Based on higher than anticipated claim costs in 2024 and 2025, coupled with projected cost increases in 2026, and several other unfavorable factors, health care premiums, and the 15% employee monthly cost-sharing contributions, will increase in 2026 for BLET members covered by the National H&W Plan.
Monthly employee cost sharing contributions increased by $30.95, from $277.54 to $308.49, effective January 1, 2026. It is worth noting that the rate for the 2026 employee monthly cost-sharing contributions remains below the 2023 rate of $309.21, when we last began paying the full 15% monthly contributions.
For members with ratified agreements, who opt-in to the new High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) benefit, the 10% monthly contributions will be $205.66, effective January 1, 2026. The BLET continues to work tirelessly to jointly manage the National H&W Plan, in order to keep costs under control, all while continuing to provide world class health care benefits for our members.