2026 State Plan Rates
HCBD works with an independent actuary each year to set rates for the State of Montana Benefit Plan, which is self-funded. To make sure there is enough money available to cover plan costs, HCBD projects claims expenses, administrative fees, and other costs for the upcoming plan year. Based on these estimates, HCBD determines the amount of contributions needed to cover costs while maintaining an adequate reserve. Since the State Plan is self-funded, third-party administrators, like BlueCross BlueShield of Montana and Navitus Health Solutions, assume no financial risk related to claims expenses. This allows the State to set rates based on historical plan costs.
Montana's 69th legislative session passing of HB13, along with union negotiations that wrapped up in the fall of 2025, secured important financial changes starting January 1, 2026 to the State Plan to help maintain its long-term financial stability. Click here to learn more.
2026 State Employee Monthly Contribution Cost
Due to increasing medical trends and increased costs, employee medical plan rates will be increasing for the first time since 2016. Medical benefits include Medical, Prescription Drug, Basic Vision, and Basic Life Insurance.
| Plans | Medical Benefits |
Dental |
Vision Hardware | Potential Live Life Well Incentive |
| Employee Only | $60.00 | $0.00 | +$7.64 | up to $60 off |
| Employee & Spouse | $318.00 | +$21.40 | +$14.42 | up to $120 off |
| Employee & Child(ren) | $134.00 | +$19.90 | +$15.18 | up to $60 off |
| Employee & Family | $397.00 | +$28.90 | +$22.26 | up to $120 off |
| Joint Core | $60.00 Per Employee (Includes Family Dental) | $0.00 |
+$22.26 |
up to $60 off |
Other 2026 Employee Benefit Costs
2026 COBRA, Non-Medicare Retiree, and Medicare Retiree rates will be available soon.