For several years, UAB has offered four health insurance plans for eligible employees. Three plans have been provided by Viva Health (Viva) — Viva Access, Viva Choice and Viva UAB — along with one plan offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBS). UAB's goal has always been to offer affordable health plans designed to meet the needs of its employees and their families.
There are two important updates you should be aware of ahead of open enrollment this year:
- Despite rising healthcare costs nationwide, UAB is happy to announce health insurance premiums for Viva Choice, Viva UAB and BCBS plans will not increase beginning January 1, 2026. Please review the costs and benefits carefully when selecting your plan during this year’s open enrollment period, October 17 through November 3, 2025.
- For UAB to continue offering affordable health plans, we are making a change to the number of plans being offered. Beginning January 1, 2026, UAB will offer two Viva Health plans — Viva Choice and Viva UAB — and one with BCBS.
Beginning January 1, 2026, you will have the option of participating in the following plans:
- Viva Choice: Participants are responsible for more up-front costs of health care, with a higher deductible before the plan begins making payments. With Viva Choice you can access providers in Viva's network throughout Alabama to include those with UAB, UAB St. Vincent and UAB Medical West.
- Viva UAB: Participants may see UAB, UAB St. Vincent and UAB Med West providers only and pay a co-pay for their services.
- BCBS: PPO plan allows participants to see providers at UAB, UAB St. Vincent and UAB Med 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.
WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATIONS
After careful consideration, UAB will discontinue the coverage of weight loss medications effective January 1, 2026. Employees are encouraged to meet with their health provider before the end of the year to ensure a transition plan is in place. If you are currently on weight loss medications covered by a UAB-sponsored medical plan, you should receive a communication from Viva Health with information about some alternative options.
Please note, if you are currently taking weight loss medications such as a GLP 1 for diabetes, and it is covered by your UAB-sponsored prescription plan, you will continue to have coverage for the prescription after January 1, 2026.
EMPLOYEE RESOURCES
UAB Human Resources has several ways to assist with questions or additional information you may need to make the best choice for you and your family:
- 2026 Health Plan Comparison Chart
- Open Enrollment FAQs
- Virtual educational sessions will be held on October 1, October 9 and October 16. To attend one of these sessions, please register in the Campus LMS.
For additional assistance, contact the UAB HR Service Center at humanresources@uab.edu and 205-934-5321 or the UAB Benefits Office at benefits@uab.edu and 205-934-3458.