2027 Open Enrollment for Employers

Everything employers need to prepare for Open Enrollment, support employees, and manage benefits enrollment for 2027. 

Open Enrollment for 2027 Medical Benefit Plans begins October 15 and ends November 15. Employers must approve pending applications submitted by their employees no later than November 20. 

*The rate locator is now available in the Employer Portal on the lefthand blue navigation bar. Current plan members can also access the rate locator in the Member Portal. If you do not have a login to access the portal, contact our Member Services team. Call 800.642.6543 | E-mail info@pbucc.org.

What Employers Need to Know

Key Dates
*Important: Employers and/or participants wishing to change coverage for the upcoming Plan Year must do so by November 15. Late Open Enrollment requests cannot be accepted. Change requests submitted after the deadline will be handled only as permitted under the applicable plan terms and administrative rules.
Milestone Date
Rate Information Available September 9
Employee Communications Begin Late September
Employer Webinar October 6
Employee Webinar October 8
Open Enrollment Opens October 15
Open Enrollment Closes* November 15
Employer Approvals of Pending Applications Due November 20, 2026
Coverage Effective January 1, 2027
Employer Responsibilities
  • Review rates and budget impacts*
  • Review plan options
  • Review and communicate Open Enrollment deadlines to employees
  • Understand any process changes
  • Communicate enrollment information to eligible employees
  • Complete any required employer actions
  • Ensure employee elections are submitted on time

*Please note that rates are only one component of the cost of coverage. Employers and employees should review the applicable benefit summaries, cost-sharing requirements, provider-network information, prescription-drug coverage, and formal plan materials before making an election.

What's New This Year

Online Changes to Enrollment Selections – Current plan members who wish to make changes to their benefit elections during Open Enrollment generally will complete the process online through the Employee Portal. A step-by-step enrollment guide will be available in the portal to help members review options and submit their elections.

New Enrollments for Eligible Employees – Employees who are eligible for benefits but are not currently enrolled and do not have a PBUCC Member ID should contact Member Services when Open Enrollment begins. Member Services will review eligibility requirements, explain available enrollment options, and provide guidance on next steps. Employees who are newly eligible or not currently enrolled may have different enrollment requirements than existing participants. Member Services will provide guidance based on individual circumstances. Member Services: 800.642.6543 | E-mail info@pbucc.org.

Online Approval Process – Employers will be able to review and approve or decline employee benefit changes through the online Employer Portal. Enhanced reporting capabilities will also be available to support enrollment administration and oversight. Approvals need to be submitted by November 20.

Monthly Billing for Vision Coverage - The Vision Benefits Plan will move to a monthly billing cycle starting January 2027.

Enrollment Guides & Materials

Employees who do not wish to make any changes to their benefits for 2027 do not need to take any action during Open Enrollment. Existing medical, dental, and vision enrollment elections will remain in effect unless changed during Open Enrollment.

Exception: Employees who wish to participate in the UCC Flexible Spending Plan (FSA) must re-enroll each year. FSA elections do not automatically carry forward and require annual enrollment during Open Enrollment.

*If you do not currently offer these benefits and would like to make them available to your employees for 2027, please contact Member Services at 800.642.6543 to begin the enrollment and referral process.

In most cases, a simple update to your existing Health & Welfare Agreement is all that is required. We encourage employers to consider offering these benefits to eligible employees, even when premiums are paid entirely through employee payroll deductions, so employees can benefit from the tax advantages associated with pre-tax benefit elections.

**If you have an employee who is eligible for Medicare, please contact Member Services for guidance before making enrollment elections. The PBUCC team can help you understand available options and any additional requirements that may apply. Call 800.642.6543 | E-mail info@pbucc.org. Employees should also consult official Medicare resources or their own adviser before making a decision.

Need Help?

For Benefits Questions:
Chat with Member Services
Call: 800.642.6543 | Email: info@pbucc.org

Healthcare Affordability and Long-Term Sustainability

Healthcare affordability remains one of the most significant challenges facing churches, ministries, and employers.

PBUCC is working alongside peer denominational benefit organizations to help manage costs, preserve access to quality care, and support the long-term sustainability of church health plans.