Open enrollment for 2027 benefits is Nov. 1 through Dec. 1.

2027 Health Plan

There are no changes to the design of the Mo State health plan for 2027. The Base and Buy-Up plans will continue with the same deductibles, copays, coinsurance, networks and covered benefits.

The 2027 monthly medical premiums below are before the wellness incentive:

Eligible employees can earn a $30 per month wellness incentive, reducing their medical premium by up to $360 annually. With the full incentive, Employee Only coverage would be $24 per month for Base or $89 for Buy-Up.

Mo State’s medical plan is self-funded. Point C administers the plan, and Mercy serves as the PPO network.

Why Rates Change and How We Compare

Each year, Mo State reviews the health plan’s claims, premiums and overall costs. Like other employers, we continue to experience rising medical and prescription costs due to inflation, utilization and higher provider and pharmaceutical costs.

These pressures are seen across the health insurance market. While Mo State is experiencing an increase in medical premiums for 2027, our increase is lower than what is being proposed across the ACA Marketplace, where insurers are proposing a median premium increase of about 15% for 2027.

For additional context, the table below compares 2027 monthly employee premiums published by another Missouri university and a local hospital system.

*Hospital system rates are approximate monthly premiums converted from biweekly rates for full-time, non-tobacco users. An additional spousal surcharge not reflected in the chart may also apply.

Plan designs and coverage vary, so these comparisons are provided for general context. Mo State continues to monitor premiums through peer group comparisons, local employers and national benefits surveys to help ensure our rates remain competitive while supporting the long-term sustainability of the plan.

Managing Health Plan Costs

Mo State also works with its partners to manage costs and maintain competitive provider discounts through the Mercy contract. These efforts are part of the university’s ongoing approach to managing the health plan while maintaining access to quality care for employees and their families.

Dental

The Mo State dental plan is self-funded, with no changes to the plan design or premiums for 2027.

Your dental premiums remain the same for another year—continuing Mo State’s commitment to keeping coverage affordable and comprehensive.

Vision

Mo State has signed a new contract with VSP that locks in your current vision rates for the next five years. There are no changes to the vision plan for 2027, giving you greater predictability in your vision costs through 2031.

Wellness Incentive

Eligible employees must complete the required wellness activities by Dec. 1, 2026, to earn the 2027 wellness incentive.

• Watch/complete an educational wellness course through My Learning Connection (Nov. 1-Dec. 1, 2026)
• Receive a flu vaccination (between Aug. 1-Dec. 1, 2026)
• Complete a biometric screening (between Jan. 1-Dec. 1, 2026)

Learn more about the wellness incentive and required activities.

Samaritan Fund

If you are considering the Samaritan Fund for qualifying high medical expenses and did not apply by the Oct. 4 deadline, there may still be time. Contact Samaritan Fund Program promptly to determine whether you may qualify and whether the program is an option for you.

Open Enrollment

Open enrollment for 2027 benefits is Nov. 1 through Dec. 1, 2026.

Use this time to review your current coverage, consider your health plan options and make your 2027 elections.