Important Information: 2026 Insurance Benefits
The annual open enrollment period has started and ends October 31, 2025. This is your chance to:
- Enroll or make changes to your health insurance.
- Add or decline Uniform Dental coverage.
- Enroll in or make changes to supplemental coverage such as dental, vision, and accident insurance (if offered by your employer).
- State employees only: Enroll in a pre-tax savings account to save money on health care or dependent daycare expenses.
Notable Changes for 2026
The Group Insurance Board approved the following medical benefit changes effective January 1, 2026:
- Coverage for Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) will be under the pharmacy benefit through Navitus only.
- Medicare Advantage subscribers and spouses can earn the $150 Well Wisconsin incentive starting in 2026.
High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and Access HDHP
The annual medical deductible for HDHP and Access HDHP have increased to comply with federal requirements:
- Individual: Increased to $1,700 (from $1,650).
- Family: Increased to $3,400 (from $3,300).
Health Plan Name Changes
- Dean Health Plan - Medica West and Mayo Clinic Health System will be Medica West and Mayo Clinic Health System.
- Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative will be CareSource offered in partnership with GHC of Eau Claire.
- Dean Health Plan-Prevea360 East will be Prevea360 East.
- Dean Health Plan will be Dean Health Plan by Medica.
- The Access Plan by Dean will be the Access Plan.
- The State Maintenance Plan (SMP) by Dean Health Plan will be the State Maintenance Plan (SMP).
Pre-Tax Savings Accounts Updates
- Total Administrative Services Corporation (TASC) is the new administrator for 2026 for pre-tax savings accounts.
- The annual Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Limited Purpose FSA contributions will each increase to $3,300.
- The Parking Account and Transit Account monthly contribution limits will increase to $325.
- The annual Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution limit will increase to $4,400 for an individual and $8,750 for family coverage.
New Vision Vendor
MetLife will administer the vision program starting January 1, 2026. If you are currently enrolled in the vision program your enrollment will continue with MetLife. Members will not receive or need an ID card for MetLife Vision Insurance; just let your provider know you have MetLife.
Vision Insurance Updated in Decision Guides
You may have received your 2026 decision guide in the mail or from your employer; some of the information on vision benefits has been updated.
Please note these corrections to the amounts found in the table on the Vision Insurance page of your decision guide:
- In-network single vision eyeglasses copay: $25
- In-network bifocal vision eyeglasses copay: $25
Additionally, MetLife has created a dedicated phone line for State of Wisconsin members: 1-866-498-9858. Members may also continue to use the general MetLife number printed in the guides to speak directly with MetLife representatives.
2026 Insurance Benefits Vendor Forums
Register now to attend an online vendor forum to learn more about your insurance benefits during open enrollment. Ask questions directly to health plans and participating supplemental vendors such as TASC, MetLife, Delta Dental, Navitus, Securian Financial, and WebMD. ETF staff will also be present.
Advanced Registration Required
Universities of Wisconsin Active Employees Only: Accident Plan Action Required
If you currently have a Securian Accident Plan that covers any dependents (spouse and/or children), you must reenroll the dependents in the Accident Plan during open enrollment to have coverage that continues past January 1, 2026.
If you do not, your dependents will no longer have Accident Plan coverage and your plan will change to individual coverage for only you, as the subscriber.
Well Wisconsin Deadline: October 17
Are you currently enrolled in the Group Health Insurance Program? Did you know that your enrollment gets you and your enrolled spouse access to tools and resources to help you live your best life? Plus, you can earn a $150 prepaid card to help offset costs for services that assist you with your physical and mental well-being.
The October 17 deadline is quickly approaching, so log into your Well Wisconsin account to complete your health assessment, health check, and well-being activity now. Call WebMD with questions at 1-800-821-6591.
Subscribe to the Health and Wellness News here. Enter your email address, follow the instructions provided, and be sure to check the box for Health and Wellness (under Member Updates). You may also check other types of ETF Email Updates you want to receive in your inbox.