New insurance plan and premium changes take effect in FY27, and Austin Community College District (ACC) employees are encouraged to review their benefits before Open Enrollment begins. This year’s enrollment window runs from Monday, June 29, through Friday, July 10, 2026. 

While no action is required if you wish to keep your current coverage, this two-week period is your only opportunity to make updates to your insurance and benefit elections for the year unless you experience a qualifying life event.

What to Know About The Changes

ERS announced several premium and plan changes that will take effect September 1, 2026. With rising healthcare costs, ERS says one reason some premiums are increasing is to keep benefits the same.

The rate increases won’t affect full-time employees, as ACC will continue to pay 100 percent of their health insurance premiums.

HealthSelect of Texas and Consumer Directed HealthSelect premiums for dependents, part-time employees, retirees receiving tiered state contributions, survivors, and COBRA participants will increase by 8 percent.

Additional changes include:

  • State of Texas Dental Choice Plan premiums will increase by 12.5 percent as ERS expands the plan’s provider network.
  • State of Texas Vision premiums will increase by 7.5 percent due to increased use and rising vision care costs.
  • Dental health maintenance organization (DHMO) premiums will decrease by 2 percent.
  • Texas Income Protection Plan (TIPP) long-term disability rates will decrease slightly.
  • Short-term disability rates and DeltaCare USA DHMO premiums will remain unchanged.

Additionally, Humana will become the new administrator for the state’s dental plans.

Learn About Your Benefits

To help you navigate these updates, ACC Human Resources and the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) are hosting a series of upcoming virtual and in-person informational events.

Employees can attend a session to explore their benefit options and get answers to their questions.

ERS Summer Enrollment Fair

Wednesday, June 17 | 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
The ERS presentation will be livestreamed at 11 a.m.
Highland Campus, Building 2000, Room 1550

Register for the Enrollment Fair here.

Virtual Q&A Sessions

Monday, June 29 | 1–2 p.m.
Tuesday, July 9 | 10–11 a.m.

Register for a virtual Q&A session here.

In-Person Q&A Sessions

Tuesday, June 30 | 10 a.m.–Noon
Round Rock Campus, Room 8211

Wednesday, July 1 | 10 a.m.–Noon
Eastview Campus, Room 9209

Wednesday, July 8 | 10 a.m.–Noon
Hays Campus, Room 1301

Thursday, July 9 | 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
Highland Campus, Building 2000, Room 1233

Register for an in-person Q&A session here.

Employees are encouraged to review their current elections, learn about upcoming plan changes, and take advantage of these resources before Open Enrollment closes on Friday, July 10.