2026 State Plan Rates
2026 State Plan Rates
Montana's 69th legislative session passing of HB13, along with union negotiations that wrapped up in the fall of 2024, secured important financial changes starting January 1, 2026 to the State Plan to help maintain 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 you will be afforded the opportunity to adjust your Medical FSA contribution.
| Plans | Medical Benefits | Dental | Vision Hardware | Potential Live Life Well Incentive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employee Only | $60.00 | $0.00 | +$7.64 | up to $60 off |
| Employee & Spouse | $318.00 | +21.40 | +14.42 | up to $120 off |
| Employee & Child(ren) | $134.00 | +$19.90 | +15.18 | up to $60 off |
| Employee & Family | $397.00 | +$28.90 | +$22.26 | up to $120 off |
| Joint Core | $60.00 per employee (Includes Family Dental) | $0.00 | +$22.26 (Primary Member Only) | up to $60 off |
| Plans | Monthly Rate | Potential Live Life Well Incentive |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Medicare Retiree Only | $1,529 | up to $60 off |
| Non-Medicare Retiree & Non-Medicare Spouse | $2,451 | up to $120 off |
| Non-Medicare Retiree & Medicare Spouse | $1,807 | up to $120 off |
| Non-Medicare Retiree & Child(ren) | $1,963 | up to $60 off |
| Non-Medicare Retiree, Non-Medicare Spouse & Child(ren) | $2,717 | up to $120 off |
| Non-Medicare Retiree, Medicare Spouse & Child(ren) | $2,281 | up to $60 off |
Non-Medicare medical plan rates increased 4% from Plan Year 2025 to 2026. Medical benefits include Medical, Prescription Drug, Basic Vision, and Basic Life Insurance.
Non-Medicare Retirees must also pay $0.63 per month for Basic Life Insurance coverage.
| Plans | Monthly Rate | Potential Live Life Well Incentive |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Retiree Only | $575 | up to $60 off |
| Medicare Retiree & Non-Medical Spouse | $1,533 | up to $120 off |
| Medicare Retiree & Medicare Spouse | $1,031 | up to $120 off |
| Medicare Retiree & Child(ren) | $940 | up to $60 off |
| Medicare Retiree, Non-Medicare Spouse, and Child(ren) | $1,760 | up to $120 off |
| Medicare Retiree, Medicare Spouse & Child(ren) | $1,198 | up to $120 off |
| Plans | Monthly Rates |
|---|---|
| Retiree Only | $42.37 |
| Retiree & Spouse | $63.77 |
| Retiree & Children | $62.27 |
| Retiree & Family | $71.27 |
| Plans | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Member Only | $7.64 |
| Member & Spouse | $14.42 |
| Member & Children | $15.18 |
| Member & Family | $22.26 |