UMass Boston

Annual Enrollment

2026-2027 Annual Enrollment

The GIC Open Enrollment period begins on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, and will end on Friday, May 1, 2026. This enrollment window provides an essential opportunity for you to review, enroll in, or modify your health insurance coverage, with all changes becoming effective on July 1, 2026.  If you wish to keep your current GIC health plan, there is no action required, your insurance coverage will continue automatically. Please note, however, that you must re-enroll in the flexible spending accounts (HCSA and/or DCAP), if you wish to continue this benefit.

Highlights

  • Please remember to register for the MyGICLink  Portal to submit your GIC changes.
  • The new GIC Insurance rates will take effect July 1. Deductions of the new rates will be withheld beginning with the June 18 pay date.
  • GIC has issued new Benefit Decision guides (See attached). Please note that this guide also includes retiree benefits. 
  • Effective July 1, Ameriflex will be the new Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account vendor.  The 2026-2027 Plan Year enrollment will be completed through Ameriflex and more details regarding the transition for FY26 will be provided to employee’s currently enrolled through TASC.
  • The annual limit for the Health Care Flexible Spending account has increased from $3,300 to $3,400 and Dependent Care Flexible Spending account has increased from $5,000 to $7,500. To participate in 2026-2027 plan year, you must re-enroll during open enrollment.  Please note that the deadline to incur expenses for the 2025-2026 plan year is September 15, 2026. You must submit claims for reimbursement no later than October 15, 2026. Per IRS regulations, any remaining balances from the 2025/2026 will be forfeited. Any unused balances will not rollover to the new plan year.

Other Highlights

Trustmark’s Chronic Care + Life Insurance and the MetLife Legal plan have an annual enrollment period that aligns with the GIC’s open enrollment dates. Open enrollment for these benefits begins April 1 and will end on May 1 for coverage effective July 1.

  • Trustmark:  Participants who elect to enroll during the FY27 open enrollment will be subject to a medical questionnaire.
  • MetLife Legal Plan: You may now enroll in or cancel coverage during open enrollment directly on UMass Corestream.

 


Group Insurance Commission (GIC) Annual Enrollment
Wednesday, April 1 – Friday, May 1, 2025

Open Enrollment is your one-time annual opportunity to:

  • Change your GIC health insurance plan online via MyGICLink 
  • Cancel or Elect GIC health insurance without documentation
  • Participate in the Buy-Out program if you are canceling your enrollment
  • Add or remove dependent(s) from your GIC health plan without a qualifying event
  • Enroll in the $10,000 Basic Life Insurance policy (a pre-requisite for the Optional Life Insurance)
  • Enroll, or re-enroll online to participate in the HCSA/DCAP administered by Ameriflex (active employees only)

Please use the following link to access the GIC’s 2026-2027 Benefit Decision Guide and additional information to help you make an informed decision about your benefit options during Annual Enrollment: GIC Annual Enrollment Information

You may also find additional resources including the GIC Virtual Benefit Fair  at Group Insurance Commission Annual Enrollment | Mass.gov 

GIC Health Insurance Buy-Out

If you have access to a non-GIC employer sponsored health insurance (for example, through your spouse) it may pay to participate in the Buy-out Program. If you were insured with the GIC on or before January 1, 2026, and continue your coverage through June 30, 2026, you may apply to buy-out of your GIC health plan effective July 1, 2026.  Use MyGICLink to submit your completed Buy-Out form no later than May 1, 2026.

Under the Buy-Out plan, eligible state employees and retirees receive 25% of the full-cost monthly premium in lieu of health insurance benefits for one 12-month period. For more information regarding the GIC Buy-Out program visit: GIC Buy-Out Program

Optional Life Insurance Non-Smoker Benefit

During Annual Enrollment, if you have been tobacco-free for at least the past 12 months, you may be eligible for reduced non-smoker Optional Life Insurance rates. You will be required to periodically recertify your non-smoking status in order to qualify for the lower rates.

Flexible Spending Accounts (HCSA & DCAP)

Enroll by May 1, 2026, for the FY27 Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) and/or Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) for benefits effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. (Grace period: 9/15/2027).

  • Healthcare Spending Account (HCSA): Minimum $250; Maximum $3,400
  • Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP): Minimum $250; Maximum $7,500

Remember:  FY26 remaining balances will not rollover to the new plan year.

Important Details

Important Details:

Note: GIC health insurance premiums have increased. The deductions for the new plan rates will commence on the June 18 pay-date.  For information regarding plan and premium changes please visit the following website: https://www.mass.gov/lists/gic-benefit-rates

 

Go Digital (RECOMMENDED): If GIC has your email address on file, we encourage you to utilize GIC’s self-service portal for quicker and more efficient open enrollment elections. You can access MyGICLink and register online at:  MyGICLink Member Benefits Portal | Mass.gov

 

If the MyGICLink system does not recognize your email address, you will receive a notification indicating “your contact information cannot be found”. If you receive this notice, please email benefits@umb.edu

 

Reminder: Dental Insurance is not part of the GIC annual enrollment window for active employees.  Annual Enrollment dates vary by Union provider. Please contact UMB’s benefits team for questions regarding dental and vision coverage.

 

Quick Links:

 

Questions?

  • To speak with a GIC Representative, please contact 617.727.2310
  • Email the Benefits team at benefits@umb.edu
  • For specific questions regarding coverage type, services, and tiering, please contact insurance carrier directly.  The contact information is listed in the GIC Benefits Guide.