2027 Benefits Changes

Open Enrollment for 2027 benefits is November 2 – 20, 2026. All elections that are made during Open Enrollment will be effective January 1, 2027.

Several benefit enhancements and updates take effect January 1, 2027, including new medical and dental rates, updates to prescription drug coverage, the addition of the EncircleRx weight management program, and a new Employee Assistance Program provider. Review the changes below so you can make informed enrollment decisions during Open Enrollment.

If you do not do anything during Open Enrollment, your current benefit elections will not continue in 2027. You won’t be able to enroll or make changes to your benefits until the next annual Open Enrollment, unless you experience a qualified life event.

This page is a summary of benefits changes in 2027. You can also view, download, and print the 2027 Benefits Guide.

    What’s New and Changing for 2027

      Medical

      You’ll see changes to the medical plans’ deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Here are the new amounts for 2027 in-network coverage:

      HRA Choice OAPIN HRA Standard
      Deductible

      $2,150 Individual

      $4,300 Employee + 1

      $6,450 Family

      $1,500 Individual

      $4,500 Family

      $3,500 Individual

      $7,000 Employee + 1

      $10,500 Family
      Out-of-pocket Maximum

      $3,500 Individual

      $7,000 Employee + 1

      $10,500 Family

      $5,000 Individual

      $15,000 Employee + 1

      $15,000 Family

      $5,500 Individual

      $11,000 Employee + 1

      $16,500 Family

      In-Network Hospital Access

      Nothing is more important than your good health. To help you maintain your health and wellbeing, Shelby County Government offers three Medical plan options. Each plan offers the same types of services; however, they differ in premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

      The following hospitals are in-network for all Shelby County Health Care plans:

      • Methodist Hospitals
      • St. Francis Hospitals
      • Regional One Health
      • Lebonheur Hospital
      • Baptist Hospital – Baptist Memorial Hospital – DeSoto MS 38671 and Baptist Memorial Hospital – Crittenden 72301

      Please Note: Baptist Hospitals Memphis are out-of-network. You will experience higher out-of-pocket costs for out-of-network services.

      Dialysis Treatment Preferred Provider

      A reminder that Shelby County Government switched dialysis providers in May 2026. The new provider is Fresenius Medical Care, which provides more accessibility for services. This change applied to all health care plans. For information, call HealthChoice at 1-901-821-6736, Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. To access a list of In-Network Dialysis Treatment Facilities, log in to www.ShelbyCountyBenefits.com and click the “Forms” tab.

      Prescription Drugs

      Prescription drug coverage continues through Express Scripts, but the minimum amount you pay for a 30-day retail supply have changed (except for Specialty Drugs).

      All medical plans in-network 30-day supply

      Generic

       

      You pay 20%

      ($15 min./$20 max.)
      Preferred Brand with Generic Buy-Up

      You pay 30%

      ($50 min./$100 max.)
      Non-preferred Brand

      You pay 40%

      ($90 min./$120 max.)

      New GLP-1 Weight Management Program

      EncircleRx Weight Management Program

      Beginning January 1, 2027, Express Scripts will launch EncircleRx, a new weight management program that provides coverage for select GLP-1 medications used for weight management, including Wegovy®, Zepbound®, and Saxenda®.

      What You Need to Know

      To qualify for coverage, participants must:

      • Enroll and participate in the Omada lifestyle program.
      • Meet prior authorization requirements.
      • Complete behavioral and dietary intervention requirements.
      • Obtain a new prescription for the 2027 plan year.

      The program is designed to help eligible members manage weight through a combination of medication, health coaching, and lifestyle support.

      Medical Premiums

      Medical plan premiums are increasing for 2027. Review the updated rates and compare costs before making your enrollment decision.

      2027 Semi-Monthly Pre-tax Premiums for Those Who Meet Wellness Requirements

      HRA Choice OAPIN HRA Standard
      Employee $102.87 $109.22 $54.46
      Employee + Spouse $216.01 $229.35 $156.26
      Employee + Children $190.29 $202.05 $142.56
      Family $231.44 $245.73 $175.46

      2027 Semi-Monthly Pre-tax Premiums for Those Who Don’t Meet Wellness Requirements

      HRA Choice OAPIN HRA Standard
      Employee $152.87 $159.22 $104.46
      Employee + Spouse $266.01 $279.35 $206.26
      Employee + Children $240.29 $252.05 $192.56
      Family $281.44 $295.73 $225.46

      Dental

      Shelby County continues to offer two Cigna dental plans, giving employees the flexibility to choose the coverage that best fits their needs. Dental premiums have changed for 2027. Review the updated payroll deductions and compare the features of the two options before enrolling.

      Prepaid/DHMO Plan DPPO Plan
      Employee Only $5.93 $15.75
      Employee + 1 Dependent $10.06 $29.39
      Employee + 2 or More Dependents $15.39 $50.06

      New Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

      Shelby County is transitioning to ComPsych as its Employee Assistance Program provider. ComPsych offers a single, integrated platform for mental health, work-life, legal, and financial support services.

      What’s Included

      Employees and eligible family members will have access to:

      • 12 counseling sessions per issue, per covered member
      • Well-being coaching
      • Work-life support services
      • Financial consultations
      • Legal consultation services
      • Digital mental health resources
      • GuidanceNow mobile app and online tools

      All services are confidential and available at no cost.

      Important Transition Note

      Concern EAP will continue providing services until further notice while the ComPsych transition is completed.