2026–2027 Annual Enrollment

Across the U.S., health care continues to get more expensive, and the same is true here at Children’s Mercy. The rising costs are attributed to several factors: population growth, population aging, higher prices for medical and pharmacy services and products and an increase in chronic illnesses.

While we are committed to keeping costs as low as possible and offering comprehensive and affordable coverage options, we must share some of the cost increase with you. For the 2026–2027 plan year, we continue to pay the majority – 77% of the cost.

Depending on the plan and dependent coverage you elect, premiums for the:

• Gold, Blue and Green medical plans will increase by 10.7% or $3.50 to $52.50 per paycheck.
• High, Mid and Low dental plans will also increase by $0 to $4 per paycheck.
• Premier and Basic vision plan premiums will stay the same.

We all play a role in managing our costs and can actively keep costs down by taking simple steps, like ensuring the coverage we elect is appropriate for our anticipated needs, completing our well visits annually, getting preventive screenings and immunizations, establishing a primary care physician and actively participating in the Take CARE Wellbeing program.

2026–2027 Medical Plan Premiums

The table above is for full-time, part-time benefits-eligible and weekend option employees (48 to 80 hours per pay period, or 0.6 and above FTE). Part-time employees scheduled to work between 32 and 47 hours each pay period pay the total cost for coverage under a Children’s Mercy medical plan.

2026-2027 Dental Plan

The Green Plan remains eligible for tax-free contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA). The Green Plan deductible will be:

• Frequency limits updated: Fluoride treatments for eligible members up to age 19 will increase to twice per year. Coverage for crowns, bridges, implants, inlays/onlays, implant prosthetics, dentures, crown build-ups and post and cores will now be limited to once every seven years.
• New enhancements: The Dental Plan will include coverage for bruxism appliances, occlusal guards and occlusal adjustments to better support oral health.

Health Savings Account (HSA), Health Care and Limited-Purpose FSA limits will increase, giving you opportunity to save more. The Dependent Care FSA limit remains at $5,000.

Health Savings Account (HSA)
In 2026, you can contribute up to the annual IRS maximum – $4,400 if you cover yourself only and $8,750 if you cover dependents. This includes Children’s Mercy’s HSA contributions and your Wellbeing Rewards dollars. If you’re age 55 or older, you can contribute an extra $1,000. Your contributions will be withheld from the first two paychecks of each month (24 pay periods).

Health Care FSA or Limited-Purpose Health Care FSA
In 2026, you can contribute up to the annual IRS maximum - $3,400.

Annual Enrollment is also the only time to add or change certain benefits:

• Accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity insurance
  These plans are available only during Annual Enrollment and can be helpful if you have a child in sports or expect a hospital stay (including maternity) in the coming year. 
• Special enrollment opportunity for term life insurance with long-term care
  Enroll now without answering medical questions. If you wait until next year, medical questions will be required and could affect coverage or cost. 

During annual enrollment only, you can elect up to $150,000 (eligible up to age 70) of coverage for yourself without answering any medical questions (called Evidence of Insurability, or EOI). If you elect coverage for yourself, you can also elect up to $30,000 for your spouse with only one medical question. Optional child coverage of $10,000 is available as well.  Next year, you’ll have to answer medical questions before you’re approved for coverage or increases.

Term life insurance with long-term care benefits is a life insurance option with benefits for long-term care expenses. Long-term care benefits help protect your retirement savings, ease the burden of caregiving on your loved ones and allow you to choose the setting that best fits your needs. In addition to providing a death benefit regardless of your age or life stage, this coverage also offers living benefits if you require home health care, assisted living or nursing care. It covers care for unexpected events such as car accidents, sports injuries, serious illnesses like cancer and cognitive impairments like Alzheimer’s disease. Coverage is provided by Trustmark.

As life insurance, this benefit protects your family with money they can use as they like. For example, they can use it to pay the mortgage or rent, education for children or grandchildren, retirement expenses, family debt or however they choose. Enrollment in this coverage is separate from your other benefit plans.

To learn more, review the FAQ. To enroll, visit the Trustmark website or call (855) 313-3980.

The Life plus Long-term Care insurance policies are underwritten by Trustmark Insurance Company and are not ERISA covered plans. Enrollment is completely voluntary. If you enroll in a policy, you must work directly with Trustmark® to request assistance or submit a claim. Trustmark® and Trustmark Life + Care® are registered trademarks of Trustmark Insurance Company.