Benefits Changes for 2026

We know you may have questions, whether about benefits, premiums, or what’s changing this year. We’ve put together this Q&A to help clarify key details and support you in making informed choices.

Remember, you don’t need to navigate this alone. Our HR Benefits team (Gretchen Forristall, Marianne Goschke, and Casey Fasselius) are all here to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process. You can reach out to our Benefits inbox or connect with them via Teams. We're more than happy to help!

Q: Does everyone have to take action during Open Enrollment?

A: All team members are strongly encouraged to review the 2026 benefit offerings and update beneficiaries. This is a passive enrollment, meaning action is only required in ADP if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

You wish to enroll in a new 2026 benefit offering.
You want to continue participation in a Medial FSA, Limited-Purpose FSA, or Dependent Care FSA, as 2025 elections will not carry over.
You want to make changes to your health, dental, or vision plans.
You need to initiate coverage for the first time effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Q: What’s driving the health premium increase?

A: GreenState remains deeply committed to supporting our people and their health and wellbeing. Like many organizations nationwide, we're facing rising healthcare costs and claims. Even so, we continue to absorb a significant portion of these expenses to limit the impact on you. After carefully reviewing our data, we made thoughtful adjustments to help keep changes to your take-home pay as minimal as possible.

Q: What is a self-funded plan?

A: As a self-funded organization, GreenState assumes direct financial responsibility for healthcare claims, rather than an insurance company like in a fully insured plan. A self-insured model gives us flexibility to design a benefits package that’s comprehensive and responsive to our team’s needs—but it also means we absorb the full impact of rising healthcare costs.

Q: What are some ways we (employees) can help manage healthcare costs?

A: Prioritizing your health is one of the most important choices you can make—and preventive care is a great place to start. Services like annual wellness exams, age-specific cancer screenings, flu shots, and other immunizations are covered at 100%, with no deductible, copay, or coinsurance—whether in-network or out-of-network. These services not only help you stay healthy, but they also help us manage long-term healthcare costs, together.

Q: How much more will I pay?

A: Costs will vary depending on your plan selection and coverage level. While there is an increase in deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and premiums for 2026, the impact will look different for everyone. We encourage you to review cost breakdowns and compare your plan options.

Q: Are benefits changing, too?

A: This year, we strengthened our offerings, and in our Benefits Portal, we’ve highlighted those changes on the "What’s Changing for 2026” page.

Q: Will we see increases to out-of-pocket maximums, deductibles, and premiums next year?

A: While it’s too early to predict what our renewal will look like for 2027, as costs in a self-funded plan are driven by actual healthcare claims throughout the year. One step we can all take is to prioritize preventive care, like annual wellness exams, age-specific cancer screenings, flu shots, and other immunizations which are covered at 100%, with no deductible, copay, or coinsurance—whether in-network or out-of-network. These services not only help us stay healthy, but they also help us manage long-term healthcare costs together.