What's new for 2026?

Jump to:

• For retirees under 65 without Medicare

• For retirees age 65+ with Medicare A&B

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Retirees under 65 without Medicare

 

The following changes are effective January 1, 2026. No action is required during Annual Transfer (Nov. 1-30).  

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No changes to health plan benefits

There are no changes to benefit levels under the medical, dental, vision or hearing plans for 2026. Deductibles, copays and coinsurance will remain the same as 2025. As a reminder, Cigna is no longer mailing ID cards unless you request it. Simply register for and log on to myCigna.com or the myCigna app to view or print your card, save it to your phone, or share it with a provider.

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New hearing benefit vendor

Start Hearing will replace Amplifon as our hearing benefit vendor. Benefit levels are not changing. The plan will still pay a hearing aid benefit of up to $1,400 every 5 years. This means there are no deductibles, copays or coinsurance, up to plan limits, when you use Start Hearing network providers. Visit starthearing.com/cigna to learn more.

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Retirees age 65+ with Medicare

 

The following changes are effective January 1, 2026. See your Annual Transfer packet, which you will receive in the mail, or FYB newsletter, for more details. You're also invited to attend a meeting or watch a recorded presentation by Cigna representatives; here's how.

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If you're currently enrolled in the Cigna Medicare Advantage PPO or HMO

 

No changes to health plan benefits; new branding

• There are no substantial changes to benefit levels under the medical, dental, vision or hearing plans for 2026. Deductibles, copays and coinsurance will remain the same as 2025.

• All health plan materials will reflect HealthSpring’s branding and colors. Look for the purple!

 

New ID cards

You will receive a new HealthSpring medical/prescription ID card in the mail to use in 2026.

 

Monthly premium increase

Effective January 1 through December 31, 2026, monthly premiums for the PPO and HMO are increasing as follows:

• HealthSpring True Choice (PPO): $69.56/member

• HealthSpring Preferred (HMO): $70.71/member

 

Insurance premiums are impacted by:

• The rising cost of medical services nationwide

• The high cost of brand name drugs (e.g., a 30-day supply of Enbrel, a biologic drug used to treat severe arthritis, costs ~$7,000)

• Increases in claims by MNPS employees, retirees and their covered dependents

 

Despite this increase, MNPS remains committed to offering a robust benefits package that keeps your out-of-pocket costs as low as possible.

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If you're currently enrolled in the Cigna Medicare Surround Plan

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No changes to health plan benefit levels

There are no substantial changes to benefit levels under the medical, dental, vision or hearing plans for 2026. Deductibles, copays and coinsurance will remain the same as 2025.

 

Prescription drug benefits administered by HealthSpring

Starting January 1, 2026, your prescription drug benefits will be provided through HealthSpring. Copay amounts are not changing. You’ll have the same pharmacy network and formulary (drug list). While these are always subject to change, major changes are not expected.

 

New prescription drug card

You will receive a new prescription drug card in the mail from HealthSpring to use in 2026. You will continue to use your current Cigna medical ID card in 2026. As a reminder, Cigna no longer mails ID cards unless you request it. You can log on to myCigna.com or the myCigna app to view or print your card, save it to your phone, or share it with a provider.

 

New hearing benefit vendor

Start Hearing will replace Amplifon as our hearing benefit vendor. Benefit levels are not changing. The plan will still pay a hearing aid benefit of up to $1,400 every 5 years. This means there are no deductibles, copays or coinsurance, up to plan limits, when you use Start Hearing network providers. Visit starthearing.com/cigna to learn more.

 

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