Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment is Here!
The 2027 Open Enrollment dates are October 7th – October 30th
Changes made during Open Enrollment will take effect on January 1, 2027
Open enrollment is that one time of year when employees can make changes to their benefits enrollment or enroll in new plans. This is the designated time to make these important decisions. Once this window closes, you can't make any changes until next year, unless you have a major life event like getting married or having a baby. So, take a moment to look over all your options and choose what's right for you and your family for the year ahead.
How to Make Changes & American Fidelity Meetings
How to Complete Your Open Enrollment
During Open Enrollment, you have two flexible ways to review or update your benefits:
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Self-Enroll Online: Log in to the AFenroll portal to complete your selections.
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Meet with a Representative: Schedule a one-on-one meeting with an American Fidelity representative in person or virtually.
Do You Need to Take Action?
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No Changes to Health Plans: If you are keeping your current health coverage and do not need any other updates, no action is required, your health plan selections will automatically roll over.
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Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): If you wish to enroll in or update your FSA, you must meet with an American Fidelity representative (in person or virtually) of make a change on the AFenroll portal to complete your election.
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Disability Insurance: If you have an American Fidelity Disability plan, it is strongly recommended that you review and update your salary during Open Enrollment to ensure your benefit payout accurately reflects your current earnings.
Benefit Changes for 2027
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Important Network Update: UHC Harmony & Journey Harmony Plans
Effective January 1, UC San Diego Health (UCSD) will no longer be in-network for the UnitedHealthcare Harmony and Journey Harmony plans. If you are enrolled in either of these plans, please review your options below:
What Are Your Options?
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Switch Plans to Keep UCSD: If keeping your UCSD doctor or care team is a priority, you must select an eligible alternative plan (such as Alliance, Journey Alliance, or Surest PPOtg) during Open Enrollment.
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Select a New Doctor on Your Current Plan: If you want to stay on your Harmony or Journey Harmony plan, you can pick a new in-network primary care physician (PCP) by logging into the myUHC app or visiting myuhc.com. You can also call UHC Customer Service at the number on the back of your ID card.
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Take No Action (Auto-Assignment): If you take no action during Open Enrollment and stay in your Harmony or Journey Harmony plan, UnitedHealthcare will automatically assign you a new local primary care doctor effective January 1. You can change this assigned doctor at any time after the new plan year begins.
Need Assistance?
Contact the VEBA Advocacy office 888-276-0250
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Notice of Copayment Changes: Alliance HMO & Performance HMO Plans
Effective January 1, 2027 copayments for select services will be increasing for employees enrolled in the Alliance HMO and Performance HMO plans.
Copayment updates apply to the following services:
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Specialist Office Visits
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Hospitalization (Inpatient Admissions)
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Complex Radiology (e.g., MRIs, CT Scans, PET Scans)
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Outpatient Surgery
Please review the updated benefit comparison in the VEBA Benefits Guide during Open Enrollment to see the exact dollar amounts for each service.
What You Need To Do
- If you wish to stay on your current plan, no action is required, your coverage will automatically roll over for the new plan year.
- If you want to switch to a different plan, you can make your elections in the AFenroll portal or by scheduling an in-person or virtual meeting with an American Fidelity representative.
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The following health plans will have no changes to coverage or benefit structures for the upcoming plan year:
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Kaiser HMO
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Journey Alliance HMO
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Surest PPO
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Delta Dental PPO
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VSP vision plan
What You Need to Do: If you are currently enrolled in any of these plans and want to keep your coverage as-is, no action is required. Your plan selection will automatically roll over for the new plan year.
If you want to add or remove dependents, make changes in the AFenroll portal or by scheduling a meeting with American Fidelity.
Note: Payroll deductions and premiums may vary. Please review the updated Rate Sheet in your enrollment portal to view the rates for the upcoming plan year.
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Explore Voluntary Plan Options
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MetLife Legal Plan Information: New enrollment in the MetLife Legal Plan is only available during Open Enrollment, and all enrollment updates must be completed by October 30, 2026.
Tenthly Rates: Base Plan – $27.60 | Parents Plus Plan – $33.60
To Enroll or Switch Plans: Submit your updates online through the AFenroll portal, or schedule a 1-on-1 session with an American Fidelity representative in person or virtually.
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American Fidelity: Open Enrollment is the ideal time to review your voluntary benefit options—including life, accident, and critical illness insurance through American Fidelity. You can enroll in new coverage or adjust existing plans in the AFenroll portal or during a 1-on-1 meeting with an American Fidelity representative. Unless you are making changes or enrolling in an FSA, existing voluntary benefit selections will roll over automatically.
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The Hartford Voluntary Life: Employees may enroll in or update The Hartford Voluntary Life Insurance program during Open Enrollment. To view plan details and access the necessary paperwork, please download the Enrollment Form & Coverage Summary. Completed forms must be submitted directly to the Benefits Office to establish or change your coverage.
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The Standard for CTA Members: If you are currently enrolled in a Disability or Life plan with The Standard and would like to make changes, please contact their dedicated CTA Customer Service team directly at 800.522.0406 (Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PT) or visit CTA Members Benefits Website.
We're Here to Help!
CalVEBA Advocacy
Questions about Kaiser, UnitedHealthcare, Surest, Express Scripts, Optum, and other VEBA options.
Phone: 888-276-0250
Contact Form: VEBA Online Contact
LeAnna Winter, Benefits Analyst
Phone: 760-752-1241
Email: leanna.winter@smusd.org
Marion Bowen, HR Support Tech
Phone: 760-752-1249
Email: marion.bowen@smusd.org
American Fidelity
Questions about AFenroll, Appointments, and
American Fidelity Supplemental Benefits
Phone: 800-365-9180
Email: afes-wildomarbranch@americanfidelity.com