GIC Annual Open Enrollment April 1, 2026 through May 1, 2026

Changes made take effect July 1, 2026

You are encouraged to review your current GIC benefits (health, life, long-term disability, FSA) and make any necessary changes for the upcoming plan year.

After reviewing the below guidance if you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to the Benefits Team at AskHR; stop into the Benefits Open Enrollment Assistance session on Wednesday, April 15th at 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Alumni Hall (UMass Lowell North); or contact GIC Member Services at (617) 727-2310.

What You Should Review

Please carefully review the 2026-2027 State Employees, Retirees & Survivors Benefits Guide for detailed information on health plans, coverage options, and new rates effective July 1, 2026.

Be sure to also review the "What's New for the Upcoming Plan Year" section on this page for important updates.

What You Can Do During Open Enrollment (if eligible)

  • Enroll in, change, or cancel health plans
  • Apply for the Health Insurance Buy-Out Program
  • Apply for Optional Life Insurance or request the reduced non-smoker rate (if tobacco-free for 12+ months)
  • Apply for or cancel Long-Term Disability coverage
  • Enroll in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for the new plan year
  • Details on each specific benefit may be found at Mass.gov - State Employee Benefits

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

  • Re-enrollment is required each year to continue participation
  • The new FSA administrator is Ameriflex
  • To enroll or re-enroll, visit Ameriflex FSA Resources
Important Details:
  • New plan administrator is Ameriflex
  • Plan year: July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027
  • Healthcare FSA maximum: $3,400
  • Dependent Care FSA maximum: $7,500 ($3,750 if married filing separately)

How to Enroll or Make Changes to Health, Life, Long-Term Disability

All benefit elections and updates must be completed through the MyGICLink

Through the portal, you can:

  • View your benefits year-round
  • Make changes during Open Enrollment
  • Update coverage following a qualifying life event

Access the portal: MyGICLink

New Users/Portal Access Set-up:

  • Click MyGICLink to access the login page and select “Register” located in the upper right-hand corner.
  • On the registration page, click “Resend PIN,” enter your information, and check your email for your PIN (check spam/junk if needed). 
  • Return to the registration page and complete registration using your PIN. 
  • Once registered, you will be directed to your GIC dashboard to manage your benefits. 

Important Reminders

  • If you do not make changes, your current elections will roll over (excluding the FSA) with updated rates effective July 1, 2026
  • All Open Enrollment changes must be submitted by May 1, 2026
  • To review your current benefits, log into MyGICLink

What's New for the Upcoming Plan Year

Health Insurance Updates

  • New health Insurance rates are effective July 1, 2026
  • PrudentRx Program (Non-Medicare Plan Members): Effective July 1, 2026, the CVS Caremark PrudentRx program will provide $0 out-of-pocket cost on eligible specialty medications after any applicable deductible. Members taking specialty medications will be automatically enrolled and will receive communications with program details. While members may opt out, those who do will be responsible for the full 30% coinsurance, even after meeting the deductible.
  • GLP-1 Medications: Coverage for obesity treatment will end:
    • June 30, 2026 (non-Medicare members)
    • December 31, 2026 (Medicare members)

Additional Benefits Updates

  • New Flexible Spending Account administrator is now Ameriflex
  • Ameriflex will also manage the current plan year grace period (through September 15, 2026)
  • MetLife Legal Plan: The voluntary legal plan open enrollment will coincide with the GIC Annual Open Enrollment. The legal plan is managed through the UMass Compass online platform, administered by Corestream. During April, you will receive emails at your UML account with instructions on how to enroll, make changes, or cancel your legal plan. You can also use UMass Compass The voluntary legal plan open enrollment will coincide with the GIC Annual Open Enrollment.

Important Notes

• UMass Lowell does not participate in the GIC dental plan

• At UMass Lowell dental coverage is determined separately based on union/non-union status

• No dental-related action is required during this Open Enrollment