Retiree Open Enrollment

As healthcare costs continue to rise nationwide, UofL remains committed to offering competitive, high quality benefits and investing in the well-being of its employees. For 2027, employee medical contributions will increase by 5%, while the university’s contribution will increase by 19%, reflecting the institution’s ongoing commitment to sharing the cost of coverage and maintaining a strong, competitive benefits package for faculty and staff.

Health plans will limit coverage of GLP-1 medications. These medications will remain covered for the treatment of diagnosed medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes but will not be covered when used for weight loss or weight management alone. 

If You Currently Take a GLP-1 for Weight Loss

If you are currently taking a GLP-1 medication for weight loss and do not qualify for continued coverage based on another covered diagnosis, you may still have options be able to obtain the medication; however, it will not be covered as a plan benefit.

Option 1: Continue With Your Current Prescriber and Local Retail Pharmacy

• The prescription may continue to be submitted through the pharmacy claims system, but the member cost will be comparable to manufacturer direct-to-consumer self pay prices. This is only available through the local retail pharmacy.
• The amount paid will not count toward the plan deductible or out-of-pocket maximum because the purchase is outside the covered benefit.
• Members may use available FSA or HSA funds to pay for eligible prescription expenses, subject to applicable account rules.
• Prices may change if manufacturers or pharmacies revise their terms.

Option 2: Use a Self-Pay or Direct-to-Consumer Program

• Members may explore self-pay services available in the open market, including Good Rx or manufacturer direct-to-consumer programs. Availability, eligibility, clinical services, dispensing arrangements, and pricing vary by program.

• Introducing a new dental carrier: Delta Dental of Kentucky will be the university’s new dental carrier in 2027. The Basic and Enhanced plan options will remain the same, but dental premiums will increase for 2027.
• Health Savings Account (HSA): The 2027 IRS contribution limits are $4,500 for employee-only coverage and $9,000 for family coverage. The $1,000 catch-up contribution for individuals age 55 and older remains unchanged.

What Members Should Do

• Members can contact KYRx Pharmacy Coalition at 855-218-5979 or kyrx@uky.edu and speak with a pharmacist. They can confirm your current coverage status and what options can be pursued for 2027.
• Talk with your prescriber before January 1, 2027, to confirm whether your diagnosis may meet the plan’s coverage criteria. If coverage may apply, ask your prescriber to submit the required prior authorization.
• If coverage does not apply, compare the full cash price and service terms before choosing a pharmacy, telehealth provider, or manufacturer program.

Delta Dental of Kentucky will become the university’s new dental carrier effective January 1, 2027. If you are currently enrolled in MetLife Basic or Enhanced Dental Coverage via direct bill, your dental coverage will automatically roll over to Delta Dental of Kentucky for 2027.

Important: Open Enrollment changes and ACH/direct bill setup through Delta Dental of Kentucky must be completed between October 12, 2026, through November 15, 2026, by calling 800-955-2030. You may only change, reduce, or cancel existing coverage.

The 2027 IRS contribution limits are $4,500 for employee-only coverage and $9,000 for family coverage. The $1,000 catch-up contribution for individuals age 55 and older remains unchanged. Reminder: Once you enroll in any part of Medicare, you are no longer eligible to contribute or receive employer contributions to an HSA. Please reach out to Benefits@Louisville.edu if you are not eligible for the HSA. You may not receive or use HSA contributions on qualifying adults or dependents you do not claim on your taxes.

To make changes to your medical plan, please log into Workday during open enrollment from October 12, 2026, through October 30, 2026. For step-by-step instructions, please review the Retiree Open Enrollment Instructions below. You may also complete the 2027 Retiree Enrollment form and return to the Benefits Department by mail or via Benefits@louisville.edu no later than October 30, 2026.

Note: You must use UL2FCTR (two-factor authentication) to access Workday to enroll in coverage for the first time or make a change to your current medical election during Open Enrollment. For help with UL2FCTR please contact ITS Help Desk: https://louisville.edu/its/get-help/its-helpdesk) or by calling 502-852-7997.

MetLife will continue to administer the vision and life insurance benefits. To make changes to your current direct bill vision and/or life insurance for 2027 please follow the instructions below during open enrollment from October 12, 2026, through October 30, 2026. You may only change, reduce, or cancel existing coverage.

Enrollment Instructions

Go to boonchapman.benselect.com/uofl

Note: The Employee ID is SSN with dashes, and the PIN is the final 4 digits of the SSN and the final 2 digits of your birth year.

When? October 12 through October 30, 2026

Questions? 630-692-4242