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State health plan redesign will raise premiums and out‑of‑pocket costs for most Wake County employees, benefits staff say
Summary
Wake County staff told the Budget & Finance Committee on Oct. 28 that the North Carolina State Health Plan’s 2026 design changes — including salary‑based premiums, higher deductibles and the end of several programs — will increase costs for most employees. Staff said roughly 84% of current participants would see higher premiums if they remain in
Wake County benefits staff told the Budget & Finance Committee on Oct. 28 that changes the North Carolina State Health Plan will implement in 2026 are expected to increase premiums and out‑of‑pocket costs for a majority of district employees.
"One of the key takeaways here is that with the exception of some of behavioral health and occupational physical therapy services, out‑of‑pocket expenses are increasing across the board next year regardless of which plan you're enrolled in," said Chad Hegley, director of benefits.
Hegley reviewed two overlapping open‑enrollment periods: state‑plan elections close Oct. 31 and other benefit elections close Nov. 7. He said Wake County will offer a long‑term care option, an updated accidental coverage product and eight guaranteed‑issue benefits for 2026. The…
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