July 1, 2026 Changes
Health Care Premiums
The budget, which was presented to the Board of Trustees on May 2, includes a 6% increase to employee health care premiums. While health insurance costs continue to rise exponentially each year, the college was able to reduce the increase from initial estimates of 15.7% in part by implementing moderate plan design change as seen below.
Medical/Prescription Plan Design
Deductibles, co-pays and out-of-pocket maximums, which have not changed since July 1, 2023, have moderate changes beginning July 1, 2026, which are shown in this chart.
Dental
No change in insurance premiums or plan design for both the Low Option and High Option plans.
Vision Premiums
No change in insurance premiums or plan design.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Health Care Flexible Spending Account
The annual election amount is increased to $3,400 to coincide with IRS regulations and covers out of pocket health care expenses. Contributions should be planned carefully based on predictable medical, prescription drug, dental and vision expenses, because the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires that any money left unclaimed in your account at the end of the plan year's "grace period" (September 15) be forfeited.
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
The annual election amount is increased to $7,500 or up to the total salary of the lowest paid spouse (whichever is less) and covers work related dependent care expenses.
Retirement
Calendar year limits for employee contributions via payroll deduction increased from $23,500 to $24,500 for calendar year 2026. Employees aged 50 and older may contribute an additional $8,000 through a catch-up provision, making the total elective deferral maximum $32,500.