News & Announcements
2026 Open Enrollment
The 2026 open enrollment period will begin on Monday, October 20, 2025 and end on Friday, October 31, 2025. Open Enrollment is the two-week opportunity to make changes to your benefits. It’s the perfect time to reflect on how you used your coverage in 2025 and see if it makes sense for you to continue with (or change) your elections for the 2026 plan year.
Keep in mind that while you’re encouraged to review your benefit options, you’re not required to make any changes. If you take no action during open enrollment, your medical, dental, vision, life, and legal coverage elections will remain the same in 2026.
If you want to have a flexible spending account (FSA) or dependent care spending account (DCSA) in 2026, you must enroll during the open enrollment period. These accounts require an annual election, so if you want one in 2026, you must elect it during open enrollment, even if you had one in 2025.
As with all recent open enrollment periods, all open enrollment activity will be on the Workterra benefits enrollment platform. Workterra is fairly straightforward and you've likely used it in the past, but if you need help you can find a Workterra User Guide here.
What’s New in 2026?
Anchor Choice Plan with HSA Deductible Increase
Applies to All Employees
If you’re planning to enroll or continue in are the Anchor Choice Plan with Health Savings Account (HSA), there's an important change you need to know about. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has updated the rules for high-deductible health plans in 2026.
The 2026 deductibles are:
- $1,700 for employee-only coverage
- $3,400 for family coverage
However, the State has you covered! To keep Anchor Choice a great value, the State is increased the amount of its annual HSA contribution1 to match the new deductibles. That means your full annual deductible, whether you're an individual or a family, will still be covered.
However, the State has you covered! To keep Anchor Choice a great value, the State is increased the amount of its annual HSA contribution1 to match the new deductibles. That means your full annual deductible, whether you're an individual or a family, will still be covered.
Applies to All Employees Except as Noted Below
Last year, we announced that all employees with certain exceptions, would experience several benefit changes and enhancements to the Anchor, Anchor Plus, and Anchor Choice medical plans administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) and the prescription drug coverage administered by CVS Caremark. This year we are pleased to announce that more employees will receive these updated benefits.
No PCP Coordination of Care Required
You no longer need to receive a referral from your primary care physician (PCP) to pay less for a specialist visit. Beginning January 1, you will pay the same for a specialist visit with or without a referral. Under the Anchor and Anchor Plus plans, there is a $25 copay for all in-network specialist visits. If you are enrolled in Anchor Choice, you pay 10% for an in-network visit.
Introducing Hinge Health
If you are enrolled in the Anchor, Anchor Plus, or Anchor Choice medical plans, you are now covered for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island’s virtual musculoskeletal (MSK) benefit through a partnership with Hinge Health. This comprehensive digital MSK care program combines personalized exercise therapy, wearable technology, health coaching, and education to help reduce chronic pain and improve joint and muscle health. You don’t need a referral to use it, and there is no cost to you for this coverage.
Greater Wellness Incentives (Anchor Plan)
If you are enrolled in the Anchor medical plan, your annual maximum incentives under the Rewards for Wellness program are increasing from $500 to $700.2
PrudentRx for Specialty Drugs (through CVS Caremark)
This new benefit is designed to reduce your out-of-pocket cost for certain specialty drugs. If you or a dependent takes a specialty drug on the PrudentRx program list, you would receive the drug from an in-network pharmacy with no out-of-pocket cost.3 If you choose not to participate in PrudentRx, your specialty fills will be subject to 30% coinsurance.
Whose Benefits ARE NOT Changing?
If you are a member of certain University of Rhode Island non-classified unions, your medical/prescription plan benefits and wellness incentives are not changing for 2026.
- Council 94 Local 2877A Maritime Professional Association
- Council 94 Local 2877 Professional Technical Administration Association - URI
- NEARI Physicians Association – URI
- NEARI Professional Staff Association – URI
With the exception of increased deductibles and State HSA contributions under the Anchor Choice plan, your medical and prescription drug benefits remain the same as they were in 2025.4
1. Contributions are made biannually with half deposited in January and the other half deposited in July. The State’s HSA contributions are NOT pro-rated for employees who enroll after January 1 and July 1.
2. Up to $500 in incentives if enrolled in the Anchor Plus or Anchor Choice plans. The 2026-2027 Employee Wellness Program brochure will be mailed to all employees in late December.
3. If you are enrolled in the Anchor Choice plan with HSA, you must fully satisfy your deductible before you are eligible to obtain your specialty drug at no out-of-pocket cost, unless you have been prescribed a medication that is qualified as “preventive care” by the IRS. You may still choose to use available manufacturer copay assistance to help cover your out-of-pocket cost before you have met your deductible, but you will not be eligible for $0 out-of-pocket cost under the program until your deductible has been satisfied.
4. Designating a PCP is required for these groups: Certain University of Rhode Island non-classified unions. Follow these Step-by-Step Instructions to find your preferred PCP(s) and their 10-digit NPI(s). Write down the number(s) so that you will be ready to enter them when you make your elections in Workterra. You may also choose to have your PCP(s) chosen for you by checking the “Auto Allocate” box on the PCP pop-up page in Workterra. For assistance with finding your PCP and their 10-digit NPI contact the BCBSRI Care Center at 401-429-2104 or 866-987-3705 Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. and Saturday, 8:00 a.m.–noon.
There are no coverage changes to the dental or vision plans.
Other items of note as you making benefit choices for 2026
All Enrollment Information is Online
Check Out the Virtual Benefits Fair
The virtual benefits fair—your one-stop website for benefits information—has a fresh look and updated resources to guide your benefit choices. Find presentations, new videos, and downloadable PDFs from the State’s benefit vendors, and so much more!
This year, we especially recommend reviewing the State’s two new videos:
This year, we especially recommend reviewing the State’s two new videos:
- Selecting Your Medical Plan – A quick overview of your medical plan options
- The Anchor Choice Plan with HSA: Is It Right for Me?
Don’t miss the videos from BCBSRI about the medical plan enhancements and CVS Caremark to learn more about the new Prudent Rx specialty drug benefit.
Review the BCBSRI 2026 brochure to make the most of your State of Rhode Island Anchor medical plan benefits. This guide outlines your three plan options and highlights resources that are available to you regardless of which plan you select.
Did you know that you can speak privately with a Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) representative to get assistance with your medical plan choice? During open enrollment you can schedule a virtual one-on-one session to review your options. Representatives are available Monday, October 20 through Friday, October 31 from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Eastern time. If you are registered at bluecareconnectRI.com, you will receive an email with a link to schedule your private appointment.
You should also consider having a talk with ALEX, the State's online benefits decision support platform. ALEX will help you understand and make decisions about your health benefits.
Review the 2026 Employee Benefit Plans FAQs . It contains important information regarding Open Enrollment and making your benefit elections.
For the most complete information about your benefits, the OEB website has complete information on all benefit offerings for active employees.
2026 Medical/Rx Plan Comparison
Medical Plan Comparison Chart - Certain University of Rhode Island non-classified unions
2026 Health Plan Rates
Working Rates (100% full plan costs from which 15%, 20% and 25% co-shares are determined)
Working Rates - Certain University of Rhode Island non-classified unions
Co-Share Rates
Effective January 1, 2026
- 2026 Co-Shares - Classified & Unclassified 26 Pay Period Employees
- 2026 Co-Shares - Classified & Unclassified 20 Pay Period Employees
For RITA and State Police Command Staff
Non-classified union & non-union employees working in higher education should refer to their college/university website (URI, RIC, CCRI) for their co-share tables.
2026 COBRA Premiums
COBRA Premiums – Certain University of Rhode Island non-classified unions
Pre-65 Retiree Premiums
Life Insurance –
2026 Active Employees Life Insurance Rates
Other items to note
Designating a PCP
When you select your medical plan on Workterra, you will notice that the “designate a PCP” section will require a response—even for those employees who are not required to elect one. With the exception of certain University of Rhode Island non-classified unions*, just click “Auto Allocate” for a PCP and move to the next section. No PCP will be assigned to you.
*You will need to elect a PCP if you are a member of Council 94 Local 2877A Maritime Professional Association; Council 94 Local 2877 Professional Technical Administration Association – URI; NEARI Physicians Association – URI; NEARI Professional Staff Association – URI
Will I get new medical and pharmacy ID cards for this year?
Yes, You will receive a new ID card from BCBSRI for 2026. Please dispose of any older cards you may have and bring this new card with you when you receive care in the new year. Although your coverage has not changed, let your provider know that this is a new ID card.
Your ID card shows applicable copays and other important information. If you have been transitioned to one of the updated plans, your new ID card will not list a PCP and will show the $25 copay for a specialist visit without a referral. If you elect the Anchor Choice with HSA medical plan, your new ID card will also reflect your updated annual deductible. Please note that your ID number will have the prefix of "R2I".
If you are a member of certain University of Rhode Island non-classified unions, your new ID card will show your PCP election. ID number for these groups will have the prefix "RIS".
You will also be receiving a new CVS Caremark ID card if you changed plans, or moving into new plan designs for 2026.
REMEMBER TO SHOW YOUR NEW CARDS WHEN SEEKING SERVICES IN 2026.
Medical coverage BCBSRI
NEW Member Portal – Blue Care Connect (replaces MyBCBSRI) See FAQs
How do I register with BlueCare Connect?
Go to bluecareconnectRI.com (the member portal) or download the BlueCare Connect RI app. (Be sure you see “RI” in the app’s name.)
When you are signing in for the first time:
Use your existing myBCBSRI username and password. We’ve transferred your myBCBSRI username for you. All you’ll need to do is verify your account and create a new password.
If you don’t have a myBCBSRI.com account, click “Register” to get started.
The registration process is the same whether you’re online or on the app.
Where can I find my digital member ID card?
On the BlueCare Connect homepage, you’ll see “Insurance Cards” listed under “Your Health Plan.”
If you need help with registration or need to confirm your 2025 ID number, contact the BCBSRI State of Rhode Island Employee CARE Center at (401) 429-2104 or 1-866-987-3705. CARE Center hours are Monday–Friday, 8am–8pm and Saturday, 8am–12pm
Where can I obtain my CVS Caremark pharmacy coverage ID card?
You can print extra cards by logging into your account at caremark.com, select Plan & Benefits at the top of the screen, then select Print Member ID Card. You can also order additional cards by calling CVS Caremark customer service at 800-307-5432.
2025 Wellness Programs
Please review the 2025-2026 State of Rhode Island Employee Wellness Program brochure for information on the State’s wellness programs
The Rewards for Wellness 2025–2026 program runs from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025, and credit incentives will be delivered to employee paychecks in the first half of 2026. Visit the Rewards for Wellness 2025-2026 page for additional details and guidance.
The Preventive Exam 2025-2026 program runs from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025, and credit incentives will be delivered to employee paychecks in the second half of 2026. Visit the Preventive Exam 2025-2026 page for additional details and guidance.
Pick Your Person!
The choice is yours. The benefits are theirs. How your benefits are distributed after your death is entirely up to you, but you have to make your elections. This fall, please review and confirm your current beneficiary designations to be sure your choices are still accurate and up to date. To find out more about reviewing and designating your beneficiaries, visit the Naming Your Beneficiaries page of the virtual benefits fair. Please note that the Office of Employee Benefits does not keep beneficiary information on file for employees; each separate plan maintains its own information.