How much could UC’s cost-shifting cost you?
On Friday, October 11, UPTE filed an unfair labor practice charge in response to UC’s bad faith bargaining and illegal plan to implement unlimited healthcare cost increases while we are bargaining.
UC currently pays 76-95% of monthly healthcare premiums on Kaiser & UC Blue & Gold plans, thanks to the $25 annual limit we won in our last contract. After significant increases in 2024, this saved up to $224/month compared to non-union employees. By proposing to remove the cap, UC wants the ability to shift up to $2,451.37 per month in costs to us - numbers that are likely to increase dramatically in 2025 and beyond.
What UC is proposing in bargaining:
No limit on healthcare premium increases
$100 subsidy for Pay Band 1, $75 subsidy for Pay Band 2 (after their increases)
How much of what UC currently contributes could they shift to you and your family (per month) in 2026 under their proposal?*
| Family Plan Rate | Kaiser | UC Blue & Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Pay Band 1 ($68,000 and under)** | $2,089.90 | $2,451.37 |
| Pay Band 2 ($68,001-$136,000)** | $1,997.19 | $2,358.66 |
| Pay Band 3 ($136,001-$204,000)** | $1,962.74 | $2,326.55 |
| Pay Band 4 ($204,001 and above)** | $1,849.36 | $2,219.48 |
*Estimate based on 2024 rates for Pay Band 1, after $75-100 subsidy for Pay Bands 1-2
**Pay Bands are adjusted annually, so these numbers will change for 2025. UC is indicating that Pay Band 2 will end at $140,000.
To see the amount UC could make you pay, look for the name of your plan (eg. “Kaiser Perm NoCal”) on your paystub under “EMPLOYER PAID BENEFITS.”
What UC is planning to implement outside of bargaining in 2025:
9% increase in cost on pay bands 1 and 2 (those making less than $140,000)
11% increase in cost on pay bands 3 and 4 (those making more than $140,000)
CORE PPO no longer no-cost (premium cost not announced)
Outpatient visit copays increase from $20 to $30 for members of UC Blue & Gold HMO, Kaiser HMO, UC Care (UC Select/Tier 1), UC Medicare Choice and Kaiser Senior Advantage
Increased copays for prescription drugs and specialty drugs will have 30% coinsurance, up to $150 per prescription per month for UC Blue & Gold HMO and Kaiser HMO
