[UCRRA] Significant Policy Changes to the Group Insurance Regulations for Retired Members, Disabled Members, and Survivors Effective 1/1/2026

[Cristina Otegui]

[image: image.jpeg]



March 25, 2026

To:

UCR Emeriti & Retirees



From:

UCR Retirement Center on behalf of UCR Central HR Benefits Office



Re:

*Significant Policy Changes to the Group Insurance Regulations for Retired
Members, Disabled Members, and Survivors Effective 1/1/2026*





UCOP has advised that as of January 1, 2026, Retirement Program Services
implemented revisions to the Group Insurance Regulations (GIRs) for Retired
Members, Disabled Members, and Survivors (formerly “Annuitant Health &
Welfare Plan GIRs”) following UC Legal review and approval by the Plan
Administrator. These updates include technical, compliance‑related, and
policy amendments that affect retirees, disabled members, survivors, and
future enrollees. The summary below highlights the most significant
changes. These revisions align Retiree Health practices with Employee
Health & Welfare plans, clarify eligibility rules, and improve
administrative consistency.



*Medicare Offset Penalty Clarification (Plan Sections 6008.F–G)*

The revised regulations clarify the administration of the Medicare Offset
Penalty.

·       Members who fail to enroll in Medicare, fail to assign Medicare to
their Retiree Health Coverage, or fail to maintain Medicare enrollment will
be assessed a monthly, non‑refundable administrative penalty,
currently *$419.60
per month per individual* out of compliance.

·       Beginning with the 2027 plan year, the penalty will be equal to *three
(3) times the Medicare Part B premium.*

·       The penalty will increase annually thereafter in accordance with
changes to the Part B premium as adjusted by the Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services (CMS).



*Note: *The GIRs for retiree Vision, Legal, and AD&D, as well as the
Annuitant Administrative Supplements, remain under review.



*Attached are the following resources:*

·       Summary of the Retiree GIRs Policy Changes (attached)

·       UCnet article: “2026 changes make it easier to enroll in retiree
health benefits
<https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/employee-news/changes-to-enrollment-in-retiree-health-benefits/>
”

·       Revised regulations: available at Group Insurance Regulations |
UCnet
<https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/for-hr-administrators/health-welfare-benefits/group-insurance-regulations/>
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