For 2027, Autodesk is making changes across several U.S. benefits. Anthem is replacing UnitedHealthcare (UHC) for most medical coverage, Express Scripts is replacing Optum Rx for prescription drug coverage, and Delta Dental is replacing Aetna.
We’re also updating coverage tiers and introducing or enhancing benefits, including vision coverage and new voluntary benefits. Plus, you're getting more paid time to care for your family, with paid parental leave doubling from six to 12 weeks and paid family leave increasing from two to six weeks.
What you need to know
Autodesk completed a comprehensive review of our U.S. medical, pharmacy, and dental benefits. We evaluated eight leading carriers and looked at the things that matter when employees use their benefits, like access to providers, service, and support; the programs and tools available; and value for both employees and Autodesk. Employee feedback and experience with our current carriers also informed the review.
Anthem, Express Scripts, and Delta Dental were the strongest overall choices based on those criteria. We expect them to provide a better health care experience for employees and their covered family members, while helping us keep our benefits strong and sustainable over time.
We are also modernizing parts of our benefits program, simplifying some plan choices, aligning benefits where there are unnecessary differences, and investing in areas where we can provide employees with greater support.
Medical and prescription drug plan changes
New medical carrier and network through Anthem
Anthem is replacing UnitedHealthcare (UHC) for Autodesk’s high-deductible and PPO medical coverage. Anthem was selected through Autodesk’s broader carrier review and is expected to provide an improved member experience. Its network includes over 98% of the same doctors and facilities employees use today.
Visit the new Anthem site to review your provider options and confirm whether your current providers are in-network for the plan you choose. Learn about the transition-of-care process if you're currently receiving treatment from a UHC provider.
EPO plan will be discontinued
As part of our benefits review, we found that the UHC Choice EPO had comparatively high costs for both employees and Autodesk. For 2027, we’re discontinuing the plan and focusing on a smaller set of medical plan options that provide better overall value for employees and Autodesk. The Anthem PPO provides both in- and out-of-network coverage, although you’ll generally pay less when you use PPO network providers.
High-deductible health plan (HDHP) updates
The in-network HDHP deductible is increasing to meet IRS minimum requirements. Out-of-network amounts are also increasing.
| Anthem High Deductible | |
|---|---|
| Annual deductible (In-network / Non-network) Applies to everything | Individual: $1,750 / $3,500 Family: $3,500 / $7,000 |
| Out-of-pocket maximum (In-network / Non-network) Includes deductible | Individual: $3,500 / $7,000 Family: $7,000 / $14,000 |
Changes to Kaiser plans
Kaiser California and Oregon
Autodesk is aligning the California and Oregon Kaiser plans more closely so employees have a more consistent benefit experience across the two states. Changes include out-of-pocket maximums, prescription drug copays, and coverage for hearing aids, acupuncture, and chiropractic care.
Kaiser San Francisco Basic Plan
The Kaiser San Francisco option is available to more eligible employees in 2027. Previously available only to a small population, it’s expanding to employees who live or work in eligible San Francisco ZIP codes to meet local requirements.
New HMSA plan for Hawaii employees
UHC Hawaii PPO coverage is moving to HMSA for 2027. Because Autodesk is moving away from UHC, and Anthem does not offer a medical plan in Hawaii, HMSA was selected as the available option most similar to the UHC PPO structure. Affected Hawaii employees should review the new HMSA plan details and provider network so they understand the changes for 2027.
New prescription drug provider for Anthem medical plans
Express Scripts is replacing Optum Rx as the pharmacy benefit manager for employees enrolled in Anthem medical plans. While most pharmacies that are in-network through Optum Rx are also in-network through Express Scripts, it’s a good idea to check whether your preferred pharmacy participates in the Express Scripts network. For more information on how the transition from OptumRx to Express Scripts may impact you, review the Carrier Transition Guide.
New weight management GLP-1 support program
Eligible members have access to Omada Health GLP-1 Support through Express Scripts. Members currently taking a GLP-1 medication should receive communications from Express Scripts and Omada with information about the transition and any steps they need to take for 2027.
Members newly prescribed a GLP-1 for weight loss need to engage with Omada as part of the coverage process, but there is no waiting period once the standard program requirements are met.
Note: The Omada program is only for those taking a GLP-1 for weight loss. You do not need to participate in the Omada program if you’re taking a GLP-1 for diabetes.
Dental and vision plan changes
New dental insurance carrier and network through Delta Dental
Delta Dental is replacing Aetna. Employees have two PPO options—Dental Basic PPO and Dental Plus PPO—and Delta Dental uses different provider network tiers.
Both plans cover preventive care services at 100% and allow you to receive care from any dentist, but you’ll save money when you choose in-network dentists for non-preventive care visits.
- Dental Basic PPO plan: This plan does not offer orthodontia coverage.
- Dental Plus PPO plan: Like the current Aetna Dental PPO plan, this plan offers orthodontia coverage.
The Aetna DMO plan is no longer being offered.
Delta Dental has different provider tiers, so keep these in mind when checking on available dentists:
- In-network (Delta Dental PPO): Dentists in the PPO network offer the deepest discounts and lowest out-of-pocket costs, because they’ve agreed to Delta Dental’s most reduced contracted rates.
- Premier: Premier dentists have also agreed to Delta Dental’s contracted fees, protecting members from balance billing, though discounts are slightly less than PPO, making this a mid-tier option with broad network access.
- Out-of-network: Seeing a dentist outside Delta Dental’s networks means no negotiated rates apply, so members typically pay higher out-of-pocket costs and may be balance-billed for the difference between the dentist’s full fee and what the plan covers.
Visit the Delta Dental site. You can search for in-network providers and review plan summaries for details about what’s covered. For more information on how the transition from Aetna to Delta Dental may impact you, review the Carrier Transition Guide.
VSP Basic vision plan enhanced lens coverage
VSP Basic covers lenses every calendar year rather than every other calendar year.
Simplified coverage tiers
Medical, dental, and vision coverage is moving from eight tiers to four:
- Employee only
- Employee plus spouse or partner
- Employee plus child(ren)
- Employee plus family
This creates a more consistent tier structure across benefits, but it may change your costs.
Employee contributions (per-pay-period deduction amounts)
Due to continually rising health care costs, along with several other factors, most per-paycheck deductions are increasing for 2027. See how the 2027 rates compare with the 2026 rates.
New accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
New employee-paid accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity options are available through Lincoln Financial.
- Accident insurance can help pay for costs related to a covered accident or injury.
- Critical illness insurance can provide a lump-sum payment if you’re diagnosed with a covered serious condition, such as cancer or a heart attack.
- Hospital indemnity insurance can help pay for expenses related to a hospital stay.
All of the plans offer a $50 wellness credit that offsets the cost of the coverage for getting a covered physical screening. Together, these voluntary coverages can provide you with additional financial support when unexpected events lead to out-of-pocket costs.
Learn more about Lincoln Financial's accident insurance, critical illness insurance, and hospital indemnity insurance.
More paid leave for parents and caregivers
Paid parental leave is increasing from six to 12 weeks, and paid family leave is increasing from two to six weeks. During both types of leave, you'll receive 100% of your base salary for the applicable leave period. In states with state-administered paid leave benefits, your pay will be provided through a combination of state benefits and payments from Autodesk.
HSA, FSA, and commuter benefit contribution limits
Contribute even more to your HSA in 2027
The IRS has increased the amount you can contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA) pretax on an annual basis. Here are the contribution limits for 2027:
- Employee only: $4,500
- Family coverage: $9,000
Keep in mind that the contributions Autodesk makes each pay period on your behalf are included in these maximums. You’ll receive $50 per paycheck if you’re enrolled in individual HDHP coverage or $100 per paycheck if you’re enrolled in family HDHP coverage.
There is no change to catch-up contributions for those 55 and older, who can contribute an extra $1,000.
Health care flexible spending account (FSA) contribution limits
In 2027, you can contribute up to $3,500 to a health care FSA, and you can carry over up to $700 of unused funds from 2027 to 2028.
Commuter benefit contribution limits
In 2027, the monthly contribution max for transit, vanpooling, or commuter parking is increasing to $350. For combined parking and transit, the max is $700.
Resources to support you
If you ever need assistance with your benefits, you can lean on your Autodesk resources for guidance. Here are a few programs that can come in extra handy:
- CareCounsel connects you with experienced health advocates who can explain complex issues in understandable terms. They can answer questions about how your plan works or how to choose the right plans. They can also walk you through an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and help you understand how a claim was processed. If there was an error, they can help you get it resolved.
- Included Health can help you find high-quality, in-network providers, whether you’re seeking a primary care physician or a physician who specializes in a certain condition. They can also provide second opinions and medical guidance.
- Medicare Choice Group can help you understand how Medicare works, what your best options are, and how Medicare eligibility and enrollment might affect your Autodesk-provided health benefits or COBRA coverage. MCG can even help you enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan that will best suit your needs.