wellness platform

NEW! Meet the enhanced UT Living Well platform, powered by WebMD ONE, that provides personalized tools, resources, and support to help you focus on and achieve the well-being goals that matter most to you.

Visit webmdhealth.com/UTS starting on September 1 to register.

* Available to all UT SELECT and UT CARE members, including dependents 18+, spouses, and retirees.

Enroll in UTSaver Voluntary Retirement Programs with Pre-Tax or Post-Tax Contributions

There is no better time than now to maximize your retirement savings, and no better way than the UTSaver plans to do it. Enroll now in the UTSaver TSA or DCP plans to make the most of your tax and savings opportunities! 

Learn More About UTSaver Plans

Plan Changes and What's New for Retirees 2026-2027

Effective September 1, 2026

Hello Heart Program

NEW! Hello Heart is your new heart health program. Participants in UT SELECT may be eligible to participate in this program to help prevent or decrease development of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. Check the eligibility criteria to see if this program is for you.

Hello Heart Pre-Enrollment Hello Heart FAQ

 

Increase in Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Out of Pocket Maximum - The annual ACA out-of-pocket maximum will increase to $10,600 (individual) from $9,200 and to $21,000 (family) from $18,400.

For Medicare-eligibile retirees and their dependents.

  • No action is required if you are already enrolled - your coverage will automatically continue.
  • Automatic enrollment applies to all Medicare-eligibile retirees and dependents.
  • You must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B to participate.
  • During Annual Enrollment, you may add Medicare-eligibile dependents to your UT CARE plan.
  • A UT CARE enrollment period will be held in November for the January 1 start of the new Medicare plan year.

NEW! Retirees can elect Pet Insurance through the new UT Lifestyle Benefits plans.  See your Annual Enrollment Benefits Guide for more information and add this important benefit for your pet(s).

MetLife Pet Insurance

Sees your pet as family and delivers a unique kind of coverage and care that helps them live well, not just get well, so you can live well, too.

There are slight changes to the UT SELECT Dental and Dental Plus PPO plan designs*. Dental implants will be a standard benefit instead of an alternative benefit.

The DeltaCare DHMO dental plan is being updated to a new, more comprehensive plan design. More information is available in the Annual Enrollment Benefits Guide.

* Always confirm with your provider what is covered before you receive services.

Register for the new wellness platform

NEW! Meet the enhanced UT Living Well platform, powered by WebMD ONE, that provides personalized tools, resources, and support to help you focus on and achieve the well-being goals that matter most to you.

Visit webmdhealth.com/UTS starting on September 1 to register.

* Available to all UT SELECT and UT CARE members, including dependents 18+, spouses, and retirees.

Annual Enrollment Resources

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Take a few minutes to review your Annual Enrollment resources before making your elections. The information below will help you understand your benefits, review plan updates, and make confident enrollment decisions.

Don't Miss Out!

Annual Enrollment closes July 31, 2026. Review your options, make your elections, and ensure your benefits continue to meet the needs of you and your family.

View & Enroll in Benefits

Need Assistance?

Our People Services team is here to help.

Contact the HR Service Center

Annual Enrollment Checklist

2026 Benefits Annual Enrollment Checklist

Click Here

Virtual Annual Enrollment

Links to flyers, brochures, videos, and contact information for each partner in the UT Benefits program.

Click Here

Enrollment Questions?

If you have questions during enrollment, feel free to contact us.

Email the TCE Service Center