COBRA Annual Enrollment Letter 2026
April 13, 2026
Montana University System Benefit Plan COBRA Members
IMPORTANT: 2026 Annual Enrollment Benefit Plan and Premium Changes
The Montana University System Choices Benefit Plan (MUS Plan) is your self-insured employer sponsored Plan covering over 16,000 MUS employees, retirees, COBRA enrollees and dependents. The MUS Plan, funded by a combination of contributions as determined by the Montana Legislature and Plan member premiums, is responsible for providing quality, essential health care coverage for you and your eligible dependents in accordance with state and federal laws.
Over the past few years, the MUS Plan has experienced significant increases in health
care costs and Plan benefits utilization. These increases are driving necessary Plan
changes for the upcoming Plan Year (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027). Beginning July
1, 2026, the MUS Plan will implement Medical and Prescription Drug Plan benefit adjustments
and premium increases (as referenced below).
COBRA Medical Plan premium changes (9.75% aggregate increase) are as follows:
| Tier | Premium through June 30, 2026 | Premium as of July 1, 2026 |
| Employee/Survivor/Dependent Only | $771.12/month | $846.60/month |
| Employee + Spouse | $1,328.04/month | $1457.58/month |
| Employee/Survivor/Spouse + Child(ren) | $1,123.02/month | $1,232.16/month |
| Employee + Family | $1,577.94/month | $1,731.96/month |
COBRA Medical Plan benefit changes are as follows:
| Benefit Description | Benefit through June 30, 2026 | Benefit as of July 1, 2026 |
| Deductible | ||
| In-Network Deductible | $1,000 (individual) / $2,500 (family) | $1,250 (individual) / $3,125 (family) |
| Out-of-Network Deductible (separate) | $1,000 (individual) / $2,750 (family | $1,250 (individual) / $3,125 (family) |
| Out-of-Pocket (OOP) Maximums | ||
| In-Network OOP | $4,500 (individual) / $11,250 (family) | $5,600 (individual) / $14,000 (family) |
| Out-of-Network OOP (separate) | $6,750 (individual) / $16,875 (family) | $8,450 (individual) / $21,100 (family) |
| Copayments | ||
| Primary Care Physician (PCP) Office Visit | $25/visit | $30/visit |
| Specialist Office Visit | $40/visit | $50/visit |
| Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Visit | $10/visit | $15/visit |
| MDLIVE Virtual Visit | $10/visit | $15/visit |
COBRA Prescription Drug Plan benefit changes are as follows:
| Benefit Description | Benefit through June 30, 2026 | Benefit as of July 1, 2026 |
| Out-of-Pocket (OOP) Maximums | ||
| Rx OOP | $2,150 (individual) / $4,300 (family) | $2,400 (individual) / $6,000 (family) |
| Copayments | ||
| Tier $0 (preventive) | $0 copay/month | No change |
| Tier 1 (generic) | $15/month or $30/90 days | $20/month or $40/90 days |
| Tier 2 (preferred brand) | $50/month or $100/90 days | $60/month or $120/90 days |
| Tier 3 (non-preferred brand) (does not apply to OOP) | 50% coinsurance | No change |
| Tier 4 (specialty) | $200 copay/month | $250 copay/month |
The 2026 – 2027 MUS Choices Annual Enrollment period is April 27 – May 15, 2026.
The 2026 – 2027 MUS Choices Annual Enrollment Benefits Presentation is available on-demand on the MUS Choices website. The pre-recorded video presentation and slides can be accessed on the MUS Choices website at your convenience.
What do you need to do?
- Visit Choices to view the FY27 MUS Choices Annual Enrollment Benefits Presentation.
- If you want to make benefit changes to your MUS COBRA coverages for FY27, you must make your changes in the MUS online benefits enrollment system, Benefitsolver, by 10:59 p.m. (MST) on May 15, 2026. Visit Choices, click on the applicable COBRA login button, review your benefit plan options, covered dependents, and complete your Annual Enrollment benefit elections.
- If you do not want to make any changes to your current MUS COBRA Plan coverages, you and your covered dependents will automatically be re-enrolled in your current elections.
If you have questions or need additional information, contact the MUS Benefits office
at 1-877-501-1722.