Chapters

00:00 Introduction to 2026 Health Plan Changes

00:35 Premium Rate Increases and Deductible Adjustments

01:52 Impact of Manufacturer Copay Cards and PrudentRx

02:42 Action Items for 2026 Plan Year

04:14 Looking Ahead: Future Videos and Legislative Updates

Transcript

Hi everyone, I'm Ryan Earley, host of the PERS Pro YouTube channel. With the new year comes new updates to your benefits. Today, we are reviewing the significant changes to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Mississippi State Health Plan that take effect January 1, 2026. Whether you are an active employee or retiree, these updates will impact your wallet and your coverage. Let's get started.

For 2026, the State and School Employees Health Insurance Management Board has approved several adjustments to premiums and plan structures.

Change number one, premium rate increase. Starting January 1st, 2026, there is a 6.5 % premium rate increase across all health coverage options. This affects active employees, retirees, COBRA participants, and contract Here is a snapshot of the new premiums for active employees. The entire table of new premiums for 2026 can be found on DFA's website. As you can see, premiums for 2026 range from $0 per month for employee only base plan participants, all the way up to $986 per month for family coverage for Horizon employees, which as a reminder are those hired on or after January 1st, 2006.

Change number two, base plan deductible increase. To remain compliant with IRS regulations for high deductible health plans, the base plan family deductible is increasing from 3,300 in 2025 to 3,400 in 2026. Note, there are no changes to the base plan individual deductible, nor are there changes to any select plan individual or family deductibles.

Change 3. Manufacture copay cards. Dollars you receive from manufacturer copay cards will no longer count toward your calendar year deductible or your out-of-pocket maximum. Although you will still be able to use these cards, only the amount you personally pay out of your pocket will be credited towards these annual limits.

Change number four, PrudentRx. This is for select plan members only. The select plan is introducing PrudentRx for specialty medications. If you're enrolled, you pay $0 out of pocket for specialty drugs on the program's list by maximizing third party dollars from coupons, copay cards, et cetera. If you are eligible, but choose to opt out, you will be responsible for a 30 % coinsurance on those specialty medications.

Here are your high priority action items for the 2026 plan year based on these changes. 1. Verify your rates. Review the 2026 premium rate sheet that's available on DFA's website and also review your December 2025 pay stubs.

Since state health premiums are paid one month in advance, the new 2026 rates should be reflected in your December 2025 payroll deductions. If you have any discrepancies, please contact your payroll or benefits department. 2. Audit your specialty meds. If you use specialty medications, contact CVS Specialty to see if your drugs are on the PrudentRx list to potentially take advantage of those $0 co-pays. Three, adjust your HSA contributions. If you are on the base plan, now is the time to update your HSA contributions for 2026. The IRS has increased 2026 HSA contribution limits to $4,400 for individuals and $8,750 for families. Special note here, if your agency does not currently offer an HSA account option and you would like to contribute to one, contact your benefits manager to make them aware they must offer the option to employees and direct them to DFA for more guidance if needed.

In our next video, we will be reviewing how you can stay informed of legislative changes during the 2026 session that impacts PERS members. Please make sure you subscribe so you don't miss our future videos. If you found this video helpful, can thank me by liking the video and sharing it with other PERS members. If you have a follow-up question about PERS or anything else related to personal finance that impacts PERS members, please visit our website at perspro.ms and submit your question for a future episode. Thank you for your valuable public service to the state of Mississippi. We'll see you next time.

Disclaimer, this video is for educational and informational purposes only. Neither the host nor this YouTube channel are officially affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Public Employees Retirement System of Mississippi. Always consult a qualified professional for personal advice specific to your situation.