Open Enrollment - Health Care & Benefits Division

2026 Contributions and Benefit Changes

The passage of HB13 during Montana’s 69th legislative session, along with the outcome of the 2024 union negotiations, secured important financial changes to the State Plan that support its long-term financial stability. These changes go into effect January 1, 2026:

• Employer Contributions increase to $1,080 for first time since 2017
• Employee/Legislator medical benefit contributions increase for first time since 2016
• Live Life Well Incentive increases to $60 per month
• Tobacco Surcharge increases to $60 per month

The State Plan is currently negotiating with Montana facilities (hospitals) to ensure the contributions collected from the State of Montana (employer contribution/state share) and employees, legislators, and retirees are used to maintain equitable and sustainable benefits, as well as cover the cost of health care services for all State Plan members.

If some facilities choose not to negotiate fair rates, the State may need to make adjustments to the medical benefit (deductibles, coinsurance, copayments for office or urgent care visits, or the maximum out-of-pocket amount) to help keep the plan affordable and sustainable without adjusting contributions (the bi-weekly amount you pay for benefits from your paycheck).

If your medical benefit will change in 2026 you will receive a 60 day notice from HCBD and employees will be afforded the opportunity to adjust their Medical FSA contribution.