Union County, NC
Home MenuRetiree Benefit Updates
Effective July 1, 2026
We’re committed to providing quality, affordable health care benefits. Due to rising health care costs nationwide, updates to our health plan will take effect this year.
Overview
- Two plan options: Core and Buy-Up
- Modest premium increase
- Introduction of copays for predictable costs.
- Our Employee Health & Wellness Center remains the lowest-cost option with no copay.
- Continued access to Blue Cross provider network, meaning employees can keep their current providers.
- Dental and voluntary benefits remain unchanged.
- Additional option for vision insurance.
2026 Health Plan Changes
- There are now two plan options: a Core Plan and a Buy-Up, giving employees more choice based on their needs.
- Monthly premiums will increase. View the images below for the cost difference from our current health plan, depending on which option you choose.
- Deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums will increase on both plans. View this one-page overview for the details.
- Copays are being introduced for certain services, which will make some costs more predictable.
- A third option for vision insurance to provide more choice.
- GLP-1 medications will no longer be covered for weight loss but will remain covered for diabetes treatment. Review frequently asked questions regarding GLP-1 medications and weight loss resources.
Click on the flyer image below to view larger and/or print a comparison guide.
About Copays, Deductibles and Out of Pocket Maximums
Copays will now be introduced for certain services, such as doctor visits, helping make your healthcare costs more predictable by allowing you to know what you’ll pay at the time of your visit rather than receiving a bill later. Our Employee Health & Wellness Center remains your lowest-cost option, with no copay required.
It’s important to note that while copays count toward your out-of-pocket maximum, or the annual limit on what you’ll pay, they do not count toward your deductible. This means you may pay copays both before and after meeting your deductible, and those payments will still help you reach your maximum.
In contrast, coinsurance is your share of costs after meeting your deductible. For example, if your plan covers 80% of a service, you would be responsible for the remaining 20%, which is typically billed after your insurance has processed the claim.
Monthly Premium Changes
Plan Options (2026 changes are in green)
| Monthly Rates | Current Plan | Core Plan | Buy-Up Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee | $34.00 | $40.00 | $75.00 |
| Employee + Spouse | $334.00 | $380.00 | $424.00 |
| Employee + Child(ren) | $224.00 | $258.00 | $336.00 |
| Employee + Family | $432.00 | $497.00 | $631.00 |
| IN-NETWORK BENEFITS | Current Plan | Core Plan | Buy-UpPlan |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Deductible (Single /Family) |
$250 / $500 |
$2,500 / $5,000 |
$400 / $800 |
| Member Coinsurance |
20% | 30% | 20% |
| OOPM (Single / Family) |
$3,000 / $6,000 |
$5,000 / $10,000 |
$4,000 /$8,000 |
| Primary Care |
Deductible & Coinsurance |
$35 Copay |
$25 Copay |
| Specialist | Deductible & Coinsurance | Deductible & Coinsurance | $50 Copay |
| Urgent Care | Deductible & Coinsurance | $75 Copay | $75 Copay |
| Emergency Room | Deductible & Coinsurance | Deductible & Coinsurance | $500 Copay |
*Deductible & Coinsurance: You pay 100% of costs up to your deductible, then you pay a percentage of the costs, called coinsurance. After hitting the out-of-pocket maximum, insurance pays 100%.
If you have questions, please contact our benefits consultant by emailing mcg.ucservice@marshmma.com.
About Our Benefits Consultant
McGriff provides innovative employee benefits strategies that help manage costs, drive employee engagement, and allow HR more time to focus on strategic initiatives. McGriff’s services include plan design recommendations, funding analysis, carrier negotiations, proposal analysis and the implementation of our program. Meet the McGriff team assisting Union County below.
The McGriff Team currently serves as our benefits consultants who assist with employee benefits strategies, plan design, and funding analysis. McGriff has been acquired by Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA) and are in the process of transitioning to MMA branding. As a result, the new inbox for questions and benefits assistance has changed to mcg.ucservice@marshmma.com.