Retiree Annual Enrollment Letter 2026
April 13, 2026
Montana University System Benefit Plan Retiree 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).
Non-Medicare Retiree Medical Plan premium changes (5% aggregate increase) are as follows:
| Tier | Premium through June 30, 2026 | Premium as of July 1, 2026 |
| Non-Medicare Retiree/Survivor Only | $981/month | $1,030/month |
| Non-Medicare Retiree + Non-Medicare Dependent | $1,962/month | $2,060/month |
| Non-Medicare Retiree + 2 or more Non-Medicare Dependents | $2,452/month | $2,575/month |
| Non-Medicare Retiree + 1 Medicare Dependent | $1,354/month | $1,422/month |
| Non-Medicare Retiree + Medicare Spouse + Child(ren) | $1,854/month | $1,937/month |
| Non-Medicare Survivor + Child(ren) | $1,471/month | $1,545/month |
Medicare Retiree Medical Plan premium changes (5% aggregate increase) are as follows:
| Tier | Premium through June 30, 2026 | Premium as of July 1, 2026 |
| Medicare Retiree/Survivor Only | $368/month | $386/month |
| Medicare Retiree + Non-Medicare Dependent | $1,354/month | $1,422/month |
| Medicare Retiree + 2 or more Non-Medicare Dependents | $1,845/month | $1,937/month |
| Medicare Retiree + 1 Medicare Dependent | $736/month | $773/month |
| Medicare Retiree + Medicare Spouse + Child(ren) | $1,219/month | $1,280/month |
| Medicare Survivor + Child(ren) | $851/month | $894/month |
Retiree Medical Plan benefit changes are as follows:
| Benefit Description | Benefit through June 30, 2026 | Benefit as of July 1, 2026 |
| Deductible | ||
| In-Network Deductible | $1,250 (individual) / $3,125 (family) | $1,500 (individual) / $3,750 (family) |
| Out-of-Network Deductible (separate) | $2,500 (individual) / $6,250 (family) | $3,000 (individual) / $7,500 (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 | $30/visit | $40/visit |
| Specialist Office Visit | $50/visit | $60/visit |
| Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Visit | $10/visit | $15/visit |
| MDLIVE Virtual Visit | $10/visit | $15/visit |
Retiree 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 | ||
| Commercial OOP | $2,150 (individual) / $4,300 (family) | $2,400 (individual) / $6,000 (family) |
| MedicareRx OOP | $2,100 (individual) / calendar year 2026 | $2,400 (individual) / calendar year 2027 |
| 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 FY27 MUS Choices Retiree 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 Retiree Annual Enrollment Benefits Presentation.
- If you want to make changes to your MUS Retiree coverages for FY27, you must submit a hardcopy Retiree Enrollment Form to your campus HR/Benefits Representative by 5:00 p.m. (MST) on May 15, 2026. If you disenroll from the Plan, you will not be able to return to the Plan in the future.
- If you do not want to make any changes to your current MUS Retiree coverages, you and your covered dependents will automatically be re-enrolled in your current elections.
If you have questions, need additional information, or need to obtain a retiree enrollment
form, contact your campus HR/Benefits Representative or the MUS Benefits office at
1-877-501-1722.