Benefit-eligible employees of UAB, UAB Hospital and UAB Hospital Management LLC will have the option to choose or decline health care coverage during the annual open enrollment Oct. 17-Nov. 3.
In addition to a consumer-driven health plan, a traditional health plan from Viva Health and a traditional plan from Blue Cross/Blue Shield are available for 2026. As always, you must participate in open enrollment if you want to secure or retain medical insurance through UAB.
Despite rising health care costs nationwide, UAB is happy to announce health insurance premiums will not increase for 2026. However, organizations nationwide are facing the largest health insurance cost increases in at least 15 years, according to news reports. For UAB to continue offering affordable health plans in the face of these cost increases, co-pays will increase for 2026. (Full details on rates for 2026 will be shared in an article in the Oct. 10 edition of the eReporter.)
What are traditional plan choices?
Traditional plans are characterized by lower out-of-pocket costs — copays and deductibles — for covered services when compared to Viva Choice, UAB’s consumer-driven health care plan, and do not include a higher annual deductible that must be met before insurance begins paying.
Viva Health offers a traditional plan for employees: Viva UAB. The Viva Access plan will not be offered in 2026.
More on open enrollment:
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Consumer-driven health plans can make good financial sense
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Viva UAB offers the least expensive traditional plan premium for employees. The negotiated rates are for using providers within the UAB health care network, including UAB, UAB St. Vincent’s and UAB Medical West. The maximum out-of-pocket expenses for medical and pharmacy services is $5,000 for single coverage and $10,000 for family coverage.
Viva UAB provides coverage for one annual eye exam and a student and sabbatical rider for out-of-network services up to $1,500 per year.
Blue Cross/Blue Shield has an established nationwide preferred provider organization (PPO) network that offers more latitude in selecting physicians and facilities. The BCBS plan allows participants to see providers at UAB, UAB St. Vincent’s and UAB Medical West, along with other providers within the BCBS state and national network at a lower deductible, co-insurance and co-payment than providers outside the BCBS network.
This plan does require a higher co-payment for services compared to the other traditional plan options. The maximum out-of-pocket expenses for medical and pharmacy services is $7,500 for single coverage and $15,000 for family coverage.
Live virtual educational sessions explaining 2026 open enrollment information and benefits changes will be held from 1-2 p.m. Oct. 1, 11 a.m.-noon Oct. 9 and 1-2 p.m. Oct. 16. Register to attend here.
Meanwhile, contact your school/department HR consultant, the Human Resources Service Center at