This news for state employers provides information on 2026 health insurance rates, as well as updates for the 2026 plan year. The 2026 health benefits open enrollment period is October 6-31, 2025.
Rates
Group Health Insurance premium rates were approved at the Board meeting on May 21. Full premium rates and employer/employee contribution rates are now posted on the ETF website.
The Division of Personnel Management determines the state employee contribution rates. See the 2026 state employee contribution rates.
Health Plan Changes
Benefit Changes
The Board approved the following medical benefit changes effective January 1, 2026:
- Shift the diabetes pilot program for non-High Deductible Health Plan members to a standard benefit.
- Cover continuous glucose monitors solely under the pharmacy benefit.
- Expand eligible conditions for medically necessary biofeedback treatment.
- Update a qualifying life event to allow members to change plans when enrolling in Medicare and change coverage and health plans after the death of a spouse or dependent.
- Allow Medicare Advantage members to earn the Well Wisconsin incentive.
Health Plan Name Changes
Some plan names are changing for the 2026 plan year:
| Current Name | 2026 New Name |
|---|---|
| Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative | CareSource offered in partnership with GHC of Eau Claire |
| Dean Health Plan – Prevea360 West and Mayo Clinic Health System | Medica West and Mayo Clinic Health System |
| Dean Health Plan – Prevea360 East | Prevea360 East |
| Dean Health Plan | Dean Health Plan by Medica |
| Access Plan by Dean | Access Plan |
| State Maintenance Plan (SMP) by Dean Health Plan | State Maintenance Plan (SMP) |
State Open Enrollment Kickoff Meeting Events
Mark your calendars! ETF will host two virtual kickoff events for state employers this year. The kickoff meetings will follow a similar agenda as in previous years, providing updates on important health news and a preview of 2026 health benefits materials.
Details for this year’s live, virtual 2026 health benefits open enrollment employer kickoff meetings are below. You can attend either meeting via GoTo Training using the link provided.
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Registration: September 25 kickoff registration link
Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Registration: September 30 kickoff registration link
See the May 29 employer news for more state employer information.
Can’t attend the kickoff event at its scheduled time? Recordings of virtual kickoff meetings will be posted to the ETF website for viewing anytime.
State Insurance Q&A Session
ETF will also host its annual state group health insurance program question and answer session. All state employers may register to ask ETF staff any insurance (health, life, income continuation insurance) benefit-related questions.
Date: Thursday October 2, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Registration: State Q&A registration link
Open Enrollment 2026 Benefit Vendor Virtual Forums
ETF will again host a series of virtual vendor forum events for employers and members, to provide information for the 2026 plan year. Participating vendors include health plans and supplemental vendors, such as Delta Dental, Metropolitan Life (MetLife), TASC , Securian, and WebMD. ETF staff will also be present. Event details and registration information will be posted to the ETF website in the near future.
The Benefit Virtual Vendor Forums will be scheduled during the first three weeks of the open enrollment period.
Additional member education opportunities and resources will also be available during the open enrollment period. Visit the Member Education section of the ETF website to learn more.
Vision Plan
There will be a new vendor for vision insurance in 2026. The Board approved a three-year contract with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for Supplemental Vision insurance coverage, effective January 1, 2026.
Active Employee and COBRA Continuant Monthly MetLife 2026 Rates
| Individual only | Individual plus spouse | Individual plus child(ren) | Individual and family |
| $4.72 | $9.40 | $10.60 | $16.94 |
Retiree Monthly MetLife 2026 Rates
| Retiree only | Retiree plus spouse | Retiree plus child(ren) | Retiree and family |
| $4.72 | $9.40 | $9.40 | $11.04 |
Dental Plans
Delta Dental of Wisconsin will continue to provide dental plans in 2026. In addition to the Uniform Dental Benefit, which is available to those enrolled in health insurance under the Group Health Insurance Program, Delta Dental will again be offering three supplemental dental plans in 2026. Returning for 2026 are the Preventive Plan, Select Plan, and Select Plus Plan.
Active Employee and COBRA Continuant Monthly Delta Dental 2026 Rates
| Individual only | Individual plus spouse | Individual plus child(ren) | Individual and family | |
| Delta Dental PPO® - Select Plan | $9.08 | $18.16 | $12.24 | $21.76 |
| Delta Dental PPO® Plus Premier - Select Plus Plan | $22.24 | $44.52 | $41.32 | $68.18 |
| Delta Dental PPO® Plus Premier – Preventive Plan | $37.18 | not offered | not offered | $92.98 |
Retiree Monthly Delta Dental 2026 Rates
| Retiree only | Retiree plus spouse | Retiree plus child(ren) | Retiree and family | |
| Delta Dental PPO® - Select Plan | $15.08 | $30.66 | $20.70 | $36.80 |
| Delta Dental PPO® Plus Premier - Select Plus Plan | $33.02 | $66.02 | $61.08 | $100.72 |
| Delta Dental PPO® Plus Premier – Preventive Plan | $37.18 | not offered | not offered | $92.98 |
Securian Accident Plan
The Accident Plan gives active employees cash to help cover out-of-pocket expenses, regardless of health insurance coverage. The plan is portable until age 70 as long as the member had coverage as an active employee. Coverage includes:
- Concussions
- X-rays
- Dislocations
- Hospitalization
- Lacerations
- Surgeries
- Fractures
- Accidental death & dismemberment (up to $100,000)
- And many other medical and support benefits, including identity theft protection and travel assistance
Securian Accident Plan Monthly 2026 Rates
| Individual only | Individual plus spouse | Individual plus child(ren) | Individual and family |
| $3.92 | $5.58 | $7.52 | $10.98 |
Pre-Tax Programs
Total Administrative Service Corporation (TASC) is the new 2026 administrator for pre-tax savings accounts, which include:
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Account (LPFSA)
- Dependent Day Care Account
- Parking Account
- Transit Account
Employers and members will receive more information about this change in the coming months before open enrollment.
More to Come
See the Insurance Open Enrollment 2026 Employer Information Timeline to stay apprised of when and what information will be available before open enrollment.
Stay tuned for future employer news for important updates from ETF and major Board updates.