Newly Hired

Every new employee has various paperwork to review and complete.  Reviewing your new hire offer letter is important as it provides information regarding your benefits eligibility which is key to understand which benefits programs you are able to select and enroll in. 

You may receive a printed welcome kit that includes benefits specific information pertaining to you. 

Carefully review this information to help aide you in the decision-making process and the important choices you will need to make.

Attend a live UCPath Benefits Webinar to ask questions and learn more about your benefit choices and UC's benefits programs.  You may also watch a pre-recorded webinar session.

Choosing and selecting a medical plan that is right for you and/or your family's needs is an important decision.  First, explore your medical plan options via UCnet and the UCPath Benefits Webinar. 

After attending and learning your basic options, talk to an expert. Contact the Health Care Facilitator Program to arrange a personal consultation.

There are two dental plan offerings — Delta Dental PPO and Delta Care USA HMO. Make sure you know the difference between these two and enroll in the plan that's right for you. 

Delta Care USA HMO has a limited network of providers in Northern California. If you are considering enrolling in Delta Care USA HMO, we advise contacting Delta Care (800-422-4234) or using the provider search tool to confirm that several providers are available in your area before enrolling in this plan. 

Carefully consider enrolling in UC's Voluntary Disability plans within your first 31 days. 

Important to note: 

• The voluntary disability plans are available for enrollment only for newly hired employees within their 31-day period of eligibility. These plans are not available as open enrollment options (enrollment outside of your 31-day new hire PIE requires evidence of insurability approval by the Disability Plan vendor, Lincoln Financial - you may not qualify).
• Furthermore, UC does not participate in CA State Disability Insurance (SDI) - these voluntary disability plans help replace that program.

Set aside money on a pre-tax basis for eligible out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or dependent day care or caregiving expenses. 

Enroll in your health and welfare benefits via UCPath within your first 31 days. This 31-day window is known as your period of initial eligibility (PIE). Refer to your offer letter on how to enroll in your benefits in UCPath.  For questions about the processing of your benefits enrollments, contact UCPath.

• Faculty members under the Health Sciences Compensation plan should also review the HSC insurance page and consider enrolling in the plan's voluntary life benefits.

If you are enrolling in a UC-sponsored health plan in the Bay Area (such as the UC Blue & Gold plan), you can join One Medical at no additional cost.

Carefully review your pay earnings statements after your paycheck date. Earning statements are available for view & download via your UCPath portal (see 'Income & Taxes' tab, then 'Paychecks').

Enrolling dependents in your benefit plans? Watch for a mailing from UnifyHR to verify your family member's identity. If the family member eligibility verification process is not completed timely, your dependents may be de-enrolled from your benefit plan(s).

The UnifyHR packet will arrive at your home address on file in UCPath approximately 1-2 months after you complete your family's benefits enrollment.

Open enrollment takes place each fall. Benefits changes made during the annual open enrollment period take effect January 1st of the following year.