New for 2026!
Spousal Surcharge
Beginning October 1, 2026, there will be a $35 surcharge per pay period for employees who enroll their spouse on the District's medical plan when the spouse has access to other employer-sponsored coverage. During the enrollment process, employees will be required to attest to whether their spouse has other health insurance available.
Healthy Actions Initiative
Beginning in the 2026–2027 plan year, employees will have the opportunity to participate in a voluntary wellness initiative designed to support healthy habits, including completing a Personal Health Assessment (PHA) and an Annual Health Checkup (annual wellness exam verified through medical claims). Employees who choose not to participate will be subject to a standard-rate surcharge of $10 per pay period.
Medical Plan Design Changes
Beginning October 1, 2026, the Choice HMO and Choice Plus plans will include lower copays for certain services, such as Primary Care and Urgent Care visits. Copays for Emergency Room visits will increase. Please see the Medical Overview section for a full summary of plan design changes.
Pharmacy Updates
Preventive generic medications will continue to be available at no cost to you. Some preventive brand-name medications - including certain medications used for diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure, for example - will now follow standard prescription coverage rules, meaning applicable copays and deductibles may apply.
Rate Increases
After nearly 8 years without increases to employee medical contributions, changes are necessary this year to help support the long-term sustainability of the District’s benefits program. The District will continue to pay a large share of costs while offering strong benefits coverage. Medical premiums shown during Open Enrollment will reflect current rates; however, employee medical premiums will increase following ongoing negotiations and final funding decisions. The District’s actuary has currently recommended an overall 22% increase in medical funding for the upcoming plan year. Premium costs are subject to collective barganing. Please review your 2026–2027 options and rates carefully when enrolling.
Open Enrollment Timeline
Open Enrollment will be held from July 1st through August 4th. Please be sure to review your options and complete your benefit elections by the deadline. Elections will only be accepted during this time. If you miss the deadline, you will not be able to enroll in or make changes to your benefits unless you experience a qualified life event (QLE), such as marriage, birth, or loss of other coverage.