2027 insurance premiums set for state, education and local government employees
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), in partnership with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA), has approved premium rates for health, dental, life, disability and vision insurance products to be offered to state, education and many local government employees, retirees, and their dependents for Plan Year 2027.
The Oklahoma Employees Insurance and Benefits Board (OEIBB) recommended the rates be approved during its August meeting following a review of projected medical and pharmacy claims, healthcare utilization and other factors affecting the cost of providing benefits.
HealthChoice plan premiums will increase for PY 2027. To offset the increase, employee benefit allowances will be adjusted by the Legislature in accordance with 74 O.S. § 1370.
“The adjustment in HealthChoice plan premiums was necessary since prior year premiums have not kept up with increases in healthcare costs,” said OMES Director Mark Wood. “HealthChoice continues to offer competitive benefits at a value that compares favorably with other plans available to state employees. This approach helps ensure the long-term sustainability of the plan while continuing to provide quality coverages.”
While OMES maintains the authority to approve carrier rates, OHCA assumed responsibility for administering the plans in 2024. Together, OMES and OHCA are committed to providing members with a dependable benefits system and collaborating on long-term solutions that best serve employees, retirees and their families.
At the OEIBB meeting, OHCA leaders agreed that a rate adjustment is necessary to ensure the long-term financial stability of the plan, adding that OHCA remains committed to managing costs responsibly and delivering value for our members. Since 2010, OHCA estimates its cost-containment strategies have helped members save more than $370 million in premium costs. The agency pledges it will continue building on those efforts.
Additionally, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma has elected to not offer its health plans during PY 2027 open enrollment.
Open enrollment for PY 2027 will begin this fall, and the new rates will go into effect Jan. 1, 2027. Members are encouraged to review their benefit options and any premium changes before selecting coverage for the upcoming year. Members will continue to have access to a wide range of insurance options from multiple carriers in PY 2027.
To find all plans and rate changes, please select the button below to open the rate chart.
School districts and local government entities with questions about care plans can contact OHCA’s Employees Group Insurance Division at 405-717-8780 or 800-752-9475.
State employees with questions about care plans can contact OMES' Employee Benefits Department at 405-522-5528.
